Predictive factors for changes in remnant stump length during and after the treatment of incompetent truncal saphenous veins using cyanoacrylate

INTRODUCTION

The VenaSeal™ Closure System is a non-thermal, non-tumescent venous closure device that employs a cyanoacrylate adhesive to occlude incompetent veins for superficial truncal reflux. The aim was to examine patient, Duplex-defined venous characteristics and treatment-related factors that may predict variances in remnant stump length at the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions in the peri-procedural period.

METHODS

A total of 73 patients (87 legs; 85 great saphenous veins; 11 small saphenous veins) of median age 63 years (range 26-86 years) underwent VenaSeal™ Closure System ablation. 44/85 (52%) great saphenous veins were treated with a modified instructions-for-use technique of using double-dose injection of glue (0.3 cc) at initial deposition for great saphenous veins diameters >6 mm. Median great saphenous veins and small saphenous veins lengths ablated were 48.0 cm (range 13-69 cm) and 32.0 cm (range 19-40 cm), respectively. A total of 62/87 (71.3%) legs had CEAP classification 4-6. A completion Duplex scan was performed immediately and 1 week post-procedure to measure remnant stump lengths at the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions. Multivariate regression modelling was used to look for predictors of remnant stump length.

RESULTS

Mean sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions stump lengths immediately post procedure were 33.0 mm (range 0-58 mm) and 27 mm (range 5-33 mm), -17.0 mm and -23.0 mm less than the expected 50-mm baseline length, respectively. At 1 week post-procedure, mean sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions stump lengths were 25.0 mm and 25.0 mm, respectively, the former found to be shorter compared to immediately post-procedure (25 mm vs 33 mm; p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found larger upper thigh great saphenous veins diameter at sapheno-femoral junction to be predictive of shorter remnant stump lengths immediately post-procedure (<30 mm stump distance). Larger sapheno-femoral junction diameters and pre-existing ischemic heart disease for the sapheno-femoral junction and larger small saphenous veins diameters and age for the sapheno-popliteal junction were predictive of interval shortening of the measured remnant lengths found at the completion of the procedure and 1 week later. Initial double-dosing application of glue was not found to be predictive of shorter stump lengths.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing VenaSeal™ Closure System ablation for superficial truncal reflux, larger upper thigh great saphenous veins diameters predicted shorter remnant sapheno-femoral junction stump lengths immediately post-procedure. Comparing stump lengths at one week to immediately after procedure, larger sapheno-femoral junctions and ischemic heart disease predicted shorter stump lengths at the sapheno-femoral junction, while larger small saphenous vein diameters predicted shorter stump lengths at the sapheno-popliteal junction.

Treatment of lower limb ischaemia in patients with diabetes

Diabetic chronic limb-threatening ischaemia is a challenging clinical problem with patients at high risk of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) and limb loss. Patients often remain asymptomatic even in the presence of severe pedal ischaemia until first presenting with tissue loss such as DFU or frank gangrene. Limb salvage units should have the facilities and expertise to provide multidisciplinary team-based holistic care through best medical therapy, rapid diagnosis, prompt revascularisation with endovascular or open surgical techniques and expert wound management. Endovascular revascularisation has become the first line strategy in contemporary clinical practice because of similar outcomes in wound healing and amputation rates in most patients when compared with open surgery. The primary goal is restoration of pulsatile in-line blood flow to the ankle or foot, with an angiosome-directed approach possibly achieving superior outcomes especially in diabetics with poor collaterals. A comprehensive overview of conventional endovascular techniques (such as antegrade true lumen and subintimal approaches), advanced techniques for complex disease (such as retrograde subintimal and pedal-plantar loop approaches or even deep venous arterialisation) and the various treatment options are described. Diabetic limb salvage rates can be excellent with suitable multidisciplinary expertise and care.

Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy, an alternative to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy is a new addition to the treatment modalities available for varicose veins. As a modification of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy has been purported to offer higher complete ablation rates and an improved safety profile. The aim of this study is to appraise the current literature on the outcomes of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy compared to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in chronic venous insufficiency.

