Update der Ergebnisse nach Radiofrequenzobliteration zur Ausschaltung der Varikose

Radiofrequency obliteration (RFO) has been established as an alternative, minimally invasive endovenous treatment option for varicosis. With the VNUS Closure Plus system, the treated vein is closed by a slow pulling back, during which the temperature of the vein wall, resistance, and energy are monitored. With the newly developed VNUS Closure Fast system, the vein is obliterated in 7-cm segments. For the VNUS Closure Plus system, much information has been published over the past years. We performed a metaanalysis of the published data, including our own two study series from 1998 and 2005. The perioperative complication rate was very low. The incidence of perioperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was each 0.2% in 584 analysed extremities. The incidence of skin burns was 0.36% (160 extremities), and phlebitis of the treated vein was observed in 3.8% in 1,695 analysed extremities. The incidence of perioperative hyposthesia was higher, at 12.6% in 1,541 treated extremities. In the published single-centre studies, the rate of recanalisation varied between 0 and 16.2% (average 10.9%) in 516 examined legs. The follow-up period varied between 4.7 and 60 months; the average follow-up period was 17.5 months. For RFO, there are five prospective randomised studies with 116 treated legs. The recanalisation rate averaged 12.9%, with a mean follow-up of 18.5 months (range 2–36 months postoperatively). For the new VNUS Closure Fast system, data have been published from a European multicentre study showing a 100% primary occlusion rate and a 99.6% occlusion rate 6 months postoperatively. RFO of the superficial venous system is a standardised treatment method. It seems that with the VNUS Closure Fast system, the primary occlusion rate is higher than with the VNUS Closure Plus system. The published data show that pathologic recirculation is securely excluded with RFO. If it is taken into account that the patient’s return to work is significantly shorter with RFO compared to stripping – it was published in one of the prospective randomised studies – one can calculate that 406,553 days of missed work due to nonmobility can be saved per year in Germany alone.     

Evaluation of setpoint temperature and pullback speed on vein adventitial temperature during endovenous radiofrequency energy delivery in an in-vitro model

Endovenous occlusion of the greater saphenous vein with radiofrequency (RF) energy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for saphenofemoral reflux. Operating parameters initially developed for the VNUS Closure system were selected in order to provide sufficient energy to controllably and transmurally heat the vein wall to cause collagen contraction and destruction of the vein wall while limiting the degree of perivascular heating. Procedural advances, such as ultrasound-guided tumescent infiltration along the course of the vein to be treated, have provided an added level of thermal protection to the perivenous tissue during the application of RF energy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of raising the setpoint temperature from 85 degrees C to 90 degrees C while doubling the pullback speed from 3 to 6 cm/minute on vein adventitial temperature. An in vitro simulation of a peripheral vein surrounded by body tissue was created by fixing freshly excised bovine veins in beefsteak kept moist by normal saline. A VNUS RF generator, in conjunction with a VNUS Closure catheter, delivered temperature-controlled RF energy to the bovine vein intima. Adventitial temperatures were recorded as the catheter was withdrawn and peak temperatures from 4 treatment groups were analyzed. The mean peak adventitial temperatures for the groups in which the adventitia was lightly bathed in saline were 64.4 degrees C and 64.9 degrees C with a setpoint temperature of 85 degrees C at a pullback speed of 3 cm/minute and 90 degrees C at a pullback speed of 6 cm/minute, respectively. The mean peak adventitial temperatures for the groups in which the adventitia was bathed in a 2.0 mm layer of saline were 51.3 degrees C and 47.7 degrees C with a setpoint temperature of 85 degrees C at a pullback speed of 3 cm/minute and 90 degrees C at a pullback speed of 6 cm/minute, respectively. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency occlusion of the saphenous vein, performed using an intimal setpoint temperature of 90 degrees C and double the pullback speed of the historical VNUS Closure treatment (6 vs 3 cm/minute), produced comparable temperatures at the adventitial surface in an in vitro model. The addition of a 2.0 mm layer of saline significantly reduced the peak adventitial temperatures.     

