A systematic review of endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins

Insufficiency of the small saphenous vein causes 15% of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous vein varices has become a trend, and an increasing number of studies have reported the effects of different types of endovenous ablation in patients with small saphenous varicose veins. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the results of existing studies on endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins, compare its role and efficacy, and provide insights into the future development of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. A systematic review of literature published from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2022 was conducted from PubMed, Embase, and China Academic Journals full-text databases. The pre-determined inclusion criteria were clinical literature of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. Keywords included "ablation", "small saphenous vein", "lesser saphenous vein", "short saphenous vein", "xiaoyinjingmai" and "xiaorong". Of the 506 articles screened, 33 articles were included in this review: 19 articles were related to endovenous laser ablation, five were related to mechanochemical ablation, seven were related to radiofrequency ablation, and two were related to both endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation. The anatomical success rate of endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and mechanochemical ablation were 94.3%, 96.0%, and 88.1%, respectively, and the heterogeneities were all moderate. Most of the current studies are of a low-quality level of research. Hence, long-term follow-up studies and large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to obtain high-quality evidence. Although the gold standard for the treatment of small saphenous vein insufficiency remains unclear, endovenous ablation is still the recommended method.

Systematic review on the incidence and management of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis following endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) and evaluate its management after endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies with at least 100 patients who underwent great saphenous vein endovenous thermal ablation and had duplex ultrasound follow-up within 30 days. Data were gathered on the incidence of thrombotic complications and on the management of cases of EHIT. The primary outcome for the meta-analysis was EHIT types 2 to 4 and secondary outcomes were deep venous thrombotic events (which we defined as types 2-4 EHIT plus deep vein thrombosis [DVT]), DVT, and pulmonary embolism (PE). Pooled proportions were calculated using random effects modelling.

RESULTS

We included 75 studies (23,265 patients). EHIT types 2 to 4 occurred in 1.27% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74%-1.93%). Deep venous thrombotic events occurred in 1.59% (95% CI, 0.95%-2.4%). DVT occurred in 0.28% (95% CI, 0.18%-0.4%). Pulmonary embolism occurred in 0.11% (95% CI, 0.06%-0.18%). Of the 75 studies, 24 gave a description of the management strategy and outcomes for EHIT and there was inconsistency regarding its management. Asymmetrical funnel plots of studies that reported incidence of EHIT 2 to 4 and DVT suggest publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The recently published guidelines on EHIT from the Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum provide a framework to direct clinical decision-making. EHIT and other thrombotic complications occur infrequently and have a benign course.

Treatment Modalities for Small Saphenous Vein Insufficiency: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate and compare the anatomical success rates and complications of the treatment modalities for small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library on the following therapies for incompetence of SSVs: surgery, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), steam ablation, and mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA). The search found 49 articles (5 randomized controlled trials, 44 cohort studies) reporting on the different treatment modalities: surgery (n=9), EVLA (n=28), RFA (n=9), UGFS (n=6), and MOCA (n=1). A random-effects model was used to estimate the primary outcome of anatomical success, which was defined as closure of the treated vein on follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging. The estimate is reported with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes were technical success and major complications [paresthesia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)], given as the weighted means.

RESULTS

The pooled anatomical success rate was 58.0% (95% CI 40.9% to 75.0%) for surgery in 798 SSVs, 98.5% (95% CI 97.7% to 99.2%) for EVLA in 2950 SSVs, 97.1% (95% CI 94.3% to 99.9%) for RFA in 386 SSVs, and 63.6% (95% CI 47.1% to 80.1%) for UGFS in 494 SSVs. One study reported results of MOCA, with an anatomical success rate of 94%. Neurologic complications were most frequently reported after surgery (mean 19.6%) and thermal ablation (EVLA: mean 4.8%; RFA: mean 9.7%). Deep venous thrombosis was a rare complication (0% to 1.2%).

CONCLUSION

Endovenous thermal ablation (EVLA/RFA) should be preferred to surgery and foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of SSV incompetence. Although data on nonthermal techniques in SSV are still sparse, the potential benefits, especially the reduced risk of nerve injury, might be of considerable clinical importance.

