A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 12-Month Patency After Intervention for Iliofemoral Obstruction Using Dedicated or Non-Dedicated Venous Stents

Long-term outcomes of refractory central venous occlusive disease treated by stent deployment in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the long-term outcomes of stent deployment in the treatment of refractory central venous occlusive disease (CVOD) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS

MHD patients who were successfully treated with stenting for symptomatic CVOD that was resistant to balloon angioplasty alone were consecutively included in this retrospective study. The primary (PPR) and assisted (APR) patency rates of the central vein and hemodialysis vascular access (VA), reintervention, and survival rates after stenting were followed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the factors influencing VA abandonment and mortality.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 65 patients (52.3% male) aged 61.5 ± 13.5 years, with a mean dialysis vintage of 54.7 ± 39.1 months. During 40 (20-54) months of follow-up, symptomatic CVOD recurred in 32 (49.2%) patients, accounting for 51 secondary angioplasties, including 34 stenting procedures. The PPR and APR at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months were 81%, 52%, 47%, 41%, and 41% and 98%, 98%, 82%, 82%, and 82%, respectively. VA abandonment was noted in 10 (15.4%) patients. Six (9.2%) and 17 (26.2%) patients died due to cardiovascular conditions and all causes, respectively. The number of secondary stenting procedures was significantly associated with decreased VA abandonment [odds ratio (OR) = 0.089, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.008-0.992, p = 0.049] and all-cause mortality (OR = 0.104, 95% CI: 0.011-0.947, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Angioplasty with stenting is an effective and promising strategy for MHD patients with refractory CVOD.

Low Post-Stent Placement Iliofemoral Vein Peak Velocity by Doppler Ultrasound: Prognostic Implication for Re-Intervention in Thrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between post-stent placement peak velocity in the iliofemoral vein and re-intervention in patients with thrombotic iliac vein lesions.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Between January 2014 and February 2024, consecutive patients who received primary stent placement for thrombotic iliac vein lesions with eligible post-procedure duplex ultrasound were included. Twenty random limbs with normal duplex ultrasound findings were selected to investigate the venous peak velocities in normal limbs. Cox regression models were used to determine predictive factors for re-intervention with a hazard ratio (HR).

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (54 limbs) were included. The mean age was 41.9 ± 18.2 years, and 78.4% were female. During a median follow-up of 32.7 months, 27.7% (15/54) of limbs encountered symptom recurrence with stent malfunction and received re-intervention. There was no significant difference in CIV peak velocity between patent stented limbs and normal limbs (30.3 vs 32.0 cm/s, p = .29). However, the limbs that required re-intervention had a significantly lower CIV peak velocity (25.3 vs 32.0 cm/s, p < .001). Post-stent placement peak velocities in the iliofemoral veins were significantly associated with re-intervention. ROC analysis suggested common iliac vein (CIV) peak velocity had the highest predictive performance (area under curve = 0.76). A CIV peak velocity < 26.6 cm/s (adjusted HR 6.66; p = .016) was significantly associated with an increased re-intervention risk.

CONCLUSION

Low post-stent placement peak velocities in the iliofemoral veins were significantly associated with future re-intervention in patients with thrombotic iliac vein lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4, Case Series.

Effect of stent shape in areas of high compression on patency rates after venous recanalization in patients with chronic venous obstruction

BACKGROUND

Venous stenting of the obstructed iliofemoral veins has gained significant popularity over recent years due to its efficacy in restoring venous flow and alleviating symptoms associated with chronic venous obstruction (CVO). The success of venous stenting has been demonstrated through high patency rates, even in cases where stents are implanted in areas of high compression. These stents have been observed to adopt an elliptical shape at areas of high compression, deviating from the expected circular morphology that stents are designed to maintain. This phenomenon raises important questions about its potential impact on stent function and long-term patency rates. The objective of this study was to investigate, through a retrospective analysis, the presence and clinical impact of non-circular-shaped venous stents on patency rates.