Radiofrequenzablation zur Therapie der Varikose

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was approved for treatment of superficial venous reflux in Germany in 1998. In 2007 the system was further developed to include segmental thermal ablation at 120?°C. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data on segmental thermal ablation regarding complications, results and quality of life (QoL).

Methodology

For this review a selected search of the published literature on RFA was carried out in PubMed and an evaluation of patients treated with RFA since 1998 was performed.

Results

The perioperative complication rate of RFA was low and comparable to open varicose vein surgery and endovenous laser therapy (ELT). Ecchymoses, hematomas, indurations, paresthesia and skin burns have been described in the perioperative period. In the European multicenter cohort study on Closure Fast? it could be demonstrated that these side effects are permanent only in isolated cases. Deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism did not occur in this European multicenter trial. The occlusion rates of treated veins were good and significantly better after segmental ablation at 120° in comparison to continuous ablation at 85° (Closure Plus?). In the European multicenter study an occlusion rate of 91.7?% could be observed after a follow-up of 5 years. The return to daily activities and work was significantly faster after RFA in comparison to open varicose vein surgery. A significant improvement in QoL and venous disorders could be observed in all studies which described these parameters.

Discussion

The RFA is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of superficial venous reflux. Perioperative complications and side effects are very low. The advantages of RFA are that less preoperative complaints occur in comparison to open varicose vein surgery. The long-term results show no inferiority to open varicose vein surgery. Therefore, the American Venous Forum has recommended that RFA is one of the first choices for treatment of superficial venous reflux in addition to ELT.     

A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS closure versus surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the outcome of endoluminal thermal ablation (VNUS) and traditional redo groin surgery (RGS) and long saphenous vein (LSV) stripping in patients with bilateral recurrent long saphenous varicose veins. METHODS: This was a randomised patient controlled double blind study. Sample size calculations required 16 patients. Their median age was 54 and 11 were women. The median CEAP class was 3. At operation one leg, chosen at random, was treated with VNUS and avulsions using intra-operative duplex control. The other leg was treated with traditional RGS, exposure of the femoral vein, stripping of the LSV and multiple avulsions. Post-operatively patients completed 10 cm visual analogue scales for pain and bruising. Digital Image analysis was used to objectively assess bruising. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data. Results are expressed as median values (inter-quartile ranges). RESULTS: Time to perform VNUS was 25.5 (20.5-31.3) min compared with 40 (34.5-45.5) min it took for RGS (p=0.02). Pain score for VNUS was 1.7 (0.2-4), significantly lower than that for RGS 3.8 (0.6-6.3) (p=0.02). Bruise score for VNUS was 1.7 (0.4-4.4), and that for RGS was 5.2 (2.6-7) (p=0.03). All LSVs were sealed by VNUS at duplex follow up. Three legs in the RGS group and two in the VNUS group had a minor complication. CONCLUSIONS: VNUS caused less pain and bruising and was performed more quickly than RGS. VNUS should be considered the treatment of choice for recurrent long saphenous varicose veins.     

Neuste Ergebnisse der endoven?sen thermischen Verfahren in der Behandlung der Varikose

Endovenous thermal procedures have been approved for the treatment of varicose veins since 1998 (radiofrequency ablation) and 1999 (endovenous laser therapy). Both endovenous thermal therapy procedures are now well established treatment options. For endovenous laser therapy wavelengths from 810?nm to 1500?nm are used with a recent trend to higher wavelengths. The fibre design was changed from bare fibres to radially radiating laser fibers, which led to lower perioperative complication rates. Technical changes have also recently occurred in radiofrequency obliteration, especially from continuous withdrawal to segmental ablation of veins with higher temperatures (VNUS Closure Fast?). These alterations have led to a clear improvement in closure rates with lower perioperative complication rates.     

