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Objectives: To analyze the distribution of incompetent segments in the great saphenous vein (GSV) in Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification C2 limbs to provide a reference for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning., Methods: We analyzed the distributions of incompetent segments in the GSVs of the C2 lower extremity undergoing duplex ultrasound from September 2017 to December 2023. The examined segments were the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), GSV at the proximal thigh, GSV at the knee, and GSV below the knee., Results: A total of 696 lower limbs from 540 patients (male 256, female 440) was analyzed. The mean age was 56 (ranging from 18 to 86), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.0 kg/m 2 . There were 15 types of distribution of incompetent segments within the GSV, with the most common type (32.6%) being reflux from the SFJ to the GSV below the knee. Among the lower limbs with reflux at the SFJ, GSV at the proximal thigh or knee was competent in 10% of lower limbs. In the lower limbs with reflux at the proximal thigh GSV, 26% did not have reflux at the SFJ. The presence of reflux in each segment did not differ by sex, but those with reflux in the below-knee segment were older than those without reflux( p = .003). In each of the three segments above the knee, limbs with reflux had a higher BMI than those without reflux., Conclusions: The most common distribution type was reflux from the SFJ to the below-knee segment, although this only accounted for about one-third of the cases. Various distribution types of incompetent segments within the GSV were identified, suggesting that reflux testing in multiple segments according to the latest guidelines for ultrasound examination of the lower extremity veins is necessary to avoid unnecessary treatment of segments without reflux., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objectives: The great saphenous vein is the lower limb's longest and thickest-walled superficial vein. Its anatomy is complex, while its anatomical variations are widespread. This study aimed to illustrate the anatomy and variations of the great saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction., Methods: The study was conducted on 75 fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs. Cadavers with evidence of prior leg surgery or trauma and any congenital abnormality or gross deformity were excluded. The saphenofemoral junction was studied in detail with emphasis on the number, incidence, draining pattern of tributaries, and duplication of the great saphenous vein., Results: Out of the 75 cadaveric lower limbs, 57.3% were obtained from males, and 42.7% were obtained from females. The mean age of the cadaveric lower extremities was 66.6 years (range 42-91). The number of tributaries at the saphenofemoral junction varied from 0 to 7, with a mean of 3.8. The most frequent number of branches was 4-5 in 61.3% of cases. The most consistent tributary was the superficial external pudendal vein, while the posterior accessory great saphenous vein was the least frequent tributary. 80% of the branches drained into the saphenofemoral junction directly (53.3%) or by a common trunk (26.7%%). The most frequent common trunk was the superficial epigastric and superficial circumflex iliac vein (10.7%). The rest 20% of the tributaries drained directly into the common femoral vein. The commonest branch reaching the common femoral vein was the superficial external pudendal vein (10.7%). Duplication of the great saphenous vein was observed in 2.7% of the cases., Conclusions: There is a significant variation of tributaries at the saphenofemoral junction regarding the number, incidence, draining pattern of branches, and duplication of the great saphenous vein., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: The SYNCHRONOUS-study investigates simultaneous ASV-ablation with great saphenous vein (GSV) treatment in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for preventing varicose vein recurrence. This sub-study examines complication rates associated with prophylactic ASV-ablation., Methods: Among 1173 patients with refluxing GSV, 604 underwent GSV-ablation only, and 569 received additional ASV-ablation. Complication rates were compared over 6 months., Results: Approximately 80% of patients were complication-free with minor bruising and dysesthesia being most common complications. After 6 months, additional prophylactic ASV-ablation did not increase the rate of complications compared to GSV-only treatment., Conclusion: The 6-months follow-up data suggests that prophylactic ASV-closure, alongside GSV-treatment, is safe, with similar complication rates to GSV-only EVLA., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objective: By incorporating an endovascular component into Great Saphenous Vein stripping, EndoVenous-assisted Invaginated Stripping (EVIS) aims to make the procedure minimally invasive. A study was conducted to investigate the surgical intervention. Methods: Sketches and videos were used to illustrate the technical aspects of EVIS. A prospective cohort study included 20 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Results: EVIS is performed as a day-surgery. Technical success was 100%, and no complications were recorded. The mean operative time was 45 minutes, intraoperative pain score was 4.8, post-operative pain was 2.5, 1.8, 1.2, 0.5 at 48 hours, 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. The mean blood loss was 15 mL, and the mean length of the GSV strapped was 19 cm. The follow-up duplex showed a reduction in the diameter of the residual GSV stump. Conclusions: EVIS is a combination of standard techniques that may prove valuable in managing CVI., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Great saphenous vein insufficiency (GSVI) adversely affects the quality of life of affected individuals. Minimally invasive endo-venous ablation techniques have emerged as effective and safe treatments, despite the longstanding use of surgical interventions. We aim in our study to evaluate all the available interventions in the literature, either endo-venous or conventional approaches for the treatment of GSVI., Methods: A thorough search was performed across four electronic databases to identify relevant studies. A frequentist network meta-analysis (NWM) was executed on the combined data to derive network estimates pertaining to the outcomes of concern. Risk ratios (RRs) were employed as the effect size metric for binary outcomes, while mean differences (MDs) were utilized for continuous outcomes, each reported with a 95% confidence interval. The qualitative review was conducted employing the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 1., Results: Our NWM included 75 studies encompassing 12,196 patients. Regarding technical success rate within the first 5 years after treatment, Endo-venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) with High Ligation and Stripping (HL/S), EVLA alone, Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Injection, cryostripping, HL/S and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) were significantly better than Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy and F-care. Also, invagination stripping was inferior to all interventions. Conservative Hemodynamic Cure for Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins (CHIVA) demonstrated a significantly lower recurrence rate with a RR of 0.35 [0.15; 0.79] compared to RFA, but RFA was more effective in recurrence prevention than HL/S and Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA), with a RR of 0.63 [0.41; 0.97] and 0.18 [0.03; 0.95], respectively. Endo-venous Steam Ablation (EVSA) emerged as the most effective in reducing post-intervention pain, showing a MD of -2.73 [-3.72; -1.74] compared to HL/S. In Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire outcome, our analysis favored MOCA over most studied interventions, with an MD of -6.88 [-12.43; -1.32] compared to HL/S. Safety outcomes did not significantly differ among interventions., Conclusion: Our findings revealed significant variations in the technical success rates, recurrence rates, and post-intervention pain levels among different interventions. CHIVA exhibited enhanced performance in terms of lower recurrence rates, while EVSA emerged as a promising choice for mitigating post-intervention pain. Additionally, our analysis underscored the significance of patient-reported outcomes, with MOCA consistently yielding favorable results in terms of enhancing quality of life and expediting the return to regular activities., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-interventional compression therapy on clinical outcomes after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins., Methods: This prospective, controlled, multicenter study in Germany involved 493 varicose vein patients followed-up for 6 months., Results: Compression therapy significantly reduced symptoms compared to no compression (VCSS: 1.4 ± 1.6 vs 2.2 ± 2.2; p = .007). Post-interventional therapy duration of up to 14 days was found to be most effective for improving patient-reported disease severity ( p < .001) and higher quality of life ( p = .001). Patient compliance was high (82%), and non-compliance was linked to worse disease severity (VCSS 1.4 ± 1.5 vs 2.1 ± 2.3, p = .009)., Conclusion: In conclusion, post-interventional compression therapy is beneficial by reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. High patient compliance with the therapy is observed, and non-compliance is associated with worse disease severity., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objectives: The catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (FS) and the suggested perivenous tumescent application for great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter reduction are suggested to improve technical and clinical results; yet, their use is reported rather indiscriminately. Our aim is to introduce an algorithm categorising the use of technical modalities accompanying ultrasound-guided FS of the GSV and present the technical efficacy of FS through a 5 F × 11  cm sheath placed at the knee level., Methods: Representative cases of GSV insufficiency were chosen to describe our methodology., Results: Sole sheath-directed FS can achieve complete GSV occlusion proximally at a level comparable to the catheter-directed technique. We apply perivenous 4°C cold tumescent to GSV >6 mm even in the standing position to ensure diameter reduction of the proximal GSV as close to the saphenofemoral junction. We use long catheters only to overcome large varicosities above the knee level that could otherwise compromise the adequate foam infusion from the sheath tip. When GSV insufficiency extends along the entire limb and severe skin lesions preclude the antegrade distal catheterisation, the sheath-directed FS in the thigh can be concomitantly combined with retrograde FS from catheterisation just below the knee., Conclusions: A topology-oriented methodology with sheath-directed FS is technically feasible and avoids indiscriminate use of more complex modalities., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: The term Anterior Accessory of the Great Saphenous Vein suggest this is a branch tributary vein despite this vessel's anatomic features of a truncal vein. A multisocietal group suggested to designate this the Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV). This study was aimed to evaluate its ultrasound anatomy in normal and varicose limbs., Methods: The clinical anatomy of the ASV was evaluated by narrative review of the literature. Additionally, the course of the ASV was evaluated in 62 limbs with no evidence of venous disease and 62 limbs with varicosities., Results: The ASV length, patterns of origin and termination are reported in both normal and patients with varicose veins. Discussion of the patterns is supported by the narrative review of the literature., Conclusions: The ASV must be considered a truncal vein and its treatment modalities should be the same that for the great and small saphenous veins rather than a tributary vein., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: RD, EB, AC, SD and MM reports no conflicts. NL is a Consultant/Speaker with Philips, Medtronic, BD Bard, Boston Scientific; AG is a Consultant/Speaker: Medtronic, BD Bard, Boston Scientific.

