Endovenous laser ablation for short saphenous vein incompetence

Conventional surgery for short saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence has a high incidence of recurrence and is associated with neurovascular injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) as an alternative to open surgery for SSV incompetence. Data were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing EVLA for SSV disease in our unit, including clinical outcomes and postoperative duplex. There were 368 EVLA procedures performed from April 2004 through December 2007, of which 66 (18%) were for SSV incompetence. Six (9%) SSV procedures were for recurrent disease after conventional surgery. Forty (61%) procedures were performed under local anesthesia, including four patients who underwent bilateral procedures at the same session. There were no intraoperative complications, and there was no evidence of neurovascular injury. During a median follow-up of 14 months (interquartile range 6-24) there was no clinical or duplex evidence of recurrence and no recanalization of the SSV. Our early results suggest that EVLA is a safe alternative to conventional surgery for the treatment of SSV incompetence in patients with C2-C4 disease. Bilateral procedures have been performed under local anesthesia.     

保留主干的激光闭合术治疗下肢静脉功能不全

目的 探讨保留上段主干的腔内激光闭合术(EVLA)在慢性静脉功能不全(CVI)治疗中的应用.方法 将术前经Doppler超声和光电容积描记法证实隐股瓣膜无反流且大隐静脉根部直径小于或等于8 mm的63例(71条肢体)CVI患者分成两组:保留组(35例,38条肢体)和非保留组(28例,33条肢体),分别实施保留和不保留大隐静脉上段主干的EVLA术,对两组的临床疗效、复发率和并发症发生率进行比较.结果 保留组的手术耗时少于非保留组[(17.5±4.3)min vs(22.7±5.6)min,P＜0.01)];保留组隐神经损伤比例低于非保留组(2/38 vs 4/33,P＜0.05);两组的Aberdeen评分改善值和住院天数基本相当,且组织灼伤、皮下硬结、瘀斑等并发症发生率在两组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),两组均未出现肺栓塞等严重并发症.结论 保留大隐静脉上段主干的EVLA是治疗下肢静脉功能不全安全有效的微创手术方法.     

隐股静脉瓣下大隐静脉结扎联合腔内激光术治疗下肢静脉曲张性溃疡

目的 探讨隐股静脉瓣下大隐静脉结扎联合腔内激光术（EVLT）治疗下肢静脉曲张性溃疡的疗效.方法 选择收治的70例（74条患肢）下肢静脉曲张性溃疡患者,随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各35例,观察组施行隐股静脉瓣下大隐静脉结扎联合EVLT术,对照组采用传统大隐静脉高位结扎联合点状静脉抽剥术,对比观察两组患者的疗效.结果 术后随访6～ 10个月,观察组治疗总有效率94.59％,对照组81.08％,观察组疗效优于对照组.观察组溃疡愈合时间、术后疼痛发生率、切口感染率及隐神经损伤发生率均显著低于对照组.皮肤坏死、踝部水肿消失发生率,两组差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.观察组溃疡复发率低于对照组（P＜0.05）.结论 隐股静脉瓣下大隐静脉结扎联合EVLT术治疗下肢静脉曲张性溃疡疗效显著,其操作简单、创伤小、恢复快、复发率低,优于传统术式,值得推广应用.     

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.     

剥脱联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张

目的:探讨剥脱术联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张的疗效.方法:回顾性分析2006年4月-2009年3月采用大隐静脉的大腿段剥脱联合小腿段激光腔内治疗的128例患者(176条肢体)的临床资料.结果:全组患者手术效果满意,症状缓解率100％,无伤口感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成等.近期并发症为胫前皮下淤血或小血肿12肢(6.8％),皮肤条状烧伤2肢(1.1％),浅静脉周围炎12肢(6.8％),踝部水肿2肢(1.1％);无胫前麻木感,无远期严重并发症;3年内无静脉曲张复发.结论:剥脱术联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张疗效确切,并发症少,是安全可靠的微创治疗方法.     

Randomized trial comparing endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein with high ligation and stripping in patients with varicose veins: short-term results

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser (EVL) ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is thought to minimize postoperative morbidity and reduce work loss compared with high ligation and stripping (HL/S). However, the procedures have not previously been compared in a randomized trial with parallel groups where both treatments were performed in tumescent anesthesia on an out-patient basis. METHODS: Patients with varicose veins due to GSV insufficiency were randomized to either EVL (980 nm) or HL/S in tumescent anesthesia. Miniphlebectomies were also performed. Patients were examined preoperatively and at 12 days, and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Sick leave, time to normal physical activity, pain score, use of analgesics, Aberdeen score, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 quality-of-life score, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and complication rates were investigated. The total cost of the procedures, including lost wages and equipment, was calculated. Cost calculations were based on the standard fee for HL/S with the addition of laser equipment and the standard salary and productivity level in Denmark. RESULTS: A follow-up of 6 months was achieved in 121 patients (137 legs). The groups were well matched for patient and GSV characteristics. Two HL/S procedures failed, and three GSVs recanalized in the EVL group. The groups experienced similar improvement in quality-of-life scores and VCSS score at 3 months. Only one patient in the HL/S group had a major complication, a wound infection that was treated successfully with antibiotics. The HL/S and EVL groups did not differ in mean time to resume normal physical activity (7.7 vs 6.9 calendar days) and work (7.6 vs 7.0 calendar days). Postoperative pain and bruising was higher in the HL/S group, but no difference in the use of analgesics was recorded. The total cost of the procedures, including lost wages, was euro 3084 ($3948 US) in the HL/S and euro 3396 ($4347 US) in the EVL group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the short-term efficacy and safety of EVL and HL/S are similar. Except for slightly increased postoperative pain and bruising in the HL/S group, no differences were found between the two treatment modalities. The treatments were equally safe and efficient in eliminating GSV reflux, alleviating symptoms and signs of GSV varicosities, and improving quality of life. Long-term outcomes, particularly with respect to recurrence rates, shall be investigated in future studies, including the continuation of the present.     

激光腔内闭合联合高位结扎与大隐静脉高位结扎剥脱术治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效比较

目的比较应用激光腔内闭合术(EVLT)联合高位结扎与大隐静脉高位结扎+剥脱术治疗下肢静脉曲张的临床效果。方法将2007年3月至2012年2月间我院收治的278例下肢静脉曲张患者(共342条肢体)分成EVLT联合高位结扎组(A组,286条肢体)和大隐静脉高位结扎+剥脱术组(B组,56条肢体)。比较两组的手术时间,术后48h疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAPS),术后首次下床时间,术后住院天数;术后第6个月比较手术前后CEAP分级、患者自身对手术效果及整体满意度评价。结果两组手术时间、住院天数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但A组术后48 h疼痛较轻、下床时间稍早(P<0.05);术前和术后6个月两组的CEAP分级、手术效果评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),组间差异则无统计学意义(P>0.05),但术后患者的整体评价A组优于B组(P<0.05)。结论 EVLT联合高位结扎术治疗具有与传统手术相似的效果,患者满意度高,值得临床推广。     

Endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein may avert phlebectomy for branch varicose veins

BACKGROUND: Endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) may be performed simultaneously with stab phlebectomy of branch varicose veins or as a stand-alone procedure. A clinical approach of performing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) alone as initial treatment for varicose veins was reviewed. METHODS: Patients with duplex ultrasound-documented reflux in the GSV and CEAP clinical stage 2 to 6 were selected for RFA. Patients were examined within a week preoperatively with duplex ultrasound imaging. Patients were seen within a week postoperatively and again at 2 to 3 months to ascertain if further treatment was required. A retrospective review of the initial 184 procedures in a series from June 2002 through February 2005 was performed, allowing for a 9-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Three procedures were performed under general anesthesia and 181 with intravenous sedation and tumescent anesthesia. Postoperative duplex scans showed total occlusion or partial patency of <10 cm in 155 limbs. Seven (4.5%) had concomitant stab phlebectomy, seven subsequently had sclerotherapy, and 39 (25.2%) underwent subsequent stab phlebectomy of persistent symptomatic varicosities. In 101 limbs (65.1%), symptoms resolved and had no further therapy, and 24 limbs had a GSV that was patent for >10 cm on postoperative duplex imaging. Nine limbs had no further therapy (37.5%), eight (33.3%) had subsequent stab phlebectomy, and three had stripping of the GSV and stab phlebectomy. Four limbs had a redo RFA, four limbs had an aborted RFA procedure, and one limb was lost to follow-up. Failure of total GSV occlusion was more often associated with use of a 6F catheter. Complications were generally mild, and there was no postoperative deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Endovenous ablation of the GSV can be performed safely and effectively as the initial treatment for lower extremity varicose veins. Because most patients show clinical improvement after RFA, an algorithm of reassessment of the limb and branch varicose veins several months post-RFA allows most patients to defer stab phlebectomy.     

High ligation combined with stripping and endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein: early results of a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: This study compared postoperative patient comfort and the surgical outcome of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or stripping of the great saphenous vein, both performed in conjunction with high ligation. METHODS: The study randomized 100 patients with primary trunk varicosities of the great saphenous vein (CEAP clinical class II to IV) to EVLA or stripping. The success of surgery was followed-up by duplex ultrasound imaging at 1, 4, and 16 weeks. Primary end points were the size of the hematoma 1 week after the operation and the preoperative disease-specific Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ) quality of life score compared with 4 weeks postoperatively. Secondary end points were postoperative symptoms (pain, use of analgesics, paresthesia at the ankle, residual hematoma), complications, time taken to resume work, the patient's satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, and the CIVIQ quality of life score at 16 weeks. RESULTS: The groups were well matched at baseline. In all, 95 patients could be followed up in accordance with the protocol. The treatment was successful in all patients. Endovenous laser ablation was associated with an occlusion rate of 100%. Hematomas were significantly smaller after EVLA (median [quartiles]) at 125 (55-180) cm(2) vs stripping 200 (123-269) cm(2) (P = .001). No difference was registered between groups for the CIVIQ quality of life score, with EVLA at -1.25 (-7.5-11.25) vs stripping at 4.38 (-5.94-14.38; P = .34). Several postoperative symptoms favored EVLA, but the only significant differences were seen in the minor side effects of surgery at 1 and 4 weeks and discomfort due to paresthesia at the ankle in the first postoperative week. EVLA was associated with a longer period of time until return to work (median [quartiles]) of 20 (14-25.5) days vs 14 (12.8-25) days (P = .054). CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser ablation combined with high ligation is safe and effective. Postoperative hematomas are significantly smaller than those after stripping. Short-term quality of life is at least as good as that after stripping. The long-term results warrant further investigation.     

大隐静脉腔内激光消融联合泡沫硬化治疗静脉曲张性溃疡

目的观察腔内激光消融(EVLA)大隐静脉联合泡沫硬化治疗下肢静脉曲张性溃疡(VULE)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析接受EVLA联合泡沫硬化治疗的19例VULE患者(20条患肢)的资料,并观察治疗效果。结果EVLA联合泡沫硬化治疗19例20条患肢均获成功,溃疡长径术前[(2.30±1.61)cm],术后2周明显缩小到(0.90±0.32)cm(t=10.53,P0.01),溃疡愈合时间为7天~3个月,无复发病例。结论大隐静脉EVLA联合泡沫硬化治疗VULE临床疗效好。     

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of great saphenous vein to abolish "paradoxical reflux" in the Giacomini vein: a short report.

INTRODUCTION: Reflux in the GSV due to sapheno-popliteal incompetence associated with ascending (paradoxical) reflux in the Giacomini vein is a rare but well described pattern of reflux. Treatment of this type of reflux is controversial and only surgical treatment has been described. REPORT: We describe 2 patients in whom this type of reflux was successfully abolished following endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the GSV with the SPJ and Giacomini vein regaining competency. DISCUSSION: Paradoxical reflux in the Giacomini vein and SPJ is secondary to GSV incompetence which exerts a syphon effect. EVLA of the refluxing segment of GSV interrupts this effect and prevents the paradoxical reflux at the SPJ.     

Aneurysmal dilatation of the great saphenous vein stump after endovenous laser ablation

Endoluminal ablation either by laser or radiofrequency energy of the great saphenous vein has become the standard therapy for varicose veins caused by great saphenous vein insufficiency. The rapid recovery time and low complication profile are both reasons practitioners and patients choose this treatment modality. Complications are rare and are usually minor. This report presents a patient who presented with aneurysmal dilatation of the saphenous vein remnant, with evidence of an arteriovenous fistula, 15 months after endovenous laser therapy. The abnormality was surgically resected and the fistula successfully ligated. This may be the first report of the formation and treatment of a venous aneurysm with arteriovenous fistula involving the great saphenous vein stump after endovenous laser therapy.     

Radiofrequency ablation of the long saphenous vein without high ligation versus high ligation and stripping for primary varicose veins: pros and cons

Primary varicose vein disease is prevalent in our society, and although it is infrequently the cause of serious venous insufficiency, it often is associated with symptoms of local discomfort. These symptoms eventually may outweigh any cosmetic concerns of patients with this disease. Greater saphenous vein (GSV) reflux is the most important pathophysiologic component of primary venous insufficiency. To date, the surgical treatment of GSV reflux has evolved into 1 of 3 procedures: high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction, with or without perforator ligation; high ligation and stripping of the GSV; and high ligation with retrograde sclerotherapy of the GSV. High ligation and stripping of the GSV to below the knee enjoys the most durable success yet is associated with significant perioperative morbidity. A new treatment, radiofrequency ablation of the GSV without high ligation, recently has been described and promises a less invasive alternative to stripping with decreased morbidity and increased patient acceptance. The results of high ligation and stripping of the GSV will be compared with those with radiofrequency ablation of the GSV without high ligation.     

Outcome of different endovenous laser wavelengths for great saphenous vein ablation

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this randomized, prospective, blinded study was to determine the relative effects of two laser wavelengths in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. METHODS: Fifty-one male and female patients scheduled for routine laser treatment of GSV insufficiency provided signed informed consent for the procedure. Patients were randomized to receive endovenous laser treatment with a wavelength of 810 or 980 nm. The same surgeon, blinded to the wavelength, performed all procedures. Nonoperating study staff, blinded to the laser wavelengths, evaluated patients before and after the procedure regarding physical signs and symptoms. Patients were monitored within 72 hours after the procedure (via duplex ultrasonography), at 1 week (by procedural site photos scored for bruising, as well as a pain score), at 3 weeks, and at 4 months for bruising, physical and emotional effects of the procedure (scored by patients on a five-point visual analogue scale), and symptoms (scored by the physician), along with adverse events. Patients were followed up for a year to determine the long-term efficacy of the procedure. RESULTS: The 51 patients (38 women and 13 men; mean age, 52.4 +/- 11.7 years) completed treatment and follow-up examination (30 legs for each wavelength). At 72 hours after the procedure, no significant differences were noted between patient outcomes, physical conditions, and symptoms and or possible adverse events. At 1 week after the procedure, bruising scores were significantly different (P < .005): patients in the 980-nm group showed less bruising of the procedure site than the patients in the 810-nm group. Only three physical or symptom parameters presented with significant differences (P < .05) over time-less itching was noted by 810 nm-treated patients at 3 weeks after the procedure, lower levels of pain intensity were seen in the 980 nm-treated patients at the 4-month follow-up visit, and lower varicose vein ratings were seen for the 980 nm-treated patients at the 4-month follow-up visit. Thirteen legs were phlebitic at 7 days after the procedure (10 in the 810-nm group and 3 in the 980-nm group). Two treatment failures occurred (one patient in each treatment group); both patients exhibited flow in the treated venous segment at the 4-month follow-up visit. Two other patients (one in each group) had treatment failure at the 1-year follow-up, demonstrating venous insufficiency in the treated segment. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser wavelengths were effective in treating GSV insufficiency, with no major complications and a paucity of adverse outcomes.     

Endovenous laser treatment for long saphenous vein incompetence

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser treatment is a percutaneous technique used for the treatment of long saphenous vein (LSV) incompetence. This paper presents the results of an uncontrolled case series undertaken to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of this technique. METHODS: Some 145 incompetent LSVs in 136 patients with saphenofemoral reflux were treated with endovenous laser. The data were evaluated prospectively. Assessment was carried out at 1 week, 3 and 12 months for LSV occlusion and symptomatic relief. RESULTS: Primary procedural success was achieved in 124 (85.5 per cent) of 145 LSVs. Reasons for primary failure included failed cannulation, failure to pass the guidewire and patient discomfort. At 3 months' follow-up, 105 (89.7 per cent) of 117 veins were totally and nine (7.7 per cent) were partially occluded. At 12 months, 63 (76 per cent) of 83 veins were totally and 15 (18 per cent) were partially occluded. At this stage 73 (88 per cent) of 83 patients remained satisfied, but 26 (31 per cent) had residual or recurrent varicosities. Of these, only five required further treatment. Complications included saphenous nerve injury in one patient and superficial skin burns in a second. CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser treatment for LSV reflux is safe and can be carried out under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting with good patient satisfaction and low complication rates.