Consensus for the Treatment of Varicose Vein with Radiofrequency Ablation

The objective of this paper is to introduce the schematic protocol of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. Indication: anatomic or pathophysiologic indication includes venous diameter within 2–20 mm, reflux time ≥0.5 seconds and distance from the skin ≥5 mm or subfascial location. Access: it is recommended to access at or above the knee joint for great saphenous vein and above the mid-calf for small saphenous vein. Catheter placement: the catheter tip should be placed 2.0 cm inferior to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis ≥class III should be treated with low-molecular weight heparin. Tumescent solution: the composition of solution can be variable (e.g., 2% lidocaine 20 mL+500 mL normal saline+bicarbonate 2.5 mL with/without epinephrine). Infiltration can be done from each direction. Ablation: two cycles’ ablation for the first proximal segment of saphenous vein and the segment with the incompetent perforators is recommended. The other segments should be ablated one time. During RF energy delivery, it is recommended to apply external compression. Concomitant procedure: It is recommended to do simultaneously ambulatory phlebectomy. For sclerotherapy, it is recommended to defer at least 2 weeks. Post-procedural management: post-procedural ambulation is encouraged to reduce the thrombotic complications. Compression stocking should be applied for at least 7 days. Minor daily activity is not limited, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 2 weeks. It is suggested to take showers after 24 hours and tub baths, swimming, or soaking in water after 2 weeks.

Single-visit endovenous laser treatment and tributary procedures for symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins

INTRODUCTION

Endovenous ablation of saphenous varicose veins has decreased morbidity and recovery time compared with open surgery. This study assessed the outcome and mid-term patient satisfaction of single-visit endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) alone, EVLT combined with phlebectomies and endovenous chemical ablation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients (n=91) in 2008-2009 who underwent single-visit day-case EVLT using local anaesthesia under a single surgeon. Postoperative venous ultrasonography at 2 and 14 months was reviewed. A telephone questionnaire was carried out to assess recurrence of symptoms and quality of life at 42 months.

RESULTS

Overall, 124 limbs underwent day-case EVLT under local anaesthesia using an 810nm diode laser at a continuous setting of 14W. Forty-eight of these underwent EVLT alone while fifty underwent EVLT with phlebectomies and twenty-six underwent EVLT with endovenous chemical ablation. Ninety-one per cent of limbs underwent two-month postoperative imaging. All had satisfactory great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation (anterior thigh vein patency: n=1). The majority (84%) of limbs underwent 14-month imaging with a 98% GSV ablation rate. Three per cent had anterior thigh vein and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Recurrence of GSV patency and reflux was <1%. The response rate to the questionnaire was 60%: 95% of respondents confirmed improvement following treatment, 62% remained symptom free at 42 months while 65% of patients with a return of symptoms deemed them mild. The questionnaire was scored out of 56 for symptoms and quality of life. Those with symptoms scored significantly higher.

CONCLUSIONS

At 42 months, the majority of limbs remained asymptomatic. The short-term GSV ablation rates were excellent. Overall mid-term review of patients has shown a well received single-visit service with concomitant phlebectomy or endovenous ablation, and good ablation and patient satisfaction rates.

Endolaser venoso: estudo série de casos

OBJETIVOS: Relatar nossa experiência de 14 meses, comparando o uso do laser 980 nm com fibra axial com o laser 1.470 nm com fibra radial. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados prontuários de 215 pacientes e comparados resultados de utilização do laser diodo 980 nm com fibra axial e laser diodo 1.470 nm com fibra radial, com e sem infiltração intumescente, respectivamente , analisando porcentagem de oclusão das safenas e complicações. RESULTADOS: Foram tratadas 294 pernas de 215 pacientes. Desse total, 141 casos (65,6%) (192 membros) foram submetidos ao tratamento com laser 980, e 74 casos (34,4%) (102 membros), com o 1.470. Houve ablação completa, com fechamento de 100% em 138 (97,9%) casos para o laser 980 e em 73 (98,6%) casos para o 1.470 (p = 0,999). Houve persistência de dor pós-operatória, necessitando analgésicos num período superior a 7 dias, em 4,3% dos pacientes (seis casos) tratados com o laser 980 e em 5,4% (quatro casos) tratados com 1.470 (p = 0,740). Não houve nenhum caso de hipercromia, trombose venosa profunda ou tromboembolismo pulmonar. Parestesias no trajeto da safena ocorreram em 2,17% dos pacientes tratados com o laser 980 e em 4% dos tratados com o 1.470. CONCLUSÃO: Nossa experiência inicial mostra uma boa efetividade quanto ao fechamento das safenas com laser, poucas complicações pós-operatórias, sendo encontrados resultados semelhantes com ambos os tipos de laser.

Clinical and duplex-sonographic outcomes of 1,320-nm endovenous laser treatment for saphenous vein incompetence

BACKGROUND

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) can be performed using different wavelengths with different absorption rates and characteristics, but limited data are available regarding wavelength-related side effects and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1,320-nm EVLT for treating saphenous vein incompetence.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A 1-year retrospective study was performed using clinical and Duplex-sonographic follow-up data from patients treated using an 810-nm or 1,320-nm laser.

RESULTS

The difference in clinical improvement after EVLT between the two groups was statistically significant. Improvement in venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was greater in the 1,320-nm group than in the 810-nm group, but improvement in Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Ultrasonography-proven recanalization rates 1 year after surgery were 11.1% for the 810-nm group and 6.5% for the 1,320 nm group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

EVLT using a 1,320-nm laser had better clinical outcomes and lower recurrence and recanalization rates than EVLT with an 810-nm laser.

Surgery and endovenous techniques for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins: a review of the literature

In 15% of all patients, varicosis is caused by insufficiency of the small saphenous vein (SSV). In the past it was common to entirely remove the SSV by surgical procedure; however, recently minimally invasive techniques have taken over a significant number of varicose vein treatments. The aim of this paper is a review of the literature of all treatment modalities of the insufficient SSV. The search aimed to identify all papers published describing one or more treatments for SSV insufficiency. International literature databases were searched through for articles eligible for this review. Articles describing one or more treatment techniques for SSV insufficiency were eligible for this review. Also studies describing SSV as well as greater saphenous vein were included as long as they made a clear distinction in their results between the two groups. Studies were excluded if they did not use ultrasound examination to qualify outcome, as this is the golden standard to evaluate venous insufficiency. Seventeen articles were included in this review. Five articles on surgical treatment showed success rates varying from 24% to 100% (follow-up 1.5-60 months). Ten articles on endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) showed success rates varying from 91% to 100% (follow-up 1.5-36 months). Two articles on ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) showed success rates varying from 82% to 100% (follow-up 1.5-11 months). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in success rate of 47.8% versus 94.9% for surgery and EVLA/UGFS, respectively. Most complications for all treatment techniques were mild and self-limiting. Rates of deep venous thrombosis were not described often and in the articles that mentioned it, varied from 1.8% to 3.5% (surgery) and 2.5-5.7% for EVLA. In the absence of large, comparative randomized clinical trials, minimally invasive techniques appear to have a tendency towards better results than surgery, in the treatment of the insufficient SSV.

Surgical management of varicose veins: meta-analysis

Open surgery remains the gold standard by which endovascular treatment of superficial chronic venous insufficiency is measured. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reviews the current evidence base, comparing open and endovascular treatment of varicose veins. Systematic review of studies reporting duplex scan follow-up after open surgical, laser (endovenous laser therapy [EVLT]), or radiofrequency (VNUS Closure device, VNUS Medical Technologies, San Jose, CA) treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins was completed. Primary outcome measures were occlusion and complication rates and time taken to resume work. No significant difference in recurrence rates at 3 months between open surgery and EVLT (RR 2.19, 95% CI 0.99-4.85, p = .05) or VNUS device (RR 7.57; 95% CI 0.42-136.02) were found. Return to work is significantly faster following VNUS (by 8.24 days; 95% CI 10.50-5.97) or EVLT (by 5.02 days; 95% CI 6.52-3.52). Endovascular treatment of varicose veins is safe and effective and offers the significant advantage of rapid recovery.