Systematic review and meta-analysis of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration, endovenous laser therapy, and foam sclerotherapy for primary varicosis

AIM: Radiofrequency obliteration (RFO), endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and foam sclerotherapy (FS) are potential treatments for varicose veins. A systematic review was undertaken to assess their safety and effectiveness and to compare these endoluminal therapeutic options with conventional ligation and vein stripping. METHODS: An electronic health database search was performed on all studies published between 1970 and 2007 describing RFO, EVLT, and FS for treating varicose veins. RESULTS: Twenty-nine EVLT studies, 32 RFO studies and 22 FS trials were included. RFO was associated with the worst short and long-term safety and efficacy results compared to EVLT and FS regarding 'complete occlusion at the end of follow-up', 'phlebitis', 'deep vein thrombosis', and 'paraesthesia'. EVLT had the best results concerning the long-term effectiveness parameters for 'occlusion at the end of follow-up' and 'recanalization, recurrence or development of new veins', compared to RFO and FS. Foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins is associated with a higher recurrence rate in patients with saphenofemoral incompetence compared to the rates after EVLT or RFO treatment. CONCLUSION: EVLT, RFO, and FS seem to be safe and effective modalities with good short and mid-term RESULTS: Acquisition of comparative long-term and very long-term data on clinical efficacy (particularly with regard to the formation of recurrent varicose veins), safety, quality of life outcomes and costs is needed by large high-quality prospective randomized trials of endovenous techniques versus each other and versus surgery before considering endovenous techniques as the standard treatment.     

Update on endovenous radio-frequency closure ablation of varicose veins

Until recent years, the gold standard for treatment of truncal varicose veins has been high ligation and stripping of the saphenous vein. In the course of the last decade, new minimally invasive techniques based on endothermal ablation are progressively supplanting conventional surgery in the treatment of varicose veins. The endovenous treatment of varicose veins has been developed to reduce complications associated with conventional surgery and to improve quality of life. Radio frequency ablation (RFA) available since 1999 is now established as a safe and efficacious treatment for the ablation of refluxing saphenous veins. Among the emerging therapies, RFA with VNUS ClosureFAST is promising because it has eliminated almost all disadvantages associated with conventional surgery by "stripping" (bruises, scars, ecchymosis, inguinal recurrence, neovascularization, and mainly, prolonged incapacity) with an immediate occlusion rate close to 100%. When it is compared with endovenous laser ablation, RFA technology is associated with less postprocedural pain, less ecchymosis and tenderness, and better quality of life (QOL) measures. The aim of this article is to summarize the available evidence in the RFA treatment of varicose veins.     

静脉腔内激光治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效观察

目的　评价静脉腔内激光治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效。方法　 46例患者共 5 4条患肢行单纯激光治疗或大隐静脉高位结扎加激光治疗。结果　所有患者的静脉曲张均闭塞。 19.5 %患者出现肢体淤斑 ,81.5 %患者肢体发生沿大隐静脉行程条索状硬结或硬块 ,11.1%患者皮肤局部麻木 ,1例患者发生皮肤浅表烧伤。所有患者均获随访 ,平均随访 6个月 (3～ 8个月 ) ,均痊愈。无深静脉血栓 ,无局部复发 ,疗效满意。结论　静脉腔内激光治疗是一种安全、有效、微创的治疗方法 ,选择大隐静脉高位结扎加激光治疗则更安全。     

Technical review of endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, several new treatments of truncal varicose veins have been introduced. Of these new therapies, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is one of the most widely accepted and used treatment options for incompetent greater and lesser saphenous veins. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to inform clinicians about the EVLT procedure and to review its efficacy and safety in treatment of truncal varicose veins. Also, we discuss some of the underlying theoretical principles and laser parameters that affect EVLT. METHODS: We carried out a literature review of EVLT;s efficacy and safety. We included reports that included 100 or more limbs with a follow-up of at least 3 months. The principals and procedure of EVLT are described. Of the laser parameters, mode of administration, wavelength, fluence, wattage and pullback speed are discussed. CONCLUSION: EVLT appears to be a very effective and safe option in the treatment of varicose veins but large randomized comparative studies are needed.     