Endovenous Ablation of Saphenofemoral Insufficiency: Analysis of 100 Patients Using RF Closure Fast Technique

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common problem leading to varicose veins of lower limbs which was traditionally being treated with ligation and stripping. Endovenous ablation is an attractive alternative minimally invasive technique to treat such patients. We analysed the results of 100 consecutive patients treated with Radiofrequency based endovenous ablation using Closure Fast Catheter. Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated at our institution was done. All patients were classified pre and post procedure based on clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophyslogical classification, Venous clinical severity and Venous disablitity scores alongwith color doppler examination with follow up done at 2 weeks, 3 months and one year for any disease recurrence or residual symptoms. 97 of the 100 patients treated at 3 months and at 1 year showed good reduction of venous clinical severity and Venous disability scores to 0. Doppler showed complete closure of saphenofemoral junction and long saphenous vein at 2 weeks with no recanalisation at one year. No thrombus formation was observed. Minor complications like ecchymosis was seen in 9 patients and thrombophlebitis in 4 patients. Endovenous ablation using radiofrequency with Closure Fast technique showed improved short and long term results in patients with venous insufficiency with 100% closure seen on doppler studies along with lesser complications and no thrombus formation due shortened procedure time and improved catheter design.     

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.     

What next after thermal ablation for varicose veins: Non-thermal ablation?

BackgroundEndothermal treatment of the great saphenous vein has become the first line of treatment for superficial venous reflux. Newer treatments, especially non-thermal ablation have potential benefits both for patient acceptability and decreased risk of nerve injury.ApproachWe describe the current non-thermal options available including advantages and disadvantages. Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy avoids the risk of nerve injury, however it is not as effective as endothermal ablation. Mechanochemical endovenous ablation combines mechanical endothelial damage using a rotating wire, with the infusion of a liquid sclerosant (the Clarivein? system). Reports suggest that this system is safe and effective, eliminating the need for tumescent anaesthesia with no reported case of nerve injury. Finally the VenaSeal? Sapheon Closure System comprises the endovenous delivery of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive to the vein causing fibrosis. Peri-operative discomfort seems to be minimal but the complication of thrombophlebitis has been reported in up to 15% of patients.ConclusionsNon-thermal options promise comparable treatment efficacy without the added morbidity associated with high thermal energies. The potential of treating venous reflux without the risk of nerve damage may change how surgeons approach venous disease.     

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most common vascular disease and represents a significant health care problem in the United States. Reflux of the great saphenous vein is the most common cause of this condition, whose symptoms include varicose veins, leg swelling, skin discoloration, and ulceration. The traditional treatment of this condition is saphenofemoral ligation with stripping of the saphenous vein followed by varicose vein removal, if necessary. Recent advances in minimally invasive endovenous therapy have led to the development of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the saphenous vein, which has gained an increasing acceptance in clinical practice. Endovenous RFA was introduced into clinical practice in Europe in 1998 and in the United States in 1999. Since then, over 250,000 procedures have been performed worldwide. Procedure safety and efficacy are well understood, with over 60 publications on the subject in the peer review literature, including four randomized trials comparing this technology with traditional vein stripping surgery. With the advent of tumescent anesthesia, the majority of RFA procedures are now performed in an office setting. This article examines the current technology using RFA in saphenous vein ablation with the Closure catheter system. Procedural techniques and clinical outcome using RFA in saphenous vein ablation are discussed. Clinical data comparing RFA versus saphenous vein stripping are also examined. Lastly, the clinical utility of a new RFA catheter, ClosureFAST, is discussed. ClosureFAST is a new generation of RFA catheter and has exhibited significant improvement in the ease of use and the procedure speed over the previous generation catheters while maintaining the favorable patient recovery profile seen with the RFA technology.     