METHODS

From December 2015 to December 2020, a cohort of 115 patients (127 limbs) diagnosed with chronic obstruction of the iliofemoral veins underwent venous angioplasty with stent implantation. Throughout follow-up visits, detailed data were collected, including patient demographics, characteristics, stent types, and ultrasound findings, while especially focusing on the shape and diameter of stents at areas of known external compression, such as the May-Thurner point and under the inguinal ligament.

RESULTS

The average follow-up duration was 21.9±8.7 months. The primary patency rate was 79.5%, with an assisted primary patency rate of 92.1% and a secondary patency rate of 96.7%. All the stents implanted were dedicated venous stents, which demonstrated favorable outcomes overall. However, during the follow-up period, 76.56% of the stents were found to have adopted an elliptical shape at areas of high external compression, regardless of the type or structure of the stent. Interestingly, neither the change in stent shape nor a reduction in stent area of less than 25% showed any statistically significant impact on the overall patency rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that changes in stent shape are to be expected at points of high external pressure. However, as long as these changes do not lead to a severe reduction in stent lumen (<25% of stent area), they do not negatively impact patency rates.

Prognostic Value of a Classification System for Iliofemoral Stenting in Patients with Chronic Venous Obstruction

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective, multicentre study aimed to assess the prognostic value of a proposed classification system for chronic venous obstruction (CVO) patients undergoing successful interventional procedures.

METHODS

This study analysed data from 13 vascular centres, including 1 033 patients with CVO treated between 2015 - 2019. The patients were classified into five category types: 1 - non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion; 2 - CVO of iliac segment; 3 - CVO of iliofemoral segment above common femoral vein confluence; 4 - CVO of iliofemoral segment extending into the femoral vein (FV) or deep femoral vein (DFV); and 5 - CVO of iliofemoral segment involving both DFV and FV. Stent deployment, complications, and follow ups were evaluated. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of primary patency loss.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 44.0 ± 14.7 years, with 59.9% being women. A median of two stents was used for unilateral cases and five stents for bilateral cases. At twelve months follow up, primary patency rates for types 1 - 5 were 94.9%, 90.3%, 80.8%, 60.6%, and 39.4%, respectively. These rates were strongly correlated with the extent of CVO and showed significant differences between each type. Univariable analysis identified predictors of primary patency loss as the type of CVO, history of deep vein thrombosis, and the total number of stents. In the multivariable analysis, the significant independent predictors of primary patency loss were the type of CVO and the total number of stents.

CONCLUSION

The proposed anatomical classification of iliofemoral CVO will help to predict intervention outcomes and facilitate comparison of stent outcomes in future studies. However, further evaluation and validation in prospective studies are needed to confirm the utility of this classification.

Quantitative 2-Dimensionsal Digital Subtraction Venography for Venous Interventions: Validation in Phantom and In Vivo Porcine Models

PURPOSE

To determine the feasibility of using a 2-dimensional quantitative digital subtraction venography (qDSV) technique that employs a temporally modulated contrast medium injection to quantify blood velocity in phantom, normal, and stenotic porcine iliac vein models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood velocity was calculated using qDSV following temporally modulated pulsed injections of iodinated contrast medium and compared with Doppler ultrasound (US) measurements (phantom, in-line sensor; in vivo, diagnostic linear probe). Phantom evaluation was performed in a compliant polyethylene tube phantom with simulated venous flow. In vivo evaluation of qDSV was performed in normal (n = 7) and stenotic (n = 3) iliac vein models. Stenoses were created using endovenous radiofrequency ablation, and blood velocities were determined at baseline, after stenosis, after venoplasty, and after stent placement.

RESULTS

In the phantom model, qDSV-calculated blood velocities (12-50 cm/s) had very strong correlations with US-measured velocities (13-51 cm/s) across a range of baseline blood velocities and injection protocols (slope, 1.01-1.13; R2 = 0.96-0.99). qDSV velocities were similar to US velocities regardless of injection method: (a) custom injector, (b) commercial injector, or (c) hand injection. In the normal in vivo model, qDSV-calculated velocities (5-18 cm/s) had strong correlation (slope, 1.22; R2 = 0.90) with US-measured velocities (3-20 cm/s). In the stenosis model, blood velocities at baseline, after stenosis, after venoplasty, and after stent placement were similar on qDSV and US at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous blood velocity was accurately quantified in a venous phantom and in vivo porcine models using qDSV. Intraprocedural changes in porcine iliac vein blood velocity were quantified with qDSV after creation of a stenosis and subsequently treating it with venoplasty and stent placement.