New approaches for the treatment of varicose veins

New, minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicose veins including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), and transilluminated power phlebectomy (TIPP) represent effective and possibly superior alternatives to traditional saphenous vein stripping and stab avulsion of varicose veins.Further experience with these procedures will help to determine which ones will become the method of choice for treating this complex disease process. Some of these new techniques may not prove to be effective in the hands of all treating specialists. However,it is very likely that some of these techniques, such as foam sclerotherapy and RFA, will replace the procedures that we currently use today.     

Systematic review of endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins

BACKGROUND: The safety and effectiveness of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for varicose veins are not yet fully evaluated. METHODS: Medical bibliographic databases, the internet and reference lists were searched from January 1966 to September 2004. Only case series were available for inclusion in the review. RESULTS:: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Self-limiting features, such as pain, ecchymosis, induration and phlebitis, were commonly encountered after treatment. Deep vein thrombosis and incorrect placement of the laser in vessels were uncommon adverse events. No study has yet assessed the effectiveness of laser therapy in comparison to saphenofemoral junction ligation with saphenous vein stripping. Occlusion of the saphenous vein and abolition of venous reflux occurred in 87.9-100 per cent of limbs, with low rates of re-treatment and recanalization. CONCLUSION: From the low-level evidence available it seems that EVLT benefits most patients in the short term, but rates of recanalization, re-treatment, occlusion and reflux may alter with longer follow-up. The lack of such data, in addition to the small numbers of patients in the available studies, demonstrates the need for a randomized clinical trial of EVLT versus conventional surgery.     

Single-visit endovenous laser treatment and tributary procedures for symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins

Introduction

Endovenous ablation of saphenous varicose veins has decreased morbidity and recovery time compared with open surgery. This study assessed the outcome and mid-term patient satisfaction of single-visit endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) alone, EVLT combined with phlebectomies and endovenous chemical ablation.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients (n=91) in 2008–2009 who underwent single-visit day-case EVLT using local anaesthesia under a single surgeon. Postoperative venous ultrasonography at 2 and 14 months was reviewed. A telephone questionnaire was carried out to assess recurrence of symptoms and quality of life at 42 months.

Results

Overall, 124 limbs underwent day-case EVLT under local anaesthesia using an 810nm diode laser at a continuous setting of 14W. Forty-eight of these underwent EVLT alone while fifty underwent EVLT with phlebectomies and twenty-six underwent EVLT with endovenous chemical ablation. Ninety-one per cent of limbs underwent two-month postoperative imaging. All had satisfactory great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation (anterior thigh vein patency: n=1). The majority (84%) of limbs underwent 14-month imaging with a 98% GSV ablation rate. Three per cent had anterior thigh vein and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Recurrence of GSV patency and reflux was <1%. The response rate to the questionnaire was 60%: 95% of respondents confirmed improvement following treatment, 62% remained symptom free at 42 months while 65% of patients with a return of symptoms deemed them mild. The questionnaire was scored out of 56 for symptoms and quality of life. Those with symptoms scored significantly higher.

Conclusions

At 42 months, the majority of limbs remained asymptomatic. The short-term GSV ablation rates were excellent. Overall mid-term review of patients has shown a well received single-visit service with concomitant phlebectomy or endovenous ablation, and good ablation and patient satisfaction rates.     