Objective: We aim to report on the Laser-Sclerosing Foam Hybrid Treatment (LSFHT) and its outcomes when used on patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency., Methods: This was a single center retrospective cohort study on patients with GSV insufficiency that were treated with the LSFHT technique, a surgical procedure that comprises the use of both sclerosing foam and endovenous ablation and avoids the use of tumescent anesthesia. Occlusion rates and complications were reported., Results: 139 legs from 106 patients were operated, achieving a 100% occlusion rate, while only a small burn and 2 popliteal vein thrombosis cases occurred., Conclusion: The study suggests that the LSFHT is a feasible fast procedure that proved both effective and safe for the treatment of GSV insufficiency., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

An updated report on the five-year results in the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence with mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) provides additional evidence for higher rates of anatomic recanalization compared to other treatment modalities and progressive worsening of symptoms with time., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a newly developed catheter (VENISTAR) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs)., Methods: In this prospective observational study, endovenous RFA using a VENISTAR catheter was performed on 16 saphenous veins in 12 patients between August and November 2019. Patients' pre- and post-procedural data were recorded. Doppler ultrasound imaging and clinical evaluation were performed at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months to determine the efficacy and safety of the treatment., Results: Technical success and complete closure of the targeted GSVs immediately after the procedure were observed in all 16 limbs (100%). However, one patient (one limb) was found to have partial occlusion without significant reflux after 1 week of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded a complete occlusion rate of 93% at 6 months of follow-up. The Venous Clinical Severity Scores at the time of all follow-up were significantly lower than those at baseline (3.3 ± 1.1 at baseline to 0.6 ± 0.6, 0.3 ± 0.6, 0.1 ± 0.4, and 0.2 ± 0.4 at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively) ( p < .001). Mild post-procedural pain was noted in 7 and 4 limbs at 1 week and 1 month, respectively. Grade 1 ecchymosis over the ablated segment was noted in 5 (35.7%) of 14 limbs at 1-week follow-up., Conclusions: Endovenous treatment of GSV insufficiency using a new VENISTAR radiofrequency catheter has been shown to be feasible, effective, and safe throughout the 6-month follow-up., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Great saphenous vein (GSV) valve incompetence is one of the most common manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the lower limbs. There have been no reported attempts to repair the valve prior to the appearance of varicose morphology., Method: We describe two cases. Before surgery, the male patient had obvious pigmentation in the ankle area, and the female patient had obvious pain and swelling in the lower limbs after prolonged standing. Neither patient has obvious varicose veins. After retrograde venography, both patients were found to have severe reflux of the GSV valves (Kinster IV). We performed internal valvuloplasty and sleeve wrapping in two patients., Results: After surgery, both patients had a significant improvement in symptoms and no particular complaints. Vascular ultrasound also suggested a good outcome., Conclusion: This surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of early GSV incompetence, with good short-term results; long-term results remain to be seen., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) and high ligation and strippingn (HLS) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in the treatment of varicose veins., Methods: We included 182 patients in each EMA and HLS groups. Follow-up outcomes included AVVQ, VCSS, chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire-14 (CIVIQ14) score, clinical recurrence rate of varicose vein treatment, and patient satisfaction during the 1-year follow-up period., Results: At the 1-year follow-up, no significant difference was found in the clinical recurrence rate of varicose veins between the EMA and HLS groups ( p = .75). The duration of the operation and the length of hospital stay for patients in the EMA group was shorter than that for the HLS group ( p < .01). The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) score, and ecchymosis were lower for patients who underwent EMA surgery ( p < .01)., Conclusion: Our research results confirm that EMA improves patients' quality of life with lower limb varicose veins, with EMA showing higher patient satisfaction., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Background: Mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA) was introduced to treat superficial venous insufficiency of the lower leg with less pain and haematoma. Long-term outcome is still lacking. The purpose was to report long-term outcome and to analyse possible predictors for failure., Methods: The study was a retrospective pooled analysis of two prospective cohorts previously reported, but with prolonged long-term outcome up to 5-years follow-up., Results: 163 treated legs were analysed. Mean follow-up was 5.4±0.6 years, in which 33 total failures occurred. Four procedures were partially successful. VCSS improved significantly and remained stable after 1 and 2-years, but significantly rose again after 5-years. AVVQ dropped significantly, but increased after 1 year to 4.3 and 6.1 at 5-years follow-up., Conclusion: MOCA was effective with minimal pain perioperative. However, anatomical success deteriorated after 1-year and showed even less results after 5-years, mainly due to partly recanalization, while clinical results were less affected. There were no clear clinical predictors for failure., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of tortuous Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) insufficiency., Methods: In this prospective non-randomized study 62 patients with tortuous GSV insufficiency were included. All patients were delivered sclerosant agent in the form of foam into the GSV through a cannula above the knee level. Characteristics of patients, diameter of veins, reflux grades, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological (CEAP) scores, concentration of sclerosant agent, complications and follow-up results were recorded., Results: Foam sclerotheraphy was performed with 100% technical success in all patients at operative room. There were no allergic reactions or neurological complications during and after the operations. Ecchymosis was the most common complication with 37.1% frequency. . VCSS scores significantly decreased from 6.43% to 