Indications, technical aspects, and outcomes of stent placement in chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction

BACKGROUND

Iliofemoral venous stent placement (IVS) has evolved to a well-established endovascular treatment modality for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (CIVO). Dedicated venous stents gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019 and solidified IVS as a defined intervention with clear indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and procedural management principles. This review focuses on the indications, technical aspects and outcomes of stenting for CIVO. Other aspects pertaining to IVS are covered in other articles that are a part of this series.

METHODS

This study conducted a literature search limited to English articles. Three search strategies were used, and references were managed in Covidence software. Four investigators screened and evaluated articles independently, excluding meta-analyses, clinical trial protocols, and nonrelevant studies. Eligible studies, focused on clinical outcomes and stent patencies, underwent thorough review.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1704 studies, with 147 meeting eligibility criteria after screening and evaluation. Exclusions were based on duplicates, irrelevant content, and noniliac vein stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful IVS for CIVO relies on meticulous patient selection, consistent use of intravascular ultrasound examination during procedures and attention to the technical details of IVS.

Review of the literature supporting international clinical practice guidelines on iliac venous stenting and their applicability to Australia and New Zealand practice

BACKGROUND

The overall goal of this report is to provide a high-level, practical approach to managing venous outflow obstruction (VOO).

METHODS

A group of vascular surgeons from Australia and New Zealand with specific interest, training, and experience in the management of VOO were surveyed to assess current local practices. The results were analyzed and areas of disagreement identified. After this, the group performed a literature review of consensus guidelines published by leading international organizations focused on the management of chronic venous disease, namely, the Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, European Society for Vascular Surgery, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe, and American Heart Association. These guidelines were compared against the consensus statements obtained through the surveys to determine how they relate to Australian and New Zealand practice. In addition, selected key studies, reviews, and meta-analyses on venous stenting were discussed and added to the document. A selection of statements with >75% agreement was voted on, and barriers to the guideline's applicability were identified. The final recommendations were further reviewed and endorsed by another group of venous experts.

RESULTS

The document addresses two key areas: patient selection and technical aspects of venous stenting. Regarding patient selection, patients with clinically relevant VOO, a Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Physiologic score of ≥3 or a Venous Clinical Severity Score for pain of ≥2, or both, including venous claudication, with evidence of >50% stenosis should be considered for venous stenting (Level of Recommendation Ib). Patients with chronic pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, postcoital pain affecting their quality of life, when other causes have been ruled out, should also be considered for venous stenting (Level of Recommendation Ic). Asymptomatic patients should not be offered venous stenting (Level of Recommendation IIIc). Patients undergoing thrombus removal for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, in whom a culprit stenotic lesion of >50% has been uncovered, should be considered for venous stenting (Level of Recommendation Ib).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with VOO have been underdiagnosed and undertreated for decades; however, in recent years, interest from physicians and industry has grown substantially. International guidelines aimed at developing standards of care to avoid undertreating and overtreating patients are applicable to Australia and New Zealand practice and will serve as an educational platform for future developments.

Femoral vein stenting versus endovenectomy as adjuncts to iliofemoral venous stenting in extensive chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction

PURPOSE

To compare femoral endovenectomy with the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (FE + AVF), versus iliofemoral endovenous stenting with the concurrent extended femoral vein (FV-S) stenting in patients with chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (IFVO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized prospective single-center study, 48 received (FV-S), while the other 54 had (FE + AVF).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the primary outcomes between the two groups (FV-S) and (FE + AVF) (59% vs 56.8%, 75% vs 79.1%, respectively). At a median of 13 months after the treatment. However, the FV-S group's patients experienced fewer postoperative problems (p = .012), shorter procedures (p = .001), and shorter stays in the hospital (p = .025).

CONCLUSION

There is no difference between the efficacy and symptomatic resolution of the FV-S group and the FE + AVF group at the same time, FV-S has lower postoperative complications and a shorter procedure duration and hospital stay.