How often is deep venous reflux eliminated after saphenous vein ablation?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Deep venous reflux resolution after great saphenous vein surgery has been reported, but the studies evaluated mainly patients with deep segmental reflux. We prospectively analyzed the effects of greater saphenous vein ablation on coexisting primary deep axial venous reflux compared with segmental venous reflux.Patients and methods Between February 1997 and June 2001, patients with primary deep venous reflux scheduled for greater saphenous vein surgery were included in the study. Limbs of patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, trauma, and orthopedic or venous surgery were excluded. After surgery, duplex scanning was repeated and patients were examined for persistent deep venous reflux. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (38 limbs) were followed up with duplex scanning. Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 38 months. Preoperative axial deep reflux was present in 17 extremities, and segmental reflux was present in 21. The total number of incompetent segments was 59. Overall reflux abolishment rate was similar in extremities with axial and segmental reflux (30% vs 36%; P >.05). When segments were analyzed individually, abolishment of superficial femoral vein reflux was observed more often in extremities with segmental reflux than those with axial reflux (odds ratio, 4). In the extremities where deep reflux was not abolished with greater saphenous vein ablation, degree of reflux did not change significantly (P >.1). Duplex scanning was performed more than once during follow-up in 9 patients. In 3 of these patients reflux resolved by the second follow-up evaluation, and in 2 reflux was decreased at the second and third follow-up evaluations. CONCLUSION: In patients with concomitant deep and superficial venous reflux, saphenous vein ablation results in resolution of deep reflux in about a third of patients. Superficial femoral vein reflux is seldom corrected in limbs with axial reflux compared with those limbs with segmental reflux. To appreciate the effects of greater saphenous vein ablation, longer follow-up may be needed.     

Endovascular radiofrequency ablation: a novel treatment of venous insufficiency in Klippel-Trenaunay patients

INTRODUCTION: Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon congenital disorder of uncertain etiology that comprises the clinical triad of varicose veins, port wine stain, and bony or soft-tissue hypertrophy. The literature suggests that the deep venous system is often under-developed. We propose that duplex venous ultrasound can effectively demonstrate patent deep venous systems in KTS patients with mild to moderate disease, and that endovascular radiofrequency ablation can be utilized in a safe and appropriate therapeutic manner. METHODS: A single center retrospective review of three patients with KTS treated with endovascular radiofrequency ablation of the KT veins and/or great saphenous veins was conducted. Preoperatively, patients underwent both venography and were studied with color flow duplex ultrasound system iU22 with a 7-5 MHz linear array probe (Philips Medical Systems, NA, Bothell, Wash). The anomalous KT veins, great saphenous and saphenous tributaries, and associated incompetent perforators were ablated with radiofrequency catheters (VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc, San Jose, Calif). All the radiofrequency ablations were complimented by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy of the varicose tributaries and when evident, incompetent perforator veins. RESULTS: The diagnostic series of duplex ultrasounds performed on our KTS patients has demonstrated contiguous deep venous systems in the effected extremity and effectively recognized the associated anomalous superficial venous systems. Our treatment resulted in successful occlusion of the incompetent veins in all three patients. DISCUSSION: The three patients, females aged 39, 19, and 16, presented with port wine stains and many years of leg-swelling and varicose veins that were recalcitrant to conservative treatment measures, including compression stockings and pulsed-dye laser therapy. Venography initially revealed poorly developed deep venous systems. However, venous ultrasound demonstrated patent and competent deep venous systems in all of the affected limbs. Radiofrequency ablations were performed to manage the sequella of venous insufficiency. At short-term follow-up, all patients demonstrated markedly decreased leg pain, edema, and varicose vein bulging. CONCLUSIONS: Three KTS patients were successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation of the incompetent great saphenous and/or anomalous superficial veins. Although the deep veins were poorly visualized on venography, they were clearly demonstrated with duplex ultrasound and functioned adequately once the incompetent superficial veins were ablated.     