2.53%, during follow-up from initial admission to sixth months, respectively ( P <0.05).In the first month parameters, successful occlusion rate was 88.7%, whereas its rate was 82.3% in sixth month. Recanalization rate significantly increased from 11.3% to 17.7% during follow-up from first to sixth months, respectively ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: Due to its low complication rate, low cost, acceptable total occlusion rate and reproducibility; Foam sclerotherapy can be considered a reliable treatment for patients with tortuous GSV insufficiency., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestThe author(s) declared no potential conflict of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Background: To retrospectively analyze the short-term outcomes of catheter-based versus direct foam sclerotherapy when combined with high ligation (HL) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence., Methods: From July 2018 to October 2019, a total of 82 lower limbs of 70 patients with GSV incompetence received HL combined with catheter-based foam sclerotherapy (CFS group) or direct foam sclerotherapy (DFS group) for GSV proximal trunk. Among them, 40 limbs of 36 patients were treated with CFS, and 42 limbs of 34 patients were treated with DFS. The occlusion of GSV proximal trunk was evaluated with venous duplex ultrasound examinations; Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS) was used to assess clinical improvement; Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ) was used to assess quality-of-life scores; and Complications was used for the safety evaluation., Results: At day 7 post-operatively, complete occlusion of proximal trunk of the GSV was achieved in 92.5% legs of the CFS group and 71.4% of the DFS group ( p = 0.014). Additionally, anterograde flow was found in 7.5% legs of the CFS group and 26.2% of the DFS group ( p = 0.025). No significant differences in the occurrence of complications were observed between the two groups. The median follow-up was 285.5 days in the DFS group and 318 days in the CFS group ( p = 0.140). VCSS and AVVQ reduction were significant in both CFS group and DFS group (5.3 ± 2.5, 5.5 ± 2.4, p < 0.001 for VCSS; 15.9 ± 8.0, 16.3 ± 8.6, p < 0.001 for AVVQ), but no significant difference were observed between two groups ( p = 0.655 for VCSS, p = 0.934 for AVVQ)., Conclusions: Although the occlusion of great saphenous vein proximal trunk were different, two modalities result in similar clinical and quality-of-life improvements. DFS is a feasible alternative to CFS when combined with HL., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objective: Autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) is considered the conduit of choice for lower extremity bypass (LEB). However, the optimal configuration remains the source of debate. We compared outcomes of patients undergoing LEB using in-situ and reversed techniques., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for patients undergoing LEB with a single-segment GSV in in-situ (ISGSV) and reversed (RGSV) configurations for symptomatic occlusive disease from 2003 to 2021. Patient demographics, procedural detail, and in-hospital and follow-up outcomes were collected. The primary outcome measures included primary patency at discharge or 30 days and one year. Secondary outcomes were secondary patency, and reinterventions at discharge or 30 days and one year. Cox proportional hazards models were created to determine the association between bypass techniques and outcomes of interest., Results: Of 8234 patients undergoing LEBs, in-situ and reversed techniques were used in 3546 and 4688 patients, respectively. The indication for LEBs was similar between the two cohorts. ISGSV was performed more frequently from the common femoral artery and to more distal targets. RGSV bypass was associated with higher intraoperative blood loss and longer operative time. Perioperatively, ISGSV cohort had higher rates of reinterventions (13.2 vs 11.1%; p = 0.004), surgical site infection (4.2 vs 3%; p = 0.003), and lower primary patency (93.5 vs 95%; p = 0.004) but a comparable rate of secondary patency (99 vs 99.1%; p = 0.675). At 1 year, in-situ bypasses had a lower rate of reinterventions (19.4% vs 21.6%; p =0.02), with similar rates of primary (82.6 vs 81.8%; p = 0.237) and secondary patency (88.7 vs 88.9%; p = 0.625). After adjusting for significant baseline differences and potential confounders, in-situ bypass was independently associated with decreased risks of primary patency loss (HR 0.9; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98; p = 0.016) and reinterventions (HR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.8-0.97; p = 0.014) but a similar risk of secondary patency loss (HR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86-1.16; p = 0.985) at follow-up, compared to reversed bypass. A subgroup analysis of bypasses to crural targets showed that in-situ and reversed bypasses had similar rates of primary patency loss and reinterventions at 1 year. Among patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, in-situ bypass was associated with a decreased risk of reinterventions but similar rates of primary and secondary patency and major amputations at 1 year., Conclusions: In patients undergoing LEBs using the GSV, in-situ configuration was associated with more perioperative reinterventions and lower primary patency rate. However, this was offset by decreased risks of loss of primary patency and reinterventions at 1 year. A thorough intraoperative graft assessment with adjunctive imaging may be performed to detect abnormalities in patients undergoing in-situ bypasses to prevent early failures. Furthermore, closer surveillance of reversed bypass grafts is warranted given the higher rates of reinterventions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objective: This study aimed to compare patient-reported outcomes after technical success (TS) and technical failure (TF) in treating great saphenous vein incompetence (GSV) with ClariVein., Methods: A subanalysis of a previous trial was conducted on symptomatic GSV incompetence patients who received ClariVein treatment with 2% or 3% polidocanol (POL) and were followed for 6 months. Blinding was implemented for observers and patients, and data from both POL groups were combined. TS was defined as at least 85% occlusion of the treated vein, while TF indicated failure to meet TS criteria. Secondary outcomes included Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), and Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36)., Results: Among the 364 patients included, the TS rate was 64.5%. Comparison of VCSS, AVVQ, and SF-36 scores between TS and TF groups did not yield significant differences., Conclusion: This study indicates no significant variation in VCSS, AVVQ, and SF-36 scores between patients experiencing TS and TF following ClariVein treatment for GSV insufficiency.