RevCore thrombectomy system for treatment of chronic left external and common iliac vein stent occlusion

In recent years, deep venous stenting has increasingly become a treatment strategy for post-thrombotic syndrome. Stent thrombosis can occur, resulting in symptom recurrence despite medical therapy, and there are few options available for durable stent patency restoration. We present a case of a 50-year-old male with prior iliocaval reconstruction that experienced recurrent left lower extremity swelling secondary to occlusion of left external iliac and common iliac vein stents during follow-up. Mechanical thrombectomy with the RevCore System and angioplasty was performed. One month later, the patient demonstrated widely patent bilateral iliac vein stents and complete symptomatic resolution. The RevCore System is a feasible alternative for treatment of chronic in-stent thrombosis.

Extensive iliofemoral and femoropopliteal venous thrombosis in a young patient with iliocaval atresia

Inferior vena cava (IVC) atresia is a rare congenital anomaly. Standardized treatment is not well defined due to its uncommon presentation, with this pathology associated with an increased risk of unprovoked lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We present a case of a 32-year-old man who was admitted for bilateral lower extremity edema and pain and was found to have bilateral extensive iliofemoral and femoropopliteal DVT, absence of IVC filling, and extensive tortuous collateralization arising from the pelvic veins to the azygos vein. Bilateral mechanical thrombectomy and endovascular iliocaval reconstruction was performed. Three months later, the patient demonstrated widely patent iliocaval stents and the absence of DVT. Endovascular treatment of IVC atresia is feasible and optimizes the reduction of thrombus burden.

A comprehensive study on venous endovascular management and stenting in deep veins occlusion and stenosis: A review study

Background

Patients with deep venous disease can be classified into two distinct categories: those with disease resulting from known deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may subsequently lead to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and those with disease caused by compressive factors or non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL). The major factor causing the symptoms in patients with PTS and NIVL is venous hypertension which happens due to venous stenosis or venous obstruction. Nowadays Venous stenting offers a noninvasive approach for treatment of NIVL and PTS demonstrating high patency rate.

Methods

We comprehensively reviewed relevant published papers from 2008 to 2023 that surveyed various influencing factors including the site of occlusion and etiology of occlusions, proper diagnostic imaging, ideal characteristics of venous stents, different dedicated venous stents, pre-operative, concomitant, and post-operative interventions and factors that challenge stenting in both PTS and NIVL patients. The papers were identified by searching the keywords "venous stenting", "PTS", "NIVL", "occlusion", and "stenosis" in PubMed central library MEDLINE and Google Scholar.

Results

Patency rates, post-stent complications, and relevant data according to the patient's quality of life were included and analyzed from 476 identified studies. There is no validated protocol and guideline for using stents in patients with PTS and NIVL.

Conclusion

As there is no validated protocol and guideline for using stents in patients with PTS and NIVL, our study may provide comprehensive information to assist researchers interested in writing the protocol and give them insight.

A meta-analysis of the medium- to long-term outcomes in patients with chronic deep venous disease treated with dedicated venous stents

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the safety profile, stent patency, and clinical effectiveness of dedicated venous stents for the treatment of chronic deep venous disease. The approaches to stenting and post-procedural management of different vascular units are also explored.

METHODS

The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for pertinent literature published from January 2010 to January 2023. Outcomes related to post-stenting symptoms and health-related quality of life were described narratively. A meta analysis was conducted to evaluate stent patency, ulcer healing, bleeding, and 30-day stent thrombosis, and these outcomes were presented as proportion event rates.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were identified comprising of 2218 patients. 62.7% of individuals had post-thrombotic stenosis or occlusion. The majority of patients (78.6%) were noted to have complete occlusions of their deep veins before stenting. Eleven different dedicated venous stents were deployed. At 12 months, the primary patency rate was 83% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76%-90%), the primary-assisted patency rate was 90% (95% CI: 85%-96%), and the secondary patency rate was 95% (95% CI: 92%-98%). A significant improvement in health-related quality of life was demonstrated after intervention. In total, 68.8% (95% CI: 52.0%-83.7%) of ulcers healed at the last follow-up. The remaining symptomatic changes were described narratively; improvements in pain, venous claudication, and edema after stenting were observed. Seventeen deaths occurred, but none were linked to the stenting procedures. A total of 159 cases (7.2% of patients) of in-stent stenosis were observed, whereas 110 stents (5.0% of patients) were occluded. The incidence of major and minor bleeding was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.0%-2.5%) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.3%-5.6%), respectively, more commonly seen in patients undergoing hybrid intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep venous stenting using dedicated venous stents is a safe technique to treat chronic deep venous stenosis and/or occlusion. Within the limitations of this study, deep venous stenting is associated with good patency rates and symptomatic improvement.