Treatment of primary varicose veins by endovenous obliteration with the VNUS closure system: results of a prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Radio frequency obliteration of the saphenous veins has been introduced as a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery for varicose veins. OBJECTIVE: To report the efficacy of obliteration and clinical outcomes following endovenous obliteration of the saphenous vein with limited follow-up to 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency obliteration (Closure system, VNUS Medical Technologies, San Jose, CA) was performed in 330 limbs of 294 patients in a prospective worldwide multicentre study with 31 participating sites. Follow-up duplex ultrasound and clinical examinations were performed at annual intervals. The main outcome measures were the completeness of occlusion of the treated vein segment, presence of reflux and presence of signs and symptoms of venous disease. RESULTS: Before treatment 3.9% of limbs were categorised as CEAP clinical class zero or one. This improved to 82.9% at 1 year, 83.1% at 2 years and 86.8% at 3 years following treatment. Varicose vein free rates were 1 year: 90.1%, 2 years: 87.2%, 3 years: 88.2%. Duplex ultrasound demonstrated a reflux-free rate of about 88% over 3 years. Total occlusion (TO) of veins was 1 year: 81%, 2 years: 80.4% and 3 years: 75%. Partial occlusion (PO, <5 cm open segment) was 1 year: 6.3%, 2 years: 7.4% and 3 years: 17.6%. Incomplete occlusion (IO, >5 cm open segment) was 1 year: 12.7%, 2 years: 12.2% and 3 years: 7.4%. Partial occlusion did not result in any differences in the symptom severity score, the number of symptom free limbs, or the varicose vein absence rates at any follow-up time point when compared to the total occlusion group. The varicose vein absence rates were significantly lower in the IO group comparing to the TO and PO groups. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency saphenous vein obliteration improves the symptoms of varicose veins. The reflux-free rates in the treated veins remain constant over a 3 year follow-up period. There is no difference in clinical outcomes between the TO and the PO limbs, suggesting clinical effectiveness of the PO category. Greater than a 5 cm open segment in treated veins poses a risk of recurrence.     

Endovenous obliteration versus conventional stripping operation in the treatment of primary varicose veins: a randomized controlled trial with comparison of the costs

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized study was to compare a new method of endovenous saphenous vein obliteration (Closure System, VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif) with the conventional stripping operation in terms of short-term recovery and costs. METHODS: Twenty-eight selected patients for operative treatment of primary greater saphenous vein tributary varicose veins were randomly assigned to endovenous obliteration (n = 15) or stripping operation (n = 13). Postoperative pain was daily assessed during the 1st week and on the 14th postoperative day. The length of sick leave was determined. The RAND-36 health survey was used to assess the patient health-related quality of life. The patient conditions were controlled 7 to 8 weeks after surgery, and patients underwent examination with duplex ultrasonography. The comparison of costs included both direct medical costs and costs resulting from lost of productivity of the patients. Costs that were similar in the study groups were not considered in the analysis. RESULTS: All operations were successful, and the complication rates were similar in the two groups. Postoperative average pain was significantly less severe in the endovenous obliteration group as compared with the stripping group (at rest: 0.7, standard deviation [SD] 0.5, versus 1.7, SD 1.3, P =.017; on standing: 1.3, SD 0.7, versus 2.6, SD 1.9, P =.026; on walking: 1.8, SD 0.8, versus 3.0, SD 1.8, P =.036; with t test). The sick leaves were significantly shorter in the endovenous obliteration group (6.5 days, SD 3.3 days, versus 15.6 days, SD 6.0 days; 95% CI, 5.4 to 12.9; P <.001, with t test). Physical function was also restored faster in the endovenous obliteration group. The estimated annual investment costs of the closure operation were US $3360. The other direct medical costs of the Closure operation were about $850, and those of the conventional treatment were $360. With inclusion of the value of the lost working days, the Closure treatment was cost-saving for society, and when 40% of the patients are retired (or 60% of the productivity loss was included), the Closure procedure became cost-saving at a level of 43 operations per year. CONCLUSION: Endovenous obliteration may offer advantages over the conventional stripping operation in terms of reduced postoperative pain, shorter sick leaves, and faster return to normal activities, and it appears to be cost-saving for society, especially among employed patients. Because the procedure is also associated with shorter convalescence, this new method may potentially replace conventional varicose vein surgery.     

Endovenous laser treatment for primary varicose veins

Venous insufficiency of the lower extremities is a highly prevalent condition. Successful treatment of superficial venous insufficiency will most often necessitate treatment of the saphenofemoral junction incompetence with correction of saphenous vein reflux. In the majority of patients it concerns a reflux of the greater saphenous vein. The standard procedure consists of ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein combined with with additional phlebec-tomies or ligation of insufficient perforant veins if necessary. Although the standard procedure is widely known and accepted, the postoperative morbidity and postoperative limitations of activity are high. In this context minimally invasive percutaneous endovenous techniques were developed to improve the patients comfort and faster resumption of work. Among these, endovenous laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein is a relatively new procedure. Percutaneous introduction of a laser fiber into the incompetent vein and ablation with pulsed laser energy is far less invasive than stripping.     