Objective: In this study, we present our early outcomes of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients (53 patients in the CA group and 55 patients in the EVLA group) with GSV insufficiency who were treated with CA and EVLA between May 2020 and May 2021. The Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire were used to assess clinical symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Total closure rates and procedure-related adverse events were also recorded in both groups., Results: There was no significant difference between patients treated with CA or EVLA in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The average procedure time was 17 min in the CA group and 35 min in the EVLA group ( p < 0.001). The CA group had lower pain scores during the procedure and 3 days afterward than the EVLA group ( p < 0.001). At month 12, the CA group had a 90.4% closure rate, while the EVLA group had an 83.0% closure rate, with no significant difference between the two groups ( p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Venous Clinical Severity Score or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score between the groups ( p > 0.05). During follow-up, neither group experienced any significant adverse events, such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of ecchymosis and paresthesia was significantly lower in the CA group than in the EVLA group ( p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Cyanoacrylate ablation has a high feasibility profile and is an effective approach to accomplish complete GSV target vein closure at early follow-up in the Chinese patients. Compared to EVLA, the improvement in quality-of-life outcomes is also sustained and similar, with less pain and fewer complications due to the absence of tumescence anesthesia and postprocedural compression stockings.

Background: Assess the safety and effectiveness of indirect radiofrequency ablation (RFA, Closure FAST) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) with type 1 aneurysms., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis performed in three centers (2007-2021). All patients presenting with saphenous aneurysms close to the junction (within 2 cm) were included. They were treated with RFA. Phlebectomies and/or sclerotherapy were performed during the same treatment session. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) was performed early after the procedure and then, more than a year later., Results: Eight patients (11 limbs) were included between June 2007 and May 2021 with a median diameter of the GSV aneurysm 21 mm (IQR 17.2-23.4). No severe adverse events occurred apart from one endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) class III (9.1%). After more than a year (mean 7.2 ± 4.2, median 8 years), none of the aneurysms was present on DUS and the truncal obliteration rate was 100%., Conclusion: RFA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients presenting with incompetent saphenous veins with the type 1 aneurysm.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective single-center study is to describe and analyze short-, mid-, and long-term risk factors for great saphenous vein (GSV) recanalization after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA)., Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients with GSV incompetence and varicose veins underwent RFA were enrolled between 2009 and 2018. Data on demographic, pre- and postoperative color Doppler scan (CDUS) findings, perioperative complications, and follow-up were prospectively collected. Primary outcome was GSV recanalization rate at 1 week after RFA. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complication rate, as well as GSV recanalization rate at 1, 3, and 5 years after RFA. Risk factors for recanalization were also analyzed, for each follow-up assessment, identifying differences in recanalized (Rec) and non-recanalized (nRec) groups., Results: During the study period, 1297 patients were treated. Among these, 1265 had at least 1 week of follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 3.0 ± 1.9 years. Recanalization rate at 1 week, 1, 3, and 5 years was 2.4%, 4.3%, 9.3%, and 17.5%, respectively. After multivariate analysis for each follow-up evaluation, CEAP classes C4 and 5, as well as preoperative GSV diameter >6 mm and history of smoking were found to be independent predictors of recanalization. Furthermore, age >61 years and postoperative complications such as pigmentation, edema, and paresthesia were found to be dependent risk factors., Conclusion: RFA remains a safe and durable technique to ablate incompetent GSV. Despite this, particular attention should be paid to patients with high CEAP classes to avoid short and long-term recanalization.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of anomalies in the superficial venous system in lower limb., Method: Triplex ultrasonography in clinically suspected cases of acute or chronic venous disease or congenital malformation was performed on 3189 lower limbs in 2000 patients (bilateral in 1189 and unilateral in 811) from Jan 2020 to Dec 2020., Result: (1) Anomalies of great saphenous vein were observed in 496 cases (15.5%), (2) Anomalies of short saphenous vein were observed in 760 cases (23.8%), (3) Anomalies of accessory saphenous veins were seen in 984 (30.88%), 1501 (47%), 1068 (33.5%) and 774 (24.25%) corresponding to the anterior, posterior, lateral systems and posterior accessory vein of leg, respectively., Conclusion: Anomalies of the superficial venous system in lower limb are very common and must be reported in every doppler study. These anomalous veins may be the cause for residual or recurrent disease in chronic venous insufficiency, which warrants further research.

The term "recurrence" in chronic venous disease remains not yet well defined, despite numerous reports describing patterns and causes of the presence of recurrent varicose veins (RVVs). Moreover, saphenous trunk recanalization (STR) has also been documented as one of the major source of RVVs and it is widely used to indicate the "failure" of endovenous ablation. Finally, reappearance of venous symptoms (VSym) should be considered to reach a complete "recurrence" evaluation. RVVs, STR, and VSym rates and mutual co-presence after endovenous treatments are still unclear. The aim of this report is to describe and analyze these three recurrence components after 6 years in patients underwent radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Objective: To evaluate the 6 months efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate closure for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) in comparison with radiofrequency ablation (RFA)., Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective, clinical trial, 398 symptomatic subjects with incompetent GSVs were assigned to either cyanoacrylate closure or RFA. The primary endpoint, complete closure of the target GSV, was determined using duplex ultrasound examination starting from one-, three-, and six-month visits., Results: All patients were followed for 6 months and there was no difference between the groups in terms of mean follow-up time. Hospital stay and return to work/activity were shorter in the cyanoacrylate ablation (CAA) group, and these differences between the groups were statistically significant. Ecchymosis was observed higher in the RFA group and was statistically significant., Conclusions: In this study, in which we examined the CAA and RFA methods, we found that both methods were effective and reliable; however, we found that patients in the CAA group had a more comfortable postoperative period and returned to work earlier.

