An update on the currently available nonthermal ablative options in the management of superficial venous disease

Natural history and role of anticoagulation in the management of endovenous glue-induced thrombus

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of endovenous glue-induced thrombus (EGIT) resolution and the role of anticoagulation (AC) and/or anti-platelet (AP) agents in their management is currently ill-defined. The goal of this investigation is to determine the clinical behavior of EGITs and whether or not AC or AP affects treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all endovenous ablations utilizing cyanoacrylate glue (CAG) from January 2020 to December 2021 at the Center for Vein Restoration. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) patients who developed an EGIT (EGIT/CAG) and (2) patients treated with CAG and no EGIT development (CAG). Demographics, medical/surgical histories, revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS), Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ), CEAP, EGIT category, type of anticoagulation, resolution time, location of any deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were analyzed, catheter tip distance, treatment length and proximal thigh diameters were all analyzed. EGITs were categorized as follows: EGIT 1: thrombus extension into the deep vein covering less than 25% of the luminal area; EGIT 2: thrombus between 25% and 49%; EGIT 3: thrombus between 50% and 74%; and EGIT 4: total occlusion. Our protocol is to perform post-procedure duplex scans within 3 to 7 days after endovenous ablations to assess for post-intervention DVTs.

RESULTS

During the study period, 2374 patients received 4321 CAG procedures. EGITs were observed in 133 patients (3.1%): EGIT 1 (n = 57); EGIT 2 (n = 35); EGIT 3 (n = 19); and EGIT 4 (n = 22). All EGITs were identified by surveillance scanning. No patient presented with limb or pulmonary symptoms suggestive of VTE. The average age, rVCSS, and CIVIQ 20 of the entire cohort was 65.3 ± 14.2 years, 8.2 ± 2.8, and 48 ± 18.3, respectively with 89 females and 44 males. For EGIT 1, 56 of 57 (98%) resolved at 4.2 ± 5.1 weeks, with one patient lost to follow-up. AC/AP regimen included two aspirin (ASA), one Eliquis, 5 Xarelto, and nothing in 49 patients (86%). For EGIT 2, 27 of 35 (77%) resolved at 4.4 ± 3.4 weeks, one was unresolved, six regressed to EGIT 1, and one remained an EGIT 2 at the last follow-up examination. AC/AP regimens included seven ASA, three Eliquis, three Xarelto, one Coumadin, and nothing in 21 patients (60%). For EGIT 3, 12 were in the common femoral vein (CFV), three in the popliteal vein (POPV), one in the external iliac vein, and three in the gastrocnemius veins. Nine of nineteen (47%) resolved at 6 ± 5.9 weeks, four regressed, one migrated to the proximal CFV, three became chronic, and two were lost to follow-up. AC/AP regimens included three ASA, three Eliquis, seven Xarelto, and nothing in six patients (32%). AC/AP compared with no AC/AP had no effect on clot resolution (P = .3). Of the 22 EGIT 4, one was in the CFV, two were in the POPV, and 18 (82%) were remote calf vein DVTs (15 gastrocnemius, one peroneal [PV], and three posterior tibial veins [PTVs]). The CFV EGIT became chronic, one POPV resolved, and one was lost to follow-up. For the gastrocnemius clots, five became chronic, eight resolved, and two were lost to follow-up. For the PTV clots, one resolved, one became chronic, and one was lost to follow-up. The PV clot became chronic. AC/AP regimen included four ASA, five Eliquis, six Xarelto, and nothing in seven patients. AC/AP compared with no AC/AP had no effect on clot resolution (P = .9). The average proximal thigh diameter (millimeters, mm), vein length treated (mm), and catheter distance (mm) from the junction were the following: EGIT 1 (5.9 ± 2.4, 37.5 ± 17.6, and 5.2 ± 1), EGIT 2 (5.9 ± 1.7, 38 ± 16.9, 4.79 ± 0.71), EGIT 3 (5.1 ± 2.6, 27.9 ± 16.6, and 5.26 ± 1.4), and EGIT 4 (5 ± 1.7, 29.9 ± 15.8, and 5.39 ± 2.18), respectively. Treatment length alone was significantly shorter in EGIT 3 and 4, compared with EGIT 1 and 2 (P ≤ .05). Catheter distance from the junction was longer in EGIT 1, 3, and 4 patients compared with CAG patients (P ≤ .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of EGIT class or severity, the majority of EGITs are not associated with clot extension or migration and tend to resolve or regress. For EGIT class 1 and 2 patients, AC or AP therapy is not necessary, as 86% and 60%, respectively, resolved with observation alone by 4 weeks. For EGIT 3, 68% resolved or regressed regardless of AC or AP use. The majority of EGIT 4 were remote calf vein DVTs. EGIT 3 and 4 associated with the saphenofemoral/popliteal junction are rare. When compared with CAG patients, proximal thigh diameters and treatment lengths were larger and longer in EGIT 1 and 2 patients. Catheter proximity to the junction was not associated with a higher incidence of EGIT formation.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Incompetent Short Saphenous Vein: a Case Series