Endovenous laser treatment for primary varicose veins

Venous insufficiency of the lower extremities is a highly prevalent condition. Successful treatment of superficial venous insufficiency will most often necessitate treatment of the saphenofemoral junction incompetence with correction of saphenous vein reflux. In the majority of patients it concerns a reflux of the greater saphenous vein. The standard procedure consists of ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein combined with with additional phlebectomies or ligation of insufficient perforant veins if necessary. Although the standard procedure is widely known and accepted, the postoperative morbidity and postoperative limitations of activity are high. In this context minimally invasive percutaneous endovenous techniques were developed to improve the patients comfort and faster resumption of work. Among these, endovenous laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein is a relatively new procedure. Percutaneous introduction of a laser fiber into the incompetent vein and ablation with pulsed laser energy is far less invasive than stripping.     

Saphenous ablation: what are the choices, laser or RF energy

Endovenous ablation has been reported to be safe and effective in eliminating the proximal portion of the great saphenous vein from the venous circulation, with faster recovery and better cosmetic results than surgical stripping. However, the definition of a successful outcome in the literature has not been uniform. As in a successful stripping procedure, complete elimination of at least the proximal portion of the great saphenous vein should also be the standard for these endovenous ablation procedures. Our experience with over 1,400 endovenous ablation procedures, of which 1,150 were radiofrequency and over 250 were laser procedures, has allowed evaluation and comparison of these two techniques. And while we have not seen as high success rates as in published reports (especially with laser ablation), we have still concluded that both radiofrequency and laser techniques to destroy the saphenous vein are safe and effective. Patient acceptance is overwhelmingly better than stripping. Physicians performing these techniques should embrace a commitment to addressing all sites of venous insufficiency in a patient, not just the proximal great saphenous vein. Without this level of commitment, one will be left with poor results and a dissatisfied patient.     

The influence of elastic compression stockings on deep venous hemodynamics.

To determine the effect of elastic compression stockings on deep venous hemodynamics we measured ambulatory venous pressure, venous refill time, maximum venous pressure with exercise, amplitude of venous pressure excursion, and duplex-derived common femoral and popliteal vein diameter and peak flow velocities with and without stockings in 10 healthy subjects and 16 patients with chronic deep venous insufficiency. The effects of below-knee and above-knee 30 to 40 torr and 40 to 50 torr gradient stockings were studied. Despite documentation of substantial stocking compressive effects by skin pressure measurements, neither below-knee or above-knee elastic compression stockings significantly improved ambulatory venous pressure, venous refill time, maximum venous pressure with exercise, or the amplitude of venous pressure excursion in healthy patients or in patients with deep venous insufficiency (p greater than 0.05). In patients with deep venous insufficiency stockings modestly increased popliteal vein diameter and flow velocity in the upright resting position (p less than 0.02). After tiptoe exercise without stockings deep venous peak flow velocity increased in healthy patients and in patients with deep venous insufficiency by a mean of 103% in the popliteal vein and 46% in the common femoral vein (p less than 0.01). With the application of elastic compression stockings only modest augmentation of deep venous flow velocity occurred in both groups above that seen in the bare leg after exercise. Thus elastic compression stockings did not improve deep venous hemodynamic measurements in patients with deep venous insufficiency. The beneficial effects of stockings in the treatment of deep venous insufficiency must relate to effects other than changes in deep venous hemodynamics.     