Background: Selective crossectomy and mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) of great saphenous vein (GSV) have been used, for years, individually in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. In this paper, we focus on the advantages of a combination of the two techniques, in order to prevent complications and recurrence., Methods: A preoperative clinical and instrumental screening phase was conducted for the purpose of dividing patients into three groups: "Saph+Cross" group (51/139 patients) underwent saphenectomy and crossectomy; "MOCA" group (44/139 patients) underwent MOCA of GSV with Flebogrif® device; "MOCA + Cross" group (44/139 patients) subjected to both MOCA and crossectomy procedures.Recurrence rate, defined as total recanalization of GSV and/or onset of neosaphena and/or new varicose veins, was used as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were procedural time and intra- and post-procedural complications., Results: We conducted a 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up with Duplex scan. The recurrence rates were 3.9%, 21.8%, and 4.5% for "Saph+Cross," "MOCA," and "MOCA+Cross," respectively, with a significant difference for the comparison between "MOCA" and "Saph+Cross" (MOCA vs Saph+Cross: OR 5.35, CI95% [0.98; 54.6], p -value .040).The sub-analysis of primary outcome highlighted a lower recanalization rate of GSV when combining the crossectomy with MOCA procedure (2.2% MOCA+Cross vs 15.9% MOCA; 0.12 OR, [0.002; 1.02] CI95%, p -value .029).Among the secondary outcomes, "MOCA" showed a shorter procedural time than the other groups (Saph+Cross: 51.3 ± 11.4; MOCA: 45.1 ± 7.5; MOCA+Cross: 50.4 ± 10; p -value .027). No significant differences were noted in terms of intra- and post-procedural complications., Conclusions: The results showed that patients treated with saphenectomy and crossectomy have a lower recurrence rate compared to MOCA alone and MOCA + crossectomy procedures.The association of crossectomy with MOCA significantly reduces the recanalization rate of GSV, and it is also characterized by a higher free survival from recurrence (SSF) than with MOCA alone.

Background: This study aimed to determine site-specific mechanical properties of the great saphenous vein (GSV) harvested from various sites in the same cadaver., Methods: GSV samples were harvested from three sites: the thigh, knee, and lower leg. The thickness and diameter of the samples were measured, and the tensile test was performed to measure stiffness and Young's modulus., Results: The stiffness of the GSV harvested from knees in the longitudinal direction was lower than those from other sites, whereas the stiffness of the GSV harvested from the lower leg in the circumferential direction was lower than that from the thigh., Conclusions: The GSV has site-specific mechanical properties. Thus, in addition to morphological evaluations such as echo and computed tomography in preoperative graft surgical evaluations, knowledge of the mechanical properties at each site can improve the patency rate and prevent aneurysmal expansion.

Objectives: Cellular senescence could play a role in the development of venous disease. Superficial venous reflux at the saphenofemoral junction is a common finding in patients with primary varicose veins. Furthermore, reflux in this essential area is associated with higher clinical stages of the disease and recurrent varicose veins. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate cellular senescence in the immediate area of the saphenofemoral junction in patients with healthy veins, primary varicose veins and additionally in patients with recurrent varicose veins due to a left venous stump., Methods: We analyzed vein specimens of the great saphenous vein immediately at the saphenofemoral junction. Healthy veins were collected from patients who underwent arterial bypass reconstructions. Samples with superficial venous reflux derived from patients who received high ligation and stripping or redo-surgery at the groin, respectively. Sections were stained for p53, p21, and p16 as markers for cellular senescence and Ki67 as a proliferation marker., Results: A total of 30 samples were examined (10 healthy, 10 primary varicose, and 10 recurrent varicose veins). We detected 2.10% p53 + nuclei in the healthy vein group, 3.12% in the primary varicose vein group and 1.53% in the recurrent varicose vein group, respectively. These differences were statistically significant ( p  = 0.021). In the healthy vein group, we found 0.43% p16 + nuclei. In the primary varicose vein group, we found 0.34% p16 + nuclei, and in the recurrent varicose vein group, we found 0.74% p16 + nuclei. At the p  < 0.05 level, the three groups tended to be significant without reaching statistical significance ( p  = 0.085). There was no difference in respect of p21 and Ki67., Conclusion: We found significantly higher expression rates of p53 in primary varicose veins at the saphenofemoral junction than in healthy veins. p16 expression tended to be increased in the recurrent varicose vein group. These preliminary findings indicate that cellular senescence may have an impact in the development of varicose veins or recurrence. Further studies addressing this issue are necessary.

Quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic venous disorders has a central role to decide the correct treatment approach. In particular, in case of mini-invasive therapy, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the postoperative QoL improvement remains one of the most important outcome to be reached. Despite this, very few data are published on the long-term QoL modifications after RFA. The aim of this brief report is to describe and analyze the role of QoL scales in a population of patients treated with RFA of the great saphenous vein and phlebectomies, highlighting results in short- and long-term follow-up period, and differences between recanalized and non-recanalized patients.

Introduction: Superficial venous aneurysms are uncommon entities though venous Doppler has facilitated the detection of asymptomatic small aneurysms. Thromboembolic complications are rare with superficial venous aneurysms. The data regarding optimal therapy and pathogenesis of superficial venous aneurysm is sparse and is limited to isolated case reports., Methods: Here, we present an unusual case of thrombosed large great saphenous vein aneurysm which was managed with Doppler, preoperative anticoagulation and surgical excision., Results and Conclusion: This paper is intended to review the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of superficial venous aneurysm of lower extremities, their optimal management and to guide future research in this area.

Objective: To describe the mid-term outcome after inferior selective crossectomy in a subset of patients with symptomatic chronic venous disease and both great saphenous vein and suprasaphenic valve incompetence. Methodsː Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. During an eight-year period, 1095 ligations of all saphenofemoral junction inferior tributaries and great saphenous vein stripping were performed in 814 Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathophysiology C2-C6 patients. Duplex ultrasound follow-up examinations were performed after 30 days, 6 months, and 2 years, and saphenofemoral junction hemodynamic patterns and varicose veins recurrence rates were evaluated., Results: Two hundred and twenty patients completed the two-year follow-up period. At the 30-day Duplex ultrasound evaluations, two different hemodynamic patterns were described. Type 1, with physiological drainage of saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, was observed in 214 patients. Type 2, without flow in saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, was observed in six patients. Overall varicose vein recurrence rates were 0, 2.3, and 2.7% at the 30-day, 6-month, and 2-year follow-up examinations, respectively. At the two-year follow-up, Type 1 patients showed 0% varicose vein recurrence, while Type 2 patients showed 100%. Conclusionsː Inferior selective crossectomy seems to be a valid and safe option in case of both suprasaphenic valve and great saphenous vein incompetence. Duplex ultrasound evaluation, according to our protocol, allows us to identify two different saphenofemoral junction hemodynamic patterns that could predict varicose vein recurrence at mid-term. An optimal stump washing after inferior selective crossectomy, warranted by patency and large caliber saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, seems to be the key point in preventing varicose vein recurrence in this context. However, large prospective studies regarding saphenofemoral junction modifications and varicose vein recurrence are needed to confirm these preliminary observations.