Short saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence proved to be an obstacle in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) treatment in the endovascular era. In our study, we used to prove that radiofrequency ablation could be done safely with low incidence of side effects. In this prospective case series study, 34 patients suffered from leg varicosity (either primary or recurrent) attended to outpatient clinic and were referred for duplex scan to ensure SSV incompetency. SSV ablation was done using radiofrequency catheter. Operative findings were recorded, and patients were followed for up to 12 months post-surgical procedure to look for complications or recurrences. Successful obliteration of short saphenous vein was done in 52 legs with mean diameter 4.9 SD 1.0 mm and operative time 37.5 SD 13.7 min, the incidence of sural nerve paresthesia was 9%, and no reported cases with DVT. On 12-month follow-up, VCSS reduced significantly from 13 (IQR 12) to 3 (IQR 6) and AVVQ reduced significantly from 27.1 (IQR 18.8) to 5.6 (IQR 7.2); the rate of short saphenous vein obliteration was 98.1% at 6 months and 94.2% at 12 months. Radiofrequency ablation can be recommended for patients with incompetent SSV.

A Rare Case of Pulmonary Thromboembolism without Deep Vein Thrombosis after Nonthermal Nontumescent Ablative Methods for Varicose Vein Surgery

The NTNT ablative method for varicose vein surgery is characterized by low-difficulty, minimally invasive and fast recovery and make surgeon suppose its very low risks of any major complications. We present a case of PTE without DVT confirmed by ultrasonography and CT angiography (CTA) after NTNT ablative methods for varicose vein surgery.

Evaluating patient preferences for thermal ablation versus nonthermal, nontumescent varicose vein treatments

OBJECTIVE

To measure patient preferences for attributes associated with thermal ablation and nonthermal, nontumescent varicose vein treatments.

METHODS

Data were collected from an electronic patient preference survey taken by 70 adult participants (aged 20 years or older) at three Center for Vein Restoration clinics in New Jersey from July 19, 2019, through August 13, 2019. Survey participation was voluntary and anonymous (participation rate of 80.5% [70/87]). Patients were shown 10 consecutive screens that displayed three hypothetical treatment scenarios with different combinations of six attributes of interest and a none option. Choice-based conjoint analysis estimated the relative importance of different aspects of care, trade-offs between these aspects, and total satisfaction that respondents derived from different healthcare procedures. Market simulation analysis compared clusters of attributes mimicking thermal ablation and nonthermal, nontumescent treatments.

RESULTS

Of the six attributes studied, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures were the most important to patients (37.2%), followed by postoperative discomfort (17.1%), risk of adverse events (16.3%), time to return to normal activity (11.0%), number of injections (10.0%), and number of visits (8.4%). Patients were willing to pay the most to avoid postoperative discomfort ($68.9) and risk of adverse events ($65.8). The market simulation analysis found that, regardless of the level of OOP spending, 60% to 80% of respondents favored attribute combinations corresponding with nonthermal, nontumescent procedures over thermal ablation, and that less than 1% of participants would forgo either treatment under no cost sharing.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients are highly sensitive to OOP costs for minimally invasive varicose vein treatments. Market simulation analysis favored nonthermal, nontumescent procedures over thermal ablation.

Venous Ablation

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common and a highly prevalent vascular disorder, that occurs as a result of venous reflux owing to defective venous valves, which in turn causes venous hypertension with significant symptom burden that can interfere with quality of life. Therapeutic strategy involves lowering the venous pressure by lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and conventional catheter-based thermal ablation and novel nonthermal, nontumescent techniques of ablating the affected veins.

Two-year results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing Mechanochemical endovenous Ablation to RADiOfrequeNcy Ablation in the treatment of primary great saphenous vein incompetence (MARADONA trial)

OBJECTIVE

Endothermal techniques have proved to be effective for treatment of incompetent truncal veins. The tumescentless mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) technique has become an alternative treatment modality, but its outcome with regard to endothermal techniques is still unclear.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial was designed comparing MOCA with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat great saphenous vein incompetence with the hypothesis that MOCA is associated with less postprocedural pain and a comparable anatomic and clinical success rate at 1-year follow-up. Disease-specific quality of life and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured using questionnaires. Inclusion was terminated prematurely because reimbursement was suspended.