Three-Year Outcomes of the Abre Venous Self-Expanding Stent System in Patients with Symptomatic Iliofemoral Venous Outflow Obstruction

PURPOSE

To report 36-month outcomes and subgroup analysis of the ABRE study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Abre venous self-expanding stent system for the treatment of symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction disease.

METHODS

The ABRE study was a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study that enrolled and implanted Abre venous stents in 200 participants (mean age 51.5 years [SD ± 15.9], 66.5% women) with symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction at 24 global sites. Outcomes assessed through 36 months included patency, major adverse events, stent migration, stent fracture, and quality-of-life changes. Adverse events and imaging studies were adjudicated by independent clinical events committee and core laboratories, respectively.

RESULTS

Primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency through 36 months by Kaplan-Meier estimates were 81.6%, 84.8%, and 86.3%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of major adverse events through 36 months was 10.2%, mainly driven by 12 thrombosis events. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a primary patency of 76.5% in the acute deep vein thrombosis group, 70.4% in the postthrombotic syndrome group, and 97.1% in the nonthrombotic iliac vein lesion group through 36 months. The overall mean lesion length was 112.4 mm (SD ± 66.1). There were no stent fractures or migrations in this study. Quality of life and venous functional assessments demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to 36 months across all patient subsets.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the ABRE study demonstrated sustained patency with a good safety profile after implantation of a dedicated venous stent in patients with symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction disease.

The background and role of catheter-directed thrombolysis evolving procedures for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis

Minimal invasive treatment such as early endovenous thrombus removal for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) emerged in the end of last century. The principle is catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) using either plasminogen activating agents alone, as ultrasound-assisted CDT, or in combination with mechanical devices as pharmaco-mechanical CDT. The interest for this treatment modality is the high rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) with anticoagulation (AC) alone, especially after iliofemoral DVT. Recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early thrombus removal with AC alone, as well as non-randomized studies, have demonstrated favorable rates, or at least a decrease of moderate and severe PTS, in favor of these procedures. This article will summarize the background and evolution of the procedures in the last three decades and discuss fundamental criteria for inclusion and exclusion, focusing on the procedures regarding thrombus age and location, technical issues, complications and results including different outcome measures for PTS, for which iliac DVT involvement is a massive risk factor to be prevented.

Iliac Stent Migration to the Right Atrium-Late Detection, a Complex Clinical Problem

•Stent migration is a rare but serious complication of venous stent placement. •No clear guidelines exist on the management of stent migration. •Multimodality imaging is vital in multidisciplinary management of venous stent migration.

Outcomes of dedicated iliac venous stents during pregnancy and postpartum

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of dedicated iliac venous stents during subsequent pregnancy and postpartum, including stent patency and stent integrity, as well as incidence of venous thromboembolism and bleeding complications.

METHODS

This study included retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients attending a private vascular practice. Women of child-bearing age who had received dedicated iliac venous stents were included in a surveillance program and then, for any subsequent pregnancies, followed the same pregnancy care protocol. This included an antithrombotic regime of 100 mg aspirin daily until gestation week 36, and subcutaneous enoxaparin at a dose dependent on risk of thrombosis: low-risk patients, those stented for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion, received a prophylactic dose of 40 mg/day from the third trimester; high-risk patients, those stented for thrombotic indication, received a therapeutic dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day from the first trimester. All women underwent follow-up with duplex ultrasound assessment of stent patency during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum.