METHODS

The review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from studies that reported the outcomes of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy were extracted, to determine the pooled proportion of complete ablation rates, using a random effect meta-analysis model.

RESULTS

A total of 62 studies, involving 3689 patients, were included in the systematic review. Higher rates of complete ablation were reported in catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy compared to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy during the short- and medium-term follow-ups (Relative Risk = 1.06, Relative Risk = 1.15, Relative Risk = 1.19, p < 0.05). Fewer major and minor complications were also reported in patients who underwent catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (Relative Risk = 0.23, Relative Risk= 0.43-0.76, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy has been demonstrated to have many advantages over ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, offering superior complete ablation rates in the short-, medium- and long-term follow-ups. It also has a better safety profile, conferring a lower risk of major and minor complications. The conclusions should however be viewed in the context of significant limitations imposed by limited study data.

Compression therapy following ClariVein® ablation therapy: a randomised controlled trial of COMpression Therapy Following MechanO-Chemical Ablation (COMMOCA)

BACKGROUND

Endovenous treatment of varicose veins has increased in popularity over the last decade. There remains, however, a degree of uncertainty regarding the role of compression bandaging or hosiery following this intervention. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence Guideline Development Group has advocated further research to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this post-procedure intervention. In addition to this, the duration of compression bandaging also warrants clarification.

METHODS

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Singhealth Centralised Institutional Review Board (CIRB Ref: 2017/2710). Consent to enter the study will be sought from each participant only after a full explanation has been given, an information leaflet offered and time allowed for consideration. Signed participant consent will be obtained. Patients will be randomised to either compression (group A) or no compression (group B). The primary aim of the study is to assess the patient's pain scores for the first 10 days post procedure using a visual analogue scale. Secondary aims include an assessment of patient compliance with compression, quality of life scores, clinical effectiveness, rates of bruising and phlebitis, time taken to return to normal activities, patient satisfaction and occlusion rate at 6 months.

DISCUSSION

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of compression therapy in patients having mechano-chemical ablation (MOCA) therapy for truncal incompetence of their varicose veins using the ClariVein® device. This study may provide clarification on the role of compression therapy in patients undergoing MOCA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03685838. Registered on 26 September 2018.

Helical stent (SUPERA™) and drug-coated balloon (Passeo-18 Lux™) for recurrent cephalic arch stenosis: Rationale and design of arch V SUPERA-LUX Study

BACKGROUND

The treatment options for cephalic arch stenosis are limited and standard of care remains at crossroads - none are ideal and there is currently no gold standard. Endovascular techniques are now the preferred primary therapeutic option because they are minimally invasive and better tolerated by haemodialysis patients who have multiple comorbidities. However, conventional plain old balloon angioplasty, bare metal stenting and stent grafts all have their limitations. The aim of this trial is to evaluate whether the helical SUPERA™ stent (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), which has a higher degree of flexibility and resistance to compressive forces compared to traditionally laser-cut nitinol stents, combined with a drug-coated balloon (Biotronik Passeo-18 Lux™) to minimize the neointimal hyperplasia effect, can improve patency and reduce reintervention rates.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Arch V SUPERA-LUX is a pilot investigator-initiated single-centre, single-arm prospective study. Twenty patients with a brachiocephalic fistula within 6 months of initial plain old balloon angioplasty for significant cephalic arch stenosis will be recruited for treatment with SUPERA and drug-coated balloon. The primary objectives are immediate angiographic and procedural success, primary patency and functional fistula at 1 week, 8 weeks, 6 and 12 months. The results from eight patients treated prospectively as proof of concept have shown primary patency of 83.3% at 1 year with 100% technical and procedural success rates. Enrolment for the Arch V SUPERA-LUX study is expected to be completed at the end of 2019.

CONCLUSION

The Arch V SUPERA-LUX study is the first trial to evaluate whether SUPERA stent implantation and drug-coated balloon use can provide superior protection against restenosis compared to traditional angioplasty, bare metal stents and stent grafts in recurrent cephalic arch stenosis. Initial pilot results are encouraging but longer follow-up is required to truly test this technique.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03891693.

