A systematic review and meta-analysis of mechanochemical endovenous ablation using Flebogrif for varicose veins: A summary of evidence.
J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021;
10:248-257.e2. [PMID:
34091106 DOI:
10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.05.010]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we reviewed and analyzed the currently available data on the Flebogrif device (Balton, Warsaw, Poland) to define its role in the global varicose vein treatment devices market.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were eligible if they had included patients treated using the Flebogrif for saphenous vein incompetence, had been reported in English, and had the full text available. The methodologic quality of the studies was assessed using the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score. A random effects model was used to estimate the primary outcome of anatomic success, defined as the occlusion rate of the treated vein. The estimates are reported with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The secondary outcomes were clinical success, complication rate, pain during and after the procedure, and time to return to work.
RESULTS
A total of 392 patients are reported in the included studies. A total of 348 legs were treated with Flebogrif (in 6 patients both legs). A total of 50 patients/legs were treated with EVLA (Ammollo et al.). In conclusion, 348 Flebogrif procedures are performed in 392 patients. Four studies reported the 3-month anatomic success, and three studies reported the 12-month anatomic success. The pooled 3-month anatomic success rate was 95.6% (95% CI, 93.2%-98.0%). The 12-month anatomic success rate was 93.2% (95% CI, 90.3%-96.1%). The only major complication reported within 3 months was deep vein thrombosis, which developed in 0.3% of the patients. The minor complications of thrombophlebitis and hyperpigmentation had occurred in 13.3% to 14.5% and 3.3% to 10.0% of patients, respectively, within 3 months. The methodologic quality of the included studies was moderate.
CONCLUSIONS
Mechanochemical ablation using the Flebogrif device is a safe and well-tolerated procedure for the treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency. However, well-designed studies of sufficient sample size and follow-up are required to compare the effectiveness with other endovenous treatment modalities and define the definitive role of the Flebogrif device.
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