Outcome of Endovenous Laser Therapy for Saphenous Reflux and Varicose Veins: Medium-Term Results Assessed by Ultrasound Surveillance

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for treating saphenous reflux associated with varicose veins.DesignOut-patient treatment by EVLT with an 810 nm laser wavelength with results assessed by ultrasound surveillance.Patients361 patients who received EVLT for 509 incompetent saphenous veins over a five-year period.MethodsEVLT was used for proximal saphenous veins and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) for distal saphenous veins and tributaries. Control of reflux and occlusion or obliteration of the saphenous veins was assessed by serial ultrasound studies. Univariate Kaplan–Meier life table analysis showed cumulative primary and secondary success rates, and multivariate Cox regression analysis assessed covariates that could be associated with increased risk of ultrasound failure.ResultsLife table analysis showed primary success at four years in 76% (95% CI 56–87%) and secondary success at four years after further treatment of recurrence by UGS in 97% (95% CI 93–99%). Cox regression analysis showed a non-significant trend towards worse primary success in male patients and worse results for older patients and limbs with clinical CEAP categories C4–6. Cox regression showed significantly worse secondary success for limbs with clinical CEAP C4–6.ConclusionsEVLT effectively controls saphenous reflux particularly with ultrasound surveillance to detect early recurrence that can be treated by UGS. Modifications in technique may be required to improve the late primary success rate.     

腔内激光治疗下肢静脉曲张:附170例报告

目的　评价腔内激光治疗静脉曲张的效果。方法　对 170例下肢静脉曲张患者采用810nm激光仪进行治疗。治疗后绷带加压包扎 2d后改穿弹力袜 6～ 8周。随访期间用多普勒检查。结果　全组无并发症。 170例术后随访 1～ 12个月 ,所有大隐静脉均闭塞 ,无并发症 ;所有症状改善或消失。其中 80例随访 1年 ,大隐静脉无再通 ,无复发。结论　腔内激光治疗静脉曲张的效果满意。该微创治疗技术显示安全 ,具有良好的大隐静脉闭塞作用     

下肢浅静脉曲张合并溃疡的腔内激光治疗（附89例报告）

目的探讨腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张合并溃疡的疗效。方法2004年7月～2011年12月使用激光烧灼闭合溃疡周围和基底部异常静脉支,治疗大隐静脉曲张合并小腿溃疡89例94条肢体。结果手术时间35—130min,平均52min。溃疡全部愈合,溃疡愈合时间术后16—72d,平均29．3d。12例术后溃疡面积较术前一过性扩大,溃疡加深,分泌物增加,溃疡周围皮肤红肿、压痛,经静脉滴注抗生素、紫归长皮膏2号换药等处理,溃疡逐渐缩小直至愈合。9例术后溃疡部位出现较严重的疼痛,4～6周疼痛逐渐消失。75例随访2—6年,平均3．4年,未见溃疡复发。结论腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张合并溃疡具有效果确切,创伤小,恢复快等优点。     

电凝及激光治疗下肢静脉曲张的病理研究

目的 观察电凝和激光对静脉的破坏程度,比较两种方法对曲张下肢静脉闭塞的差异.方法 20例静脉曲张患者,分别接受电凝(n=10)和激光(n=10)治疗后取材静脉比较病理变化.8只犬随机分为2组,分别用常规电凝、激光法处理后肢内侧隐静脉,术后即刻、7天、14天取材,观察静脉病理变化.结果 电凝和激光治疗后均可见静脉壁内皮细胞脱落、平滑肌细胞结构不清、弹力纤维和胶原纤维断裂、腔内血栓形成、管腔闭塞;7天时血栓部分机化并与管壁粘连,两组均出现缝隙样微小再通;14天时胶原纤维、平滑肌细胞、弹力纤维增生,血栓完全机化,再通情况变化不明显.结论 电凝和激光均可导致静脉闭塞,是治疗下肢静脉曲张的有效方法.     