The utility of the Venous Clinical Severity Score in 682 limbs treated by radiofrequency saphenous vein ablation

OBJECTIVES: The goal of endovenous ablation is to reduce the symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency. This prospective study was designed to apply the venous clinical severity score to limbs before and after endovenous saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation and to identify risk factors associated with treatment failure. METHODS: Between September 2003 and March 2005, 499 patients underwent 682 saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation procedures. Preoperative venous clinical severity scores were documented. Follow-up clinical and duplex examinations were performed at 4 days, 4 weeks, and 4 months after saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation and at > or=6 months thereafter. Venous clinical severity scoring was repeated at follow-up visits, and patients were asked to evaluate their level of satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation age of the patients was 53.5 +/- 13.3 years (range, 28 to 86 years), and 68% were women. Pretreatment CEAP clinical class C3/C4 comprised 80% of limbs (520/682). Preoperative, 4-day, 4-week, and 4-month venous clinical severity scores were, respectively, 8.8 +/- 3.7 in 648 limbs, 5.2 +/- 3.0 in 629, 4.1 +/- 2.4 in 530, and 3.3 +/- 1.6 in 479 limbs. Saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced pain related to lower extremity venous disease from 95.7% to 15.2% (P < .0001) and edema from 92.4% to 17.0% (P < .0001). Before treatment, venous stasis ulcers were present in 52 limbs and healed at a rate of 86%. Complications in 633 limbs at last follow-up included superficial thrombophlebitis in 12.0%, paresthesia in 0.3%, and nonocclusive thrombus extension in 0.2%. No skin thermal injury was observed. Fewer than 2% of patients reported dissatisfaction with their procedural outcome. Age (relative risk, 0.98; P = .06), female sex (relative risk, 0.19; P < .0001), and tumescent volume >250 mL (relative risk, 0.59; P = .06) were associated with higher rates of occlusion. The overall occlusion rate was 87.1%. CONCLUSIONS: As determined by the venous clinical severity score, treatment of saphenous vein reflux with endovenous radiofrequency ablation results in the clinical improvement of symptoms and aids in the healing of venous ulcers. Age, female sex, and tumescent volume are associated with high success rates of occlusion. We found the venous clinical severity score to be an excellent stand-alone tool for assessing outcomes after saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation.     

日间手术模式下腔内射频消融术与静脉剥脱导管主干剥脱术治疗大隐静脉曲张疗效比较

目的 比较日间手术模式下大隐静脉腔内射频消融术与静脉剥脱导管主干剥脱治疗大隐静脉曲张的安全性及有效性.方法 收集2020年2月至2021年1月大连市金州区第一人民医院收治的84例行日间手术的大隐静脉曲张患者的临床资料,根据手术方式的不同将患者分为射频组(n=44,采用大隐静脉主干射频消融术+小腿浅表静脉泡沫硬化+部分小...     

Endovenous management of saphenous vein reflux. Endovenous Reflux Management Study Group

PURPOSE: This study assessed clinical outcomes of two catheter-based endovenous procedures to eliminate or greatly mitigate saphenous vein reflux.Materials and Methods: A computer-controlled, dedicated generator and two catheter designs were used to treat 210 patients at 16 private clinic and university centers in Europe. The Closure catheter applied resistive heating over long vein lengths to cause maximum wall contraction for permanent obliteration; the Restore catheter induced a short subvalvular constriction to improve the competence of mobile but nonmeeting leaflets. RESULTS: Closure treatment caused acute obliteration in 141 (93%) of 151 limbs; Restore treatment, shrinking one or more valves, acutely reduced reflux to less than 1 second in 41 (60%) of 68 limbs. Closure treatments were associated with early recanalization (6%), paresthesias (thigh, 9%; leg, 51%; P <.001), 3 skin burns, and 3 deep-vein thrombus extensions, with 1 embolism. Restore treatments were thrombogenic (16%) despite prophylactic anticoagulation, and treated valves enlarged over 6 weeks, becoming less competent. Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project clinical class was significantly improved after both treatments, up to 1 year. At 6 months, 87% of 53 Closure patients were class 0 or 1, 75% were symptom-free, and 96% of 55 treated limbs were completely free of reflux. Fourteen of 31 Restore patients (45%) had no symptoms, but 55% were class 2 or lower and only 19% had less than 1-second reflux. CONCLUSION: Closure treatment is clinically effective, albeit with offsetting complications and early failures; these are being addressed through four procedural modifications. Restore valve shrinking, although conceptually attractive, is too problematic to be competitive with Closure treatment or saphenectomy.