RESULTS

Data was analyzed for a total of 10 women and 13 post-stent pregnancies. Stents were placed for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions in seven patients, and for post-thrombotic stenoses in three patients. All stents were dedicated venous stents, and four crossed the inguinal ligament. All stents remained patent during pregnancy, at 6 weeks postpartum, and latest follow-up (median time post-stent, 60 months). There were no cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and no bleeding complications. There was only one reintervention case due to in-stent thrombus, and one case of asymptomatic stent compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Dedicated venous stents performed well through pregnancy and post-partum. A protocol including the use of low dose antiplatelets in combination with anticoagulation at either a prophylactic or therapeutic dose depending on the patient's risk profile appears safe and effective.

RETRACTED: Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on venous outflow Obstruction of the femoral-iliocaval veins

BACKGROUND

The overall goal of this report is to provide a high-level, practical approach to managing venous outflow obstruction (VOO) in Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

A group of vascular surgeons from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery with specific interest, training, and experience in the management of VOO were surveyed to assess current local practice. The results were analyzed and areas of disagreement identified. Following this, the group performed a literature review of consensus guidelines published by leading international organizations focused on the management of chronic venous disease, namely the Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, European Society for Vascular Surgery, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe, and American Heart Association. These guidelines were compared against the consensus statements obtained through the surveys to determine how they relate to Australian and New Zealand practice. In addition, selected key studies, reviews, and meta-analyses on venous stenting were discussed and added to the document. Finally, a selection of statements with >75% agreement was voted on, and barriers to the guideline's applicability were identified.

RESULTS

The document addresses two key areas: patient selection and technical aspects of venous stenting. Regarding patient selection, patients with a CEAP (Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Physiologic) score of ≥3 or a venous clinical severity score for pain of ≥2, or both, and evidence of >50% stenosis on venography, computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, and/or intravascular ultrasound should be considered for venous stenting (level of recommendation Ib) Patients undergoing thrombus removal for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, in whom a culprit stenotic lesion has been uncovered, should be considered for venous stenting (level of recommendation Ib). Patients with chronic pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, postcoital pain affecting their quality of life, when other causes have been ruled out, should be considered for venous stenting (level of recommendation Ic). Asymptomatic patients should not be offered venous stenting (level of recommendation IIIc).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with deep VOO have been underdiagnosed and undertreated for decades; however, in recent years, interest from physicians and industry has grown substantially. The advent of simpler and safer treatment options has revolutionized its management, but, unfortunately, formal training for venous disease has not grown at the same rate. Simplifying the technology and training required can result in inconsistent outcomes. These guidelines are aimed at developing standards of care and will serve as an educational platform for future developments.

Case report: Iliac vein rupture during endovascular stenting in radiation-induced iliac venous stenosis

Only a few case reports in the medical literature describe radiation-induced iliac vein stenosis and endovascular therapy. We present a case of left external iliac vein stenosis resulting from radiotherapy for cervical cancer in which the iliac vein ruptured during the standard iliac vein stenting procedure. The emergency condition was resolved with the implantation of a covered stent and resuscitation with crystalloid and blood transfusion. The patient recovered without additional complications and was discharged eight days after endovascular therapy. At the six-month follow-up, the left lower limb edema had resolved completely, and the deep vein remained patent. This case might raise concerns regarding the potential risk of treating radiation-induced iliac venous stenosis, which may differ from that of a patient without a history of radiation therapy. Iliac vein rupture, iliac vein stenting, radiation-induced venous stenosis, case report.

Prevention, Diagnostics and Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Russian Experts Consensus

The guidelines are developed in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation by the all-Russian public organization «Association of Phlebologists of Russia» with participation of the Association of Cardiovascular Surgeons of Russia, the Russian Society of Surgeons, the Russian Society of Angiologists and Vascular Surgeons, the Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia, the Association of Oncologists of Russia, the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology, Russian Society of Oncohematologists, Russian Society of Cardiology, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Endovascular Repair of Iatrogenic Inferior Vena Cava and Iliac Vein Injury: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Iatrogenic injury to the large abdominopelvic veins can he highly morbid, and open surgical repair is technically challenging. Endovascular repair with covered stenting across the injured segment offers an alternative to open surgical management. We present a series of patients with operative injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and iliac veins who were treated utilizing an endovascular approach and review the available literature on this technique.