逆行静脉腔内射频闭合并点状抽剥治疗下肢静脉曲张

目的探讨逆行静脉腔内射频闭合并点状抽剥法治疗下肢静脉曲张的效果。方法本组在2005年3月-2007年5月对25例原发性大隐静脉曲张患者,共38条患肢的曲张大隐静脉采用数控射频静脉闭合系统逆行闭合大隐静脉主干并同时用点状抽剥法治疗小腿散在曲张浅静脉。结果随访1～24个月,所有患者大隐静脉主干均闭合良好,无复发,近期疗效满意。结论逆行静脉腔内射频闭合并点状抽剥法治疗下肢静脉曲张具有术式简便、创伤少、疗效可靠、康复快、住院时间短等优点。     

Endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins: review of current technologies and clinical outcome

Symptomatic lower extremity varicose veins represent one of the most common vascular conditions in the adult population. Associated symptoms ranged from mild conditions such as fatigue, heaviness, and itching to more serious conditions such as skin discoloration and leg ulceration. The predominant causative factor of this condition is reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV), which is traditionally treated with surgical saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein. In recent years, there have been significant advances in saphenous vein ablation using percutaneous techniques, including the endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). In this article, the authors discuss the therapeutic evolution of this technology, theoretical basis of laser energy in GSV ablation, and procedural techniques of EVLT using duplex ultrasonography. Additional discussion of procedural-related complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, skin burn, saphenous nerve injury, and phletibis, and ecchymosis, are provided. Lastly, clinical results of EVLT in GSV ablation are discussed. Current literatures support EVLT as a safe and effective treatment option for varicosities caused by GSV incompetence.     

Endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein: analysis of early efficacy and complications

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are new, minimally invasive percutaneous endovenous techniques for ablation of the incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV). We have performed both procedures at the Mayo Clinic during two different consecutive periods. At the time of this report, no single-institution report has compared RFA with EVLT in the management of saphenous reflux. To evaluate early results, we reviewed saphenous closure rates and complications of both procedures. METHODS: Between June 1, 2001, and June 25, 2004, endovenous GSV ablation was performed on 130 limbs in 92 patients. RFA was the procedure of choice in 53 limbs over the first 24-month period of the study. This technique was subsequently replaced by EVLT, which was performed on the successive 77 limbs. The institutional review board approved the retrospective chart review of patients who underwent saphenous ablation. According to the CEAP classification, 124 limbs were C2-C4, and six were C5-C6. Concomitant procedures included avulsion phlebectomy in 126 limbs, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in 10, and small saphenous vein ablation in 4 (EVLT in 1, ligation in 1, stripping in 2). Routine postoperative duplex scanning was initiated at our institution only after recent publications reported thrombotic complications following RFA. This was obtained in 65 limbs (50%) (54/77 [70%] of the EVLT group and 11/53 [20.8%] of the RFA group) between 1 and 23 days (median, 7 days). RESULTS: Occlusion of the GSV was confirmed in 93.9% of limbs studied (94.4% in the EVLT [51/54] and 90.9% in the RFA group [10/11]). The distance between the GSV thrombus and the common femoral vein (CFV) ranged from -20 mm (protrusion in the CFV) to +50 mm (median, 9.5 mm) and was similar between the two groups (median, 9.5 mm vs 10 mm). Thrombus protruded into the lumen of the CFV in three limbs (2.3%) after EVLT. All three patients were treated with anticoagulation. One received a temporary inferior vena cava filter because of a floating thrombus in the CFV. Duplex follow-up scans of these three patients performed at 12, 14, and 95 days, respectively, showed that the thrombus previously identified at duplex scan was no longer protruding into the CFV. No cases of pulmonary embolism occurred. The distance between GSV thrombus and the saphenofemoral junction after EVLT was shorter in older patients (P = .006, r(2) = 0.13). The overall complication rate was 15.4% (20.8% in the EVLT and 7.6% in the RFA group, P =.049) and included superficial thrombophlebitis in 4, excessive pain in 6 (3 in the RFA group), hematoma in 1, edema in 3 (1 in the RFA group), and cellulitis in 2. Except for two of the three patients with thrombus extension into the CFV, none of these adverse effects required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: GSV occlusion was achieved in >90% of cases after both EVLT and RFA at 1 month. We observed three cases of thrombus protrusion into the CFV after EVLT and recommend early duplex scanning in all patients after endovenous saphenous ablations. DVT prophylaxis may be considered in patients >50 years old. Long-term follow-up and comparison with standard GSV stripping are required to confirm the durability of these endovenous procedures.     