Objectives: Assessment of postprocedural pain after minimal invasive treatment of unilateral incompetence of the great saphenous vein., Methods: A total of 85 patients treated with endovenous laser ablation (1470 nm) in combination with foam sclerotherapy and evulsions reported postprocedural pain on a visual analogue scale (0-10) during 28 days after treatment., Results: A mean pain reduction from 3.9 on the first postinterventional day to 0.3 was noted during the observation time. After 28 days, 7% of patients had a visual analogue scale >1. Higher body mass index was strongly associated with more pain during the whole follow-up period ( p  < 0.01). Higher energy application per cm vein and greater great saphenous vein diameter showed more pain in the first week. Other factors like clinical stage CEAP classification, combination of laser with avulsions and/or sclerotherapy, season of treatment timepoint, and age or sex did not influence postinterventional pain course., Conclusion: Higher body mass index and higher energy application per cm are associated with more postprocedural pain after endovenous laser ablation.

Objectives: F-care (endovenous radiofrequency, F Care Systems, Antwerp, Belgium) is a relatively new radiofrequency ablation technique for the treatment of venous insufficiency. There is a lack of published data about F-care in literature. This study aimed to prospectively compare the F-care method with conventional endovenous radiofrequency ablation Closurefast method for the management of incompetent great saphenous veins., Methods: Between June 2015 and December 2018, 114 patients with incompetent varicose veins were treated either with the F-care or Closurefast. The pre-, intra-, postprocedural, and follow-up data of the patients were collected and prospectively compared., Results: The average ablated vein length was 23.1 ± 4 cm in the F-care group and 26.6 ± 4 cm in the Closurefast group ( P  =   0.01). The average procedure time was 17.4 ± 4 min (range: 10-30 min) in the F-care group, and 17.1 ± 3 min (range: 11-27 min) in the Closurefast group ( P  =   0.77). The one-month total occlusion rates in the F-care and Closurefast groups were 96.2% and 98.1%, respectively ( P  =   0.5). The one-year full occlusion rates in the F-care and Closurefast groups were 71.7% and 90.6%, respectively ( P  =   0.013). In both the F-care and Closurefast groups, the venous clinical severity scores declined significantly with no difference between groups. There was no significant difference between adverse events following F-care treatment compared with Closurefast treatment ( P  ≤   0.05)., Conclusions: The F-care system was as safe and fast, but the one-year closure rate was significantly lower when compared to the other method. There was no significant difference between the adverse effects of both approaches. Further large-scale, multi-center prospective studies with long-term outcomes are required to identify the effectiveness of F-care treatment modality for patients with saphenous vein insufficiency.

Introduction: Open surgical ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein is a highly cost-effective treatment when compared with conservative management and foam sclerotherapy but has limitations including post-operative morbidity and pain. This study aims to identify if the addition of tumescent anaesthesia could improve patient outcomes following treatment., Methods: Patients with primary superficial venous incompetence undergoing open surgical ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein were randomised to either General Anaesthesia (GA) alone (GA) procedure or the addition of tumescent (G + T). The primary outcome was bodily pain (within SF-36) at one week. Additional outcomes included post-procedural pain score (100 mm visual analogue scale), complications and quality of life., Results: A total of 90 patients were randomised for inclusion. There was no significant difference in primary outcome; bodily pain at one week. Secondary outcome of 4-h post-procedural scores were significantly lower in the G + T group (32 (20-54) mm vs. (GA alone) 56 (24-70) mm (P = 0.016)). Complications were minor and equivalent. Both groups saw a significant increase (worsening) in Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores at week 1 with the G + T group faring worse at six weeks (10.0 (Interquartile Range [IQR] 5.6-17.9) vs. 4.3 (IQR 2.7-7.9) P = 0.004)., Conclusion: The G + T group did not demonstrate a significant difference in the one-week bodily pain domain. The addition of tumescent anaesthesia does improve immediate post-operative pain but appears to negatively impact on six-week quality of life. EudraCT Number: 2011-005574-39.

Purpose: Studies examining cyanoacrylate closure of saphenous veins with the VenaSeal™ System have not allowed concomitant procedures for tributaries at the time of the index procedure. Outside of clinical trials, however, concomitant procedures are frequently performed in conjunction with endovenous ablation. We report on the frequency of need for saphenous tributary treatment three months after cyanoacrylate closure of the treatment of great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and/or accessory saphenous vein., Methods: Fifty subjects with symptomatic great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and/or accessory saphenous vein incompetence were treated with no postprocedure compression stockings. Concomitant procedures were not allowed. Treating physicians predicted the type and nature of any concomitant procedures that they would usually perform at the time of ablation, if not limited by the constraints of the study. Evaluations were performed at one week, one and three months and included duplex ultrasound, numeric pain rating scale, revised venous clinical severity score, the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, and time to return to work and normal activities. At the three-month visit, the need for and type of adjunctive procedures were recorded., Results: Complete closure at three months was achieved in 70 (99%) of the treated veins (48 great saphenous veins, 14 accessory saphenous veins, eight small saphenous veins). Revised venous clinical severity score improved from 6.4 ± 2.2 to 1.8 ± 1.5 (P < .001) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire from 17.3 ± 7.9 to 6.5 ± 7.2 (P < .0001). Sixty-six percent of patients underwent tributary treatment at three months. The percentage of patients who required adjunctive treatments at three months was lower than had been predicted by the treating physicians (65% versus 96%, p=.0002)., Conclusions: Closure rates were high in the absence of the use of compression stockings or side branch treatment. Improvement in quality of life was significant, and the need for and extent of concomitant procedures was significantly less than had been predicted by the treating physicians.