RESULTS

A total of 213 patients (46.3% of intended number of patients) were randomized, of whom 209 were treated (105 in the MOCA group and 104 in the RFA group). Overall median pain scores during the first 14 days were lower after MOCA (0.2 vs 0.5 after RFA; P = .010), although the absolute difference was small. At 30 days, similar complication numbers (MOCA, n = 62; RFA, n = 63) and HRQoL scores (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire: MOCA, 8.9; RFA, 7.6; P = .233) were observed. Hyperpigmentation was reported in seven patients in the MOCA group and two patients in the RFA group (P = .038). In the MOCA group, there were four complete failures (3.8%) compared with none in the RFA group (P = .045), although in one patient at 1 year, the vein showed occlusion. Median 30-day Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was significantly lower at 30 days after MOCA (1.0 vs 2.0 in the RFA group; P = .001), whereas VCSS was comparable at baseline (MOCA, 4.0; RFA, 5.0; P = .155). The 1- and 2-year anatomic success rate was lower after MOCA (83.5% and 80.0%) compared with RFA (94.2% and 88.3%; P = .025 and .066), mainly driven by partial recanalizations. After 2 years of follow-up, no differences were observed in the number of complete failures. Similar clinical success rates at 1 year (MOCA, 88.7%; RFA, 93.2%; P = .315) and 2 years (MOCA, 93.0%; RFA, 90.4%; P = .699) and no differences in HRQoL scores on the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire at 1 year (MOCA, 7.5; RFA, 7.0; P = .753) and 2 years (MOCA, 5.0%; RFA, 4.8%; P = .573) were observed. There were two cardiac serious adverse events, a ventricular fibrillation in the MOCA group (1 year) and an unstable angina in the RFA group (2 years). One deep venous thrombosis occurred in the RFA group on 1-year duplex ultrasound, without clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral treatment with MOCA in the short term resulted in less postoperative pain but more hyperpigmentation compared with RFA and a faster improvement in VCSS. More anatomic failures were reported after MOCA, mostly driven by partial recanalizations, but both techniques were associated with similar clinical outcomes at 1 year and 2 years.

European College of Phlebology guideline for truncal ablation

Background

The purpose of the guideline was to achieve consensus in the care and treatment of patients with chronic venous disease, based on current evidence.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, and the Cochrane library up until 1 February 2019. Additional relevant literature were added through checking of references. Level of evidence was graded through the GRADE scale and recommendations were concluded.

Results

For the treatment of great and small saphenous vein reflux, endovenous ablation with laser or radiofrequency was recommended in preference to surgery or foam sclerotherapy. If tributaries are to be treated it should be done in the same procedure. Treatment with mecanicochemical ablation and glue can be used but we still need long term follow up results.

Conclusion

For the treatment of truncal varicosities, endovenous ablation with laser or radiofrequency combined with phlebectomies is recommended before surgery or foam.

Endovenous Glue-Induced Thrombosis in Nonthermal Glue Closure Therapy for Greater Saphenous Vein Insufficiency: A Single-Center Experience

A retrospective analysis of endovenous glue-closure therapy (EVGC) performed in 76 greater saphenous veins (GSVs) from February 2016 to December 2017 was conducted to assess the incidence and characteristics of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT), a phenomenon unique to nonthermal EVGC for GSV insufficiency. Kabnick and Lawrence classifications for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis were adopted. Seven instances of EGIT were detected among 54 patients (13%), with median/mode Kabnick and Lawrence classifications of 2/2 and 4/5, respectively. EGIT resolved with observation within an average of 5.2 wk after detection (range, 2-8 wk) without deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. EGIT was associated with significantly greater mean age (+7.75 y; P = .0308).

Endovenous Management of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a very common condition and have been the subject of a recent proliferation of treatment modalities. The advent of the endovenous treatment era has led to a confusing array of different techniques that can be daunting when making the transition from traditional surgery. All modalities offer excellent results in the right situation, and each has its own treatment profile. Thermal ablation techniques have matured and have a reassuring and reliable outcome, but the arrival of nonthermal techniques has delivered further options for both patient and surgeon. This article provides an overview of the different treatment devices and modalities available to the modern superficial vein surgeon and details the currently available evidence and summation analysis to help surgeons to make an appropriate treatment choice for their patients.