大隐静脉曲张腔内激光治疗术后并发症原因分析及预防

目的探讨腔内激光治疗（endovenous laser treatment,EVLT）大隐静脉曲张术后并发症发生原因及防治。方法回顾我院2003年8月～2007年2月采用大隐静脉高位结扎联合EVLT治疗342例（530条肢体）大隐静脉曲张,分析术后186条肢体出现的并发症。结果随访6个月,23条肢体皮下淤血、血肿,65条肢体静脉炎反应,20条肢体皮肤烧伤,经治疗全部治愈。77条肢体隐神经损伤（皮肤感觉异常）,经治疗57条治愈,余20条好转。1例深静脉血栓形成并发肺栓塞,经治疗好转。结论EVLT术中联合大隐静脉高位结扎,根据部位适当调整激光功率,轻柔操作,术后早期活动及预防性抗凝等措施,可预防或减少并发症的发生。     

Popliteal vein thrombosis after radiofrequency ablation of greater saphenous vein for varicose vein

Percutaneous endovenous techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have become the preferred method for treatment for varicose veins associated with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Reports have shown safety and efficacy of these techniques with relatively few complications. Deep venous thrombosis after RFA is rare and usually involves extension of thrombus from great saphenous vein to common femoral vein, hence the requirement for postoperative ultrasound. We report a case of symptomatic popliteal vein thrombosis after RFA of GSV requiring anti-coagulation.     

激光腔内闭合治疗下肢静脉性溃疡

目的 探讨激光腔内闭合术在治疗下肢静脉性溃疡中的价值.方法 20例下肢慢性静脉功能不全合并下肢静脉性溃疡患者采用10～16 W激光腔内闭合治疗,术后定期随访效果.结果 无皮肤灼伤等并发症出现,术后浅静脉曲张均消失,大部分溃疡于术后2～4周内愈合,最长随访18个月,无溃疡复发.结论 腔内激光闭合术创伤小、安全性高、效果确...     

激光对静脉曲张作用机制的研究

目的 初步探讨半导体激光治疗下肢静脉曲张的作用机制.方法 不同试验条件下观察和比较激光对静脉壁的生物学效应,进行病理学检验;检测静脉腔内激光治疗后患者在1、3、5、7d血凝状态变化.结果 静脉腔内半导体激光治疗后静脉壁全程均可见明显碳化,局部有全层穿孔,内膜剥脱破坏,细胞轮廓丧失,纤维蛋白沉积,许多区域呈现明显的空泡和...     

静脉内射频消融术与激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的比较

目的 比较静脉内射频消融术和激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析2018年4～12月接受静脉内射频和激光消融术治疗的80例大隐静脉曲张患者临床资料,其中射频组39例,激光组41例.比较两种方法的手术并发症发生率、术后疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、静脉临床...     

腔内激光治疗下肢静脉曲张106例报告

目的 探讨腔内激光治疗（endovenous laser treatment, EVLT）下肢静脉曲张疗效. 方法 2004年3月～2006年3月对106例118条下肢静脉曲张,单纯采用EVLT 72例78条患肢、EVLT联合大隐静脉高位结扎术19例21条患肢、EVLT联合点式切口剥脱严重曲张浅静脉15例19条患肢. 结果 7条患肢小腿皮肤轻度灼伤,10条患肢有明显血栓性浅静脉炎样表现,26条肢体沿大隐静脉行程皮下小片淤斑,5条患肢出现大腿内侧大片皮下淤斑.74例80条患肢随访3～12个月,平均6个月,1例隐神经损伤,1例术后1个月复发,余73例症状均消失,多普勒超声检查大隐静脉主干闭塞,无血管再通,深静脉无血栓形成. 结论 EVLT治疗下肢静脉曲张损伤小,术后恢复快,近期疗效满意.