Retrograde technique for great saphenous vein ablation using the VenaSeal™ closure system – Ideal approach for deep seated or small below the knee refluxing truncal veins

Objectives

The VenaSeal™ closure system (Medtronic, Galway, Ireland) is a novel non-thermal, non-tumescent ablative device that induces endovenous closure by inducing fibrosis of the truncal superficial vein. The conventional IFU antegrade technique is straightforward except when the great saphenous vein is small at the planned access site below the knee, deep, or steeply traverses the fascia making passage of the introducer wire to the groin difficult. We describe our technique for retrograde great saphenous vein puncture, which mitigated these access problems and assessed the effectiveness and outcomes.

Methods

Fourteen patients (14 legs; 14 great saphenous vein) underwent VenaSeal™ ablation via a retrograde puncture, all for great saphenous vein incompetence; 10/14 (71.4%) had C4–C5 disease. Retrograde puncture introduces the VenaSeal™ catheter in a cranial-caudal manner, with the designated puncture site at the most proximal point of the great saphenous vein reflux. Patients were reviewed at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12-months post-procedure. Post-operative outcomes and complications were recorded, along with patient satisfaction.

Results

The most common reason for a retrograde puncture approach was the small great saphenous vein calibre below the knee, in 9/14 (64.3%) patients. There was 100% technical success, with no major complications from the procedure; 11/14 (78.6%) patients tolerated the procedure under local anaesthesia without any sedation. There was 100% Duplex-occlusion rate at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12-months post-procedure.

Conclusion

The retrograde puncture technique for the VenaSeal™ Closure system is safe and effective in ablating the great saphenous vein in patients who are not amendable to the conventional antegrade puncture approach. Patients tolerated this procedure without additional mean operative time and minimal complications. More extensive studies with longer follow-up periods are required to validate the long-term outcomes of this technique.

A comparison between Caucasian and Asian superficial venous anatomy and reflux patterns – Implications for potential precision endovenous ablation therapy

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences between predominantly Caucasians and Asians from two disparate cohorts around the globe, with regard to their pre-operative venous reflux patterns and truncal vein characteristics, which could potentially help clinicians tailor venous treatment for chronic venous insufficiency on a more individualised basis in different parts of the world.

Methods

A total of 200 lower limb chronic venous insufficiency duplex studies (127 Singaporean (predominantly Asian) patients) and 200 lower limb chronic venous insufficiency duplex scans (137 Americans predominantly Caucasians) were analysed and compared for differences in venous anatomy and reflux characteristics.

Results

Asian patients from Singapore presented with higher CEAP scores compared to the predominantly Caucasian cohort from the US (30% CEAP 4a or greater vs. 17.5%; p < 0.01). Singaporeans had more great saphenous vein reflux starting at the sapheno-femoral junction (86% vs. 73%; p < 0.01) and ending at the ankle (93% vs. 46%; p < 0.01). Vein diameters were generally larger in the US cohort of patients (median 5.7 mm vs. 2.9 mm; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The predominantly Asian cohort from Singapore had smaller diameter truncal veins, longer segments of truncal vein reflux and present later with more advanced chronic venous insufficiency compared to their American counterparts. This information could help tailor endovenous ablation on a more individualised basis in the future.

The smart negative pressure (SNaP) wound care system: A case series from Singapore

The Smart Negative Pressure (SNaP) wound care system is a novel device that is single-patient use, ultra-portable, and light weight and does not rely on battery or need recharging. A systematic search was performed on major databases to identify relevant articles including case reports, retrospective case series, and randomised controlled trials. Ten studies were identified, showing that the SNaP wound care system is an effective tool in treating small-sized wounds and may serve as an alternative to current electrically powered modalities. Furthermore, the system's small size and convenience leads to greater patient satisfaction and improves quality of life. Finally, we report our initial positive experiences with two cases in our institution. Although the evidence thus far has been encouraging, and patient satisfaction is higher than other wound care systems, further evidence is required to determine its superiority over current systems in terms of wound-healing outcomes.