METHODS

A PubMed keyword and MeSH term search was performed, and titles were reviewed for relevance by the first author. Studies related to endovascular repair of iatrogenic injury to the IVC and iliac veins were then read in detail for possible inclusion in the review. Those deemed appropriate were further analyzed for interventional approach, stent type and size, technical success, post-procedural pharmacologic management, complications and surveillance strategy.

RESULTS

The initial search resulted in 6221 publications. A total of 17 met criteria for inclusion, all of which were case reports or series. Twenty-six patients were described as suffering iatrogenic injury to the IVC or iliac veins, treated with various types and sizes of stents. All cases achieved technical success with hemorrhage control. Procedural complications occurred in 15.4% of cases, including 3 cases of acute thrombus formation and 1 case of stenosis caudal to the initial stent edge requiring additional stenting. Two additional patients experienced stent occlusion in the surveillance period.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair of iatrogenic injury to the IVC and iliac veins can be an effective management option. However, due to limited data regarding this approach, many technical questions remain, including ideal size and type of stent graft, necessity and duration of post-procedural anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy and appropriate surveillance. Additionally, long term outcomes in this population have not yet been described.

A Systematic Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Inferior Vena Cava Stenting

OBJECTIVE

Inferior vena cava (IVC) stenting may provide benefit to patients with symptomatic obstruction; however, there are no devices currently licensed for use in the IVC and systematic reviews on the topic are lacking. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of IVC stenting in all adult patient groups.

DATA SOURCES

The Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes for safety and effectiveness of IVC stenting for any indication in series of 10 or more patients.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies were included describing 1 575 patients. Indications for stenting were malignant IVC syndrome (229 patients), thrombotic disease (807 patients), Budd-Chiari syndrome (501 patients), and IVC stenosis post liver transplantation (47 patients). The male:female ratio was 2:1 and the median age ranged from 30 to 61 years. The studies included were not suitable for formal meta-analysis as 30/33 were single centre retrospective studies with no control groups and there was considerable inconsistency in outcome reporting. There was significant risk of bias in 94% of studies. Median reported technical success was 100% (range 78 - 100%), primary patency was 75% (38 - 98%), and secondary patency was 91.5% (77 - 100%). Major complications were pulmonary embolism (three cases), stent migration (12 cases), and major bleeding (15 cases), and there were three deaths in the immediate post-operative period. Most studies reported improvement in clinical symptoms but formal reporting tools were not used consistently.

CONCLUSION

The evidence base for IVC stenting consists of predominantly single centre, retrospective, observational studies that have a high risk of bias. Nonetheless the procedure appears safe with few major adverse events, and studies that reported clinical outcomes demonstrate improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Randomised controlled trials and prospective registry based studies with larger patient numbers and standardised outcome are required to improve the evidence base for this procedure.

Medium Term Outcomes of Deep Venous Stenting in the Management of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) is a relatively rare condition associated with significant morbidity. Its management continues to evolve, with increasing use of endovascular adjuncts, such as percutaneous thrombectomy and angioplasty, in addition to first rib resection. The utility of stenting residual venous stenotic lesions is poorly defined within the literature. This study sought to review the medium term patency rates of upper limb deep venous stenting in the management of vTOS.

METHODS

A single centre, retrospective review of patients managed for vTOS with first rib resection followed by upper limb deep venous stenting between January 2012 and February 2021 was conducted. Post-procedural ultrasounds were reviewed to determine stent patency.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included, with 33 stents placed. The median duration of follow up was 50 months. On venous duplex ultrasound at three years post-operatively, primary patency rates were 66%, primary assisted patency rates were 88%, secondary patency rates were 91%, and total occlusion rates were 9%. After stent placement, 80% of patients remained asymptomatic with regard to compression symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Upper limb deep venous stenting is an effective adjunct to surgical decompression in the management of vTOS. Stent medium term patency rates are promising; however, further studies with longer follow up and larger cohorts with multicentre results are required to confirm these early findings.