Sapheno femoral junctional tributaries are usually left untreated at the time of endovenous ablation of axial vein. The long-term clinical significance of these untreated tributaries remains elusive and there is very little research done into this area. This article reviews the fate of untreated tributaries at sapheno femoral junction following ablation of incompetent axial vein. A literature search and analysis of evidence reveal that the junctional tributaries are one of the commonest (ranges between 8% and 31%) cause for recurrence following endovenous ablation of the axial veins. Follow up of this subset of patients after their axial vein treatment should be considered to identify neoreflux in side branches at sapheno femoral junction and plan treatment.

Background: In physiology, velocity of the deep venous compartment is higher than the one in the saphenous compartment which is higher than the one in the tributaries. Considering that velocity variation is associated with changes in the pressure gradient, aim of the present study is to assess changes in venous kinetics in case of superficial chronic venous disease, so to provide further clues in venous drainage direction determination., Methods: Venous ultrasound scanning was performed on 40 lower limbs of 28 chronic venous disease patients (C2-6Ep,As,Pr). Velocities were measured in three different venous segments: great saphenous vein at 2 cm above the origin of the incompetent tributary (Group-A). great saphenous vein at 2 cm below the origin of tributary (Group-B). tributary at 2 cm from its origin from the great saphenous vein (Group-C.)., Results: Diastolic time average velocity was higher in group-C (-21.3 ± 8.5 cm/s) than in group-A (-15.7 ± 5.2 cm/s; p = .0001) and group-B (-11.1 ± 2.9 cm/s; p = .0001), thus indicating an inversion of the physiological velocity gradient in chronic venous disease patients., Discussion: Chronic venous disease presents a subverted velocity gradient. These data introduce objective hemodynamics data, paving the way for further investigation in venous drainage direction determination.

Objective This retrospective study presents the long-term results of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein. Method From January 2003 to June 2017, 277 patients with varices and great saphenous vein incompetence were treated with echo-guided foam sclerotherapy. Forty-six patients were treated with long-catheters guided by foam sclerotherapy. Foaming was carried out with sodium-tetra-decyl-sulphate. Results Results were examined in the two groups: A (long-catheters) and B (other procedures). The median overall follow-up was 52.1 months. In the A-group, the complete occlusion rate was 34/46 pts (73.9%) and partial occlusion was 10/46 (21.7%). In the B-group, respectively, 130/231 (56.2%) and 90/231 (38.9%). Comparisons between groups were statistically significant (p = 0.023; p = 0.021). Failures involved, respectively, 2/46 (4.3%) and 11/231 (4.7%) with no statistical significance. The complication rates were similar in the two groups. Conclusions In this long-term experience (median follow-up exceeding four years), foam-guided sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein with a long-catheter turned out to be more effective than the usual foam-guided sclerotherapy.

Aims To report on great saphenous vein diameter distribution of patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation for lower limb varicose veins and the ablation technique for large diameter veins. Methods We collected retrospective data of 1929 (943 left leg and 986 right leg) clinically incompetent great saphenous vein diameters treated with endovenous laser ablation over five years and six months. The technical success of procedure, complications and occlusion rate at short-term follow-up are reported. Upon compression, larger diameter veins may constrict asymmetrically rather than concentrically around the laser fibre (the 'smile sign'), requiring multiple passes of the laser into each dilated segment to achieve complete ablation. Results Of 1929 great saphenous veins, 334 (17.31%) had a diameter equal to or over 15 mm, which has been recommended as the upper limit for endovenous laser ablation by some clinicians. All were successfully treated and occluded upon short-term follow-up. Conclusion We suggest that incompetent great saphenous veins that need treatment can always be treated with endovenous laser ablation, and open surgery should never be recommended on vein diameter alone.

Purpose To elaborate on a planar anatomic variant of great saphenous vein as a potential therapeutic pitfall in the treatment of venous reflux. Materials and methods Lower extremity veins in 568 limbs with great saphenous vein insufficiency were sonographically mapped. A rather overlooked variation, the saphenous bow, was studied with emphasis on anatomic clarification and its involvement in venous insufficiency. Results This variation, observed in 5.1% (n = 29) of limbs, comprised two segments; one uninterrupted great saphenous vein proper coursing throughout saphenous compartment and one extra-compartmental segment originating distally from and proximally fusing with it. Venous arch remains within compartment only briefly during take-off and re-entry. Extra-compartmental venous arch had reflux either alone (10.3%) or together with intra-compartmental segment (75.9%). Conclusion This variation, part of saphenous segmental aplasia/hypoplasia complex, is associated with venous insufficiency. Meticulous mapping of great saphenous vein territory and identification of such variants during planning stage is indispensable for optimal clinical outcomes of treatment.

Objective Our objective was to evaluate the state of oxidative stress in the great saphenous varicose vein wall and blood of varicose vein patients taken from the antecubital vein. Methods The superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status were measured with commercially available colorimetric kits in erythrocytes, plasma and varicose vein wall of 65 patients (second degree of clinical state classification, etiology, anatomy and pathophysiology) aged 22-70 (49 women, 16 men) in comparison to normal great saphenous vein walls collected from 10 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft and blood collected from 20 healthy individuals. Results A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001) in superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes and the increase (p < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity in varicose vein has been observed. There have been no significant changes in the concentration of GSH in plasma and in varicose vein. The decreased concentration of total antioxidant status in plasma (p < 0.001) and in varicose vein wall (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control has been noticed. Conclusion The varicose vein patients are affected by oxidative stress. Our results indicate impaired antioxidant defense mechanism in the blood of varicose vein patients. In contrast to the blood, an increased process of antioxidant defense in the varicose vein wall was noticed.

Background In previous in vitro and ex vivo studies, we have shown increased thermal spread can be achieved with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy when using a low power and slower, discontinuous pullback. We aimed to determine the clinical success rate of radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy using this optimised protocol for the treatment of superficial venous reflux in truncal veins. Methods Sixty-three patients were treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy using the optimised protocol and were followed up after one year (mean 16.3 months). Thirty-five patients returned for audit, giving a response rate of 56%. Duplex ultrasonography was employed to check for truncal reflux and compared to initial scans. Results In the 35 patients studied, there were 48 legs, with 64 truncal veins treated by radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (34 great saphenous, 15 small saphenous and 15 anterior accessory saphenous veins). One year post-treatment, complete closure of all previously refluxing truncal veins was demonstrated on ultrasound, giving a success rate of 100%. Conclusions Using a previously reported optimised, low power/slow pullback radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy protocol, we have shown it is possible to achieve a 100% ablation at one year. This compares favourably with results reported at one year post-procedure using the high power/fast pullback protocols that are currently recommended for this device.