Case report of a type III endoleak presenting only decades after endovascular aortic repair

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Late type III endoleak is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication post endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

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They can present only decades after surgery, even after an extended complication-free period.

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First line treatment often employs an endovascular approach to realign the endoleak with additional stent-grafts.

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Current long-term data for EVAR-related complications highlights the need for life-long stent-graft surveillance.

Introduction: Type III endoleaks are a rare but potentially life-threatening complication post endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Case report: A 91-year-old Chinese female, presented to our accident and emergency department for severe back and abdominal pain. She had previously undergone an EVAR procedure twenty years ago for a 6.5 cm diameter infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm. A CT aortogram revealed a type III endoleak, with the contralateral limb found to be disconnected from the main graft body. She was successfully treated by relining the graft using an endovascular technique.

Discussion: The case highlights the need for life-long stent-graft surveillance. We discuss early generation stent-grafts, type III endoleak treatment options and the current long-term data for late EVAR-related complications.

Conclusion: For patients who had undergone EVAR, type III endoleaks can present only decades later and pose a significant risk of aneurysmal rupture.

Endovenous cyanoacrylate glue to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency—Experience gained from our first 100+ truncal venous ablations in a multi-ethnic Asian population using the Medtronic VenaSeal™ Closure System

Objectives

The aim of this prospective single-centre study is to assess the effectiveness and patient experience of the VenaSeal™ Closure System, a novel non-thermal, non-tumescent catheter technique, which uses cyanoacrylate glue to occlude the refluxing truncal superficial veins to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, in a multi-ethnic Asian population from Singapore.

Methods

Seventy-seven patients (93 legs; 103 procedures) underwent VenaSeal™ Closure System ablation. Forty-nine (63.6%) for great saphenous vein incompetence, 16 (20.8%) bilateral great saphenous vein, 2 (2.6%) small saphenous vein and 10 (13.0%) combined unilateral great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein/anterior thigh vein reflux. In addition, 65/93 legs (69.9%) had C4–C6 disease. Patients were reviewed at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months post-procedure.

Results

There was 100% technical success. 28/77 (36.4%) underwent concomitant phlebectomies. All procedures were well tolerated with a mean post-operative pain score of 3.0 (range: 0–5). After three months, median patient satisfaction was 9.0 (interquartile range: 7.0–10.0). At two-week follow-up, the great saphenous vein was completely occluded in 88/88 (100%) veins and small saphenous vein completely closed in 11/11 (100%) veins. At three-month follow-up, the great saphenous vein was occluded in 51/53 (96.2%) veins and small saphenous vein completely closed in 5/5 (100%) veins. At six-month follow-up, the great saphenous vein was completely occluded in 42/45 (93.3%) veins and small saphenous vein completely closed in 5/7 (71.4%) veins. At one year, great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein occlusion rates were 54/59 (91.5%) and 5/8 (62.5%), respectively. There was one deep vein thrombosis. Transient superficial phlebitis was reported in 10/93 (10.8%) legs, which were all self-limiting. There were 9/103 (8.7%) anatomical recurrences, but no patients required re-intervention as they were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Cyanoacrylate glue is a safe and efficacious modality to ablate refluxing saphenous veins in Asian patients in the short term. There is a high satisfaction rate and peri-procedural pain is low. Early results are promising but further evaluation and longer term follow-up are required.

ClariVein™ - One year results of mechano-chemical ablation for varicose veins in a multi-ethnic Asian population from Singapore

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the effectiveness and patient experience of ClariVein for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in a multi-ethnic Asian population from Singapore.

METHODS

A total of 121 patients underwent mechano-chemical ablation. Patients were reviewed at an interval of one week, and at 3, 6 and 12 months post procedure and underwent Duplex ultrasound with patient satisfaction assessment.