Background Recurrent varicose veins occur up to 80% of procedures. The sapheno-femoral junction can be involved in more than 50% of cases. A detailed pathophysiological explanation of the phenomenon is still missing. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the role of femoral vein incompetence as risk factor for sapheno-femoral junction recurrence. Methods Three-hundred-eighty-one patients presenting an incompetent great saphenous vein system and eventually also an incompetent femoral tract (C2-6EpAsdPr) underwent a great saphenous vein high ligation with flush ligation also of the incompetent tributaries along the leg, sparing the saphenous trunk. Pre-operatively, all patients underwent a sonographic evaluation assessing the superficial and deep venous systems, including a detailed analysis of the iliac-femoral vein tract above the sapheno-femoral junction. A retrospective statistical analysis assessed the recurrence risk associated with iliac-femoral vein tract incompetence. Results In a 5.5 ± 1.9 years follow-up, great saphenous vein trunk reflux recurrence was detected in 45/381 (11.8%) cases. The reflux source was found in a reconnected sapheno-femoral stump in 11/45 cases (24.5%), in the pelvic network in 8/45 cases (17.8%), in a neovascularization process in 7/45 (15.5%) and in a newly incompetent great saphenous vein tributary in 19/45 (42.2%). At the pre-operative assessment, iliac-femoral vein tract reflux was present in 7 (26.9%) of the 26 cases who developed a sapheno-femoral junction recurrence and in 25 (7%) of the 355 patients who did not demonstrate sapheno-femoral junction recurrence (odds ratio: 4.8; confidence interval 95%: 1.8-12.6; p < .003). Discussion Despite many technical diagnostic and therapeutic refinements, varicose veins recurrence remains a frequent event. The present investigation points out the association among iliac-femoral vein tract incompetence and sapheno-femoral junction recurrences after high ligation.

Objectives To produce a tumescent anaesthesia solution with physiological pH for endovenous thermal ablation and evaluate its influence on peri- and postoperative pain, clinical and quality of life outcomes, and technical success. Methods Tumescent anaesthetic solution (0.1% lidocaine with 1:2,000,000 epinephrine) was titrated to physiological pH by buffering with 2 ml incremental aliquots of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy were studied before and after introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic. Primary outcome was perioperative pain measured on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were daily pain scores during the first postoperative week, complications, time to return to normal activity, patient satisfaction, generic and disease-specific quality of life, and technical success. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks following the procedure. Results A physiological pH was achieved with the addition of 10 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to 1 l of standard tumescent anaesthetic solution. Sixty-two patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation with phlebectomy were recruited before and after the introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic solution. Baseline and operative characteristics were well matched. The buffered solution was associated with significantly lower (median (interquartile range)) periprocedural pain scores (1 (0.25-2.25) versus 4 (3-6), p < 0.001) and postoperative pain score at the end of the treatment day (1.8 (0.3-2.8) versus 3.0 (1.2-5.2), p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups at any other time. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in generic and disease-specific quality of life, with no intergroup differences. Both groups demonstrated 100% ultrasonographic technical success at all time points. Conclusions Buffering of tumescent anaesthetic solution during endovenous thermal ablation is a simple, safe, inexpensive and effective means of reducing perioperative and early postoperative pain.

Objective The aim of the present study is to compare a mini-invasive (smaller than 2-cm incision) sapheno-femoral high-tie by clip apposition (HT group) with a traditional high-ligation by ligature (HL group). Methods One hundred fifty chronic venous disease patients were included in group HT and compared with 150 cases constituting the group HL. The main outcome was the sonographic detection of saphenous trunk recurrences. Procedural pain, esthetic satisfaction, and disease specific quality of life were assessed. Results At 4.5 ± 2.4 years follow-up, 8 cases (5.3%) of Great Saphenous Vein reflux reappearance were reported in group HT vs. 19 cases (12.6%) (odds ratio: 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-6.1; P = 0.04) of group HL. Esthetic satisfaction was scored as high and very high in group HT and HL, respectively (P < .0001). Conclusions Proper high-ligation technique provides satisfying outcomes both in terms of recurrence rate and patient esthetic satisfaction. The different outcomes obtained by the two groups encourage further investigations regarding recurrence pathogenesis.

Objective: The aim of this review article was to evaluate the long-term technical success rates of the known endovenous ablation procedures in the treatment of the incompetence of the great saphenous vein., Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed-database until the 5 January 2016. All publications with four to five years follow-up were eligible. Meta-analysis was performed by the IVhet-model., Results: Eight hundred and sixty-two unique publications were found; 17 of them were appropriate for meta-analysis. Overall, 1420 limbs were included in the trial, 939 for endovenous laser ablation, 353 for radiofrequency ablation and 128 for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. Overall, technical success rates were 84.8% for endovenous laser ablation, 88.7% for radiofrequency ablation and 32.8% for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. There were no significant differences between endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy regarding the great saphenous vein reopening (p = 0.66; OR: 0.22; 95% of CI: 0.08-0.62 for radiofrequency ablation vs. endovenous laser ablation; p = 0.96; OR: 0.11; 95% of CI: 0.06-0.20 for endovenous laser ablation vs. ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy; p = 0.93; OR: 3.20; 95% of CI: 0.54-18.90 for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy vs. radiofrequency ablation)., Conclusion: Both endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are efficient in great saphenous vein occlusion on the long term. Lacking long-conducted large trials, the efficacy and reliability of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy to treat great saphenous vein-reflux is not affirmed., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

Objective: To analyse the differences of outcome between cryostripping and conservative therapy in the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed between the October of 2001 and the October of 2014. In all, 246 cases were eligible for the study. High ligation, cryostripping and local thrombectomy was carried out on 94 patients with thrombophlebitis of the proximal part of the great saphenous vein. Thromboembolic events, the presence of residual varices and time for recovery were compared to 152 cases treated conservatively because of superficial vein thrombosis., Results: Thromboembolic events were found without significant difference (mean ± SD for surgery: 1.11 ± 0.60 and conservative therapy: 1.11 ± 0.55; p = 0.988) in each group. The presence of residual varices (mean ± SD for surgery: 1.03 ± 0.52 and conservative therapy: 1.42 ± 0.99; p = 0.001) and the time for recovery (mean ± SD for surgery: 15 ± 10.50 and conservative therapy: 26 ± 12.32; p < 0.001) were more favourable in the cryostripping group., Conclusion: Our analysis confirmed that cryostripping does not result in a lower risk for thromboembolic complications due to superficial vein thrombosis but can be an alternative method to treat the ascending thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein because it has some advantages over conservative treatment on the short term., (© The Author(s) 2015.)