RESULTS

At three months of follow-up, the great saphenous vein and short saphenous vein occlusion rates were 90.8% and 96.0%, respectively. At six months of follow-up, the GSV and short saphenous vein occlusion rates were 86.9% and 90.9%, respectively. At one year, great saphenous vein and short saphenous vein occlusion rates were 84.8% and 94.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early results are similar to what is described so far in the mechano-chemical ablation literature but recurrences are more than expected at one year. This is disappointing but is tempered by the fact that the majority of patients were asymptomatic and required no reintervention.

Mechanochemical Ablation for Treatment of Truncal Venous Insufficiency: A Review of the Current Literature

Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) is a nonthermal nontumescent technique used in the treatment of superficial venous disease. This review analyzed the available data on the efficacy and safety of MOCA. A systematic literature search was performed. Of 101 studies identified, 14 were suitable for inclusion. The studies were found to be heterogeneous in design, and the quality of evidence was found to be low or very low. MOCA was demonstrated to be effective in the short-term with minimal complications. Consensus guidelines and definitions of reporting outcome measures must be standardized to allow comparison with other techniques.

Midterm Outcomes From a Pilot Study of Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization for the Treatment of No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia

PURPOSE

To report the initial clinical experience with percutaneous deep vein arterialization (PDVA) to treat critical limb ischemia (CLI) via the creation of an arteriovenous fistula.

METHODS

Seven patients (median age 85 years; 5 women) with CLI and no traditional endovascular or surgical revascularization options (no-option CLI) were recruited in a pilot study to determine the safety of PDVA. All patients were diabetic; 4 had Rutherford category 6 ischemia. Six were classified at high risk of amputation based on the Society for Vascular Surgery WIfI (wound, ischemia, and foot infection) classification. The primary safety endpoints were major adverse limb events and major adverse coronary events through 30 days and serious adverse events through 6 months. Secondary objectives included clinical efficacy based on outcome measures including thermal measurement, transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (TcPO₂), clinical improvement at 6 months, and wound healing.

RESULTS

The primary safety endpoints were achieved in 100% of patients, with no deaths, above-the-ankle amputations, or major reinterventions at 30 days. The technical success rate was 100%. Two myocardial infarctions occurred within 30 days, each with minor clinical consequences. All patients demonstrated symptomatic improvement with formation of granulation tissue, resolution of rest pain, or both. Complete wound healing was achieved in 4 of 7 patients and 5 of 7 patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with a median healing time of 4.6 months (95% confidence interval 84-192). Median postprocedure peak TcPO₂ was 61 mm Hg compared to a preprocedure level of 8 mm Hg (p=0.046). At the time of wound healing, 4 of 5 of patients achieved TcPO₂ levels of >40 mm Hg. There were 2 major amputations, 1 above the knee after PDVA thrombosis and 1 below the knee for infection. Three patients died of causes unrelated to the procedure or study device at 6, 7, and 8 months, respectively. Limb salvage was 71% at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

PDVA is an innovative approach for treating no-option CLI and represents an alternative option for the "desert foot," potentially avoiding major amputation. Our results demonstrate its safety and feasibility, with promising early clinical results in this small cohort.

Assessment of Carotid Plaque Inflammation in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients-An Exploratory Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging enables the identification of inflammation within the atheroma, predominantly by USPIO uptake by macrophages present in atherosclerotic tissue. Diabetic patients, however, may have dysfunctional macrophage activity, which may affect utilization of USPIO in identifying plaque inflammation in this patient cohort.

METHODS

Fifteen diabetic and fifteen nondiabetic patients underwent USPIO-enhanced carotid MR imaging using 1.5T MR system. Pre- and post-USPIO carotid MR images were manually coregistered. The percentage decrease in the signal intensity after USPIO administration was calculated as a relative measure of the USPIO uptake.

RESULTS

Diabetic and nondiabetic patients had comparable demographics and comorbidities. The mean global, maximum quadrant, and maximum slice changes showing change in relative signal intensity as a result of USPIO administration were comparable for the two patient cohorts (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

USPIO can identify inflammatory burden with carotid atheroma in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients.