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Ghanaati H, Jalali AH, Shakiba M, Zarei D, Ghavami N, Firouznia K. Long-Term Clinical and Imaging Findings in Patients with Lower Extremity Varicose Veins Treated with Endovenous Laser Treatment: A Follow-Up Study of up to 12 Years. Int J Vasc Med 2024; 2024:6829868. [PMID: 38356738 PMCID: PMC10864052 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6829868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates the long-term effectiveness and safety of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition commonly caused by dysfunctional valves in the venous circulation system. Materials and Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients underwent EVLT and were followed up for successive short intervals and one last time after a median duration of 9-year postprocedural. Pre- and postprocedure duplex ultrasound was used to assess changes in the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter, reflux, and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). Results Sixty-eight patients with a mean age of 52.4 ± 12.4 years were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up time was 8.9 ± 2.1 years, ranging from 5 to 12 years. The mean GSV diameter significantly decreased in all patients (whole group) across proximal (from 5.8 ± 2.3 mm to 4.2 ± 2.1 mm), middle (from 4.7 ± 1.6 mm to 2.8 ± 2.2 mm), and distal (from 4.5 ± 2.3 mm to 2.2 ± 2.2 mm) segments, with P < 0.001. A disease recurrence rate of 33.8% was noted, predominantly in male patients and those with larger middle GSV diameters (OR = 5.2 (95%CI = 1.3-20.4) and OR = 1.5 (95%CI = 1-2.1), respectively). The average follow-up time for patients without recurrence was 8.8 ± 2.1 years. Almost half of the patients without recurrence were followed up for 10 years or more (49%). Conclusion The efficacy of EVLT in managing varicose veins is demonstrated by its relatively low recurrence rate over a 10-year follow-up period, highlighting EVLT as a viable long-term treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ghanaati
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Jalali
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Madjid Shakiba
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Diana Zarei
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Ghavami
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kavous Firouznia
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Pappas JN, Pappas PJ, Lakhanpal S, Kennedy R, Soto T. Natural history and role of anticoagulation in the management of endovenous glue-induced thrombus. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:938-945. [PMID: 37353153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J Pappas
- Center for Vein Restoration, Greenbelt, MD; Center for Vascular Medicine, Greenbelt, MD.
| | - Sanjiv Lakhanpal
- Center for Vein Restoration, Greenbelt, MD; Center for Vascular Medicine, Greenbelt, MD
| | | | - Theresa Soto
- Center for Vein Restoration, Greenbelt, MD; Center for Vascular Medicine, Greenbelt, MD
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Shamaki GR, Soji-Ayoade D, Adedokun SD, Kesiena O, Favour M, Bolaji O, Ezeh EO, Okoh N, Sadiq AA, Baldawi H, Davis A, Bob-Manuel T. Endovascular Venous Interventions - A State-of-the-Art Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101534. [PMID: 36481393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Venous vascular diseases are an important clinical entity estimated to affect several million people worldwide. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common venous disease with a population variable prevalence of 122 to 160 persons per 100,000 per year, whereas pulmonary embolism (PE) affects up to 60 to 70 per 100 000 and carries much higher mortality. Chronic venous diseases, which cause symptoms like leg swelling, heaviness, pain, and discomfort, are most prevalent in the elderly and significantly impact their quality of life. Some estimate that chronic vascular diseases account for up to 2% of healthcare budgets in Western countries. Treating venous vascular disease includes using systemic anticoagulation and interventional therapies in some patient subsets. In this comprehensive review, we discuss endovascular treatment modalities in the management of venous vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Onoriode Kesiena
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, Athens, GA
| | - Markson Favour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lincoln Medical Centre Bronx, NY
| | - Olayiwola Bolaji
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, Largo, MD
| | | | - Nelson Okoh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers Community Hospital West Toms Rivers, NJ
| | | | - Harith Baldawi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Orleans, LA
| | - Arthur Davis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Orleans, LA
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Gloviczki P, Lawrence PF, Wasan SM, Meissner MH, Almeida J, Brown KR, Bush RL, Di Iorio M, Fish J, Fukaya E, Gloviczki ML, Hingorani A, Jayaraj A, Kolluri R, Murad MH, Obi AT, Ozsvath KJ, Singh MJ, Vayuvegula S, Welch HJ. The 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part I. Duplex Scanning and Treatment of Superficial Truncal Reflux: Endorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine and the International Union of Phlebology. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:231-261.e6. [PMID: 36326210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society collaborated to update the 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum clinical practice guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations on critical issues affecting the care of patients with varicose veins. Each recommendation is based on a recent, independent systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic tests and treatments options for patients with lower extremity varicose veins. Part I of the guidelines includes evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation of patients with CEAP (Clinical Class, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathology) class 2 varicose vein using duplex ultrasound scanning and other diagnostic tests, open surgical treatment (ligation and stripping) vs endovenous ablation techniques, thermal vs nonthermal ablation of the superficial truncal veins, and management of incompetent perforating veins in CEAP class 2 disease. We have also made recommendations on the concomitant vs staged treatment of varicose tributaries using phlebectomy or liquid or foam sclerotherapy (with physician-compounded foam or commercially prepared polidocanol endovenous microfoam) for patients undergoing ablation of incompetent superficial truncal veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gloviczki
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Gonda Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Peter F Lawrence
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Suman M Wasan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Rex Vascular Specialists, UNC Health, Raleigh, NC
| | | | - Jose Almeida
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | - Ruth L Bush
- Central Texas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX
| | | | - John Fish
- Department of Medicine, Jobst Vascular Institute, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
| | - Eri Fukaya
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | | | - Arjun Jayaraj
- RANE Center for Venous and Lymphatic Diseases, Jackson, MS
| | - Raghu Kolluri
- Heart and Vascular Service, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Evidence-Based Practice Research Program, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Biscetti F, Cecchini AL, Rando MM, Nardella E, Gasbarrini A, Massetti M, Flex A. Principal predictors of major adverse limb events in diabetic peripheral artery disease: A narrative review. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2021; 46:1-14. [PMID: 36643723 PMCID: PMC9833249 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus is causing a massive growth of peripheral artery disease incidences, a disabling complication of diabetic atherosclerosis, which leads often to the amputation of the affected limb. Critical limb ischemia is the terminal disease stage, which requires a prompt intervention to relieve pain and save limbs. However, patients undergoing revascularization often suffer from cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and major adverse limb events with poor outcomes. Furthermore, the same procedure performed in apparently similar patients has various outcomes and lack of an outcome predictive support causes a high lower limb arterial revascularization rate with disastrous effects for patients. We collected the main risk factors of major adverse limb events in a more readable and immediate format of the topic, to propose an overview of parameters to manage effectively peripheral artery disease patients and to propose basics of a new predictive tool to prevent from disabling vascular complications of the disease. Methods Most recent and updated literature about the prevalence of major adverse limb events in peripheral artery disease was reviewed to identify possible main predictors. Results In this article, we summarized major risk factors of limb revascularization failure and disabling vascular complications collecting those parameters principally responsible for major adverse limb events, which provides physio-pathological explanation of their role in peripheral artery disease. Conclusion We evaluated and listed a panel of possible predictors of MALE (Major Adverse Limb Event) in order to contribute to the development of a predictive score, based on a summary of the main risk factors reported in scientific articles, which could improve the management of peripheral artery disease by preventing vascular accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Biscetti
- Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy,Corresponding author. Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine Unit. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | | | - Maria Margherita Rando
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Nardella
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Massetti
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Flex
- Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Pappas PJ, Lakhanpal S, Nguyen KQ, Fernandez E, Sufian S. Extended Center for Vein Restoration study assessing comparative outcomes for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency in Medicare- and non-Medicare-eligible patients. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9:1426-1436.e2. [PMID: 33965612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that chronic venous insufficiency treatment of Medicare-eligible patients achieved outcomes similar to those for non-Medicare-eligible patients. The goal of the present investigation was to assess the long-term treatment outcomes and the effect of race in a larger patient cohort. METHODS From January 2015 to December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the data from 131,268 patients who had presented for a lower extremity venous evaluation. We divided the patients into two groups by age: group A was aged ≥65 years and group B, <65 years. The treatments analyzed in each group were axial thermal ablation (TA), axial Varithena ablation (VA), TA plus phlebectomy, VA plus phlebectomy, and TA or VA with phlebectomy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The treatment outcomes were assessed using the revised venous clinical severity score (rVCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life 20-item questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) scores at the initial consultation and 1, 6, and 12 months after completion of the treatment plan. RESULTS Of the 131,268 patients, 40,020 were in group A and 91,248 in group B, with an average age of 74.4 ± 6.6 and 49.9 ± 10.6 years, respectively. Of the 40,020 patients in group A, 15,697 (n = 25,234 limbs) had undergone TA and 1910 (n = 3222 limbs) had undergone VA. Of the 91,248 patients in group B, 35,220 (n = 53,717 limbs) had undergone TA and 2178 (n = 3672 limbs) had undergone VA. For the TA subgroups, all rVCSSs had significantly improved after treatment at each evaluation point (P ≤ .001). For the TA and VA plus phlebectomy with or without UGFS subgroup, the older patients (group A) required 6 months to develop the same degree of improvement as the younger patients (group B) at 1 month. When subdivided by race, all initial and 6-month rVCSSs and CIVIQ-20 scores within a race had improved and were better in group B, except for Asian and Hispanic patients (P ≤ .001). After TA or VA plus phlebectomy, with or without UGFS, the CIVIQ-20 outcomes had improved by 1 month in both groups, although the rVCSS lagged by 6 months in group A. No differences in the rVCSSs or CIVIQ-20 scores were observed between the groups treated with TA or VA. CONCLUSIONS Medicare-eligible beneficiaries demonstrated improved outcomes similar to those of non-Medicare-eligible beneficiaries after ablation. When TA or VA plus phlebectomy with or without UGFS were examined, group A required 6 months to demonstrate rVCSSs equivalent to those of group B at 1 month. The CIVIQ-20 scores had improved by 1 month in both groups, regardless of the treatment modality. The difference in rVCSSs appeared to be driven by African American and white patients because Hispanic and Asian patients demonstrated equivalent results regardless of age. Patients treated with TA or VA demonstrated equivalent results.
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Management of Lower Extremity Pain from Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Comprehensive Review. Cardiol Ther 2021; 10:111-140. [PMID: 33704678 PMCID: PMC8126535 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-021-00213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic venous insufficiency is found to some extent in a large proportion of the world's population, especially in the elderly and obese. Despite its prevalence, little research has been pursued into this pathology when compared to similarly common conditions. Pain is often the presenting symptom of chronic venous insufficiency and has significant deleterious effects on quality of life. This manuscript will describe the development of pain in chronic venous insufficiency, and will also review both traditional methods of pain management and novel advances in both medical and surgical therapy for this disease. RECENT FINDINGS Pain in chronic venous insufficiency is a common complication which remains poorly correlated in recent studies with the clinically observable extent of disease. Although lifestyle modification remains the foundation of treatment for pain associated with chronic venous sufficiency, compression devices and various pharmacologic agents have emerged as safe and effective treatments for pain in these patients. In patients for whom these measures are insufficient, recently developed minimally invasive vascular surgical techniques have been shown to reduce postsurgical complications and recovery time, although additional research is necessary to characterize long-term outcomes of these procedures. This review discusses the latest findings concerning the pathophysiology of pain in chronic venous insufficiency, conservative and medical management, and surgical strategies for pain relief, including minimally invasive treatment strategies.
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Cavezzi A. Medicine and Phlebolymphology: Time to Change? J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9124091. [PMID: 33353052 PMCID: PMC7766771 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9124091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical science is undergoing a reappraisal of its scientific advancement process and of the related healthcare management. Progress in medicine should combine improvements of knowledge, efficacy, and safety of diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, with adequate cost-effectiveness profiles. This narrative review is aimed at assessing in medicine, more specifically in phlebology and lymphology: (a) scientific literature possible biases, (b) the level of evidence, comprehensiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the main therapeutic options, and (c) the possible contribution of integrative and translational medicine. Current medical research may have cognitive biases, or industry-tied influences, which impacts clinical practice. Some reductionism, with an increasing use of drugs and technology, often neglecting the understanding and care of the root causative pathways of the diseases, is affecting biomedical science as well. Aging brings a relevant burden of chronic degenerative diseases and disabilities, with relevant socio-economic repercussions; thus, a major attention to cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of healthcare is warranted. In this scenario, costly and innovative but relatively validated therapies may tend to be adopted in venous and lymphatic diseases, such as varicose veins, leg venous ulcer, post-thrombotic syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, and lymphedema. Conversely, a more comprehensive approach to the basic pathophysiology of chronic venous and lymphatic insufficiency and the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics analyses would benefit overall patients’ management. Erroneous lifestyle and nutrition, together with chronic stress-induced syndromes, significantly influence chronic degenerative phlebo-lymphatic diseases. The main active epigenetic socio-biologic factors are obesity, dysfunctions of musculo-respiratory-vascular pumps, pro-inflammatory nutrition, hyperactivation of stress axis, and sedentarism. An overall critical view of the scientific evidence and innovations in phebolymphology could be of help to improve efficacy, safety, and sustainability of current practice. Translational and integrative medicine may contribute to a patient-centered approach. Conversely, reductionism, eminence/reimbursement-based decisional processes, patients’ lack of education, industry-influenced science, and physician’s improvable awareness, may compromise efficacy, safety, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of future diagnostic and therapeutic patterns of phlebology and lymphology.
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Ulloa JH, Glickman M. Human trial using the novel bioprosthetic VenoValve in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2020; 9:938-944. [PMID: 33221526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disease characterized by failure of the venous valves that allow blood from the lower limbs to return to the heart. The more severe types of CVI (C4b-C6 disease) significantly influence patients' quality of life (QOL). The treatment options for CVI of the deep system are limited. The present study is the first-in-human study using a prosthetic venous valve, VenoValve, to initially evaluate patient outcomes. We evaluated the feasibility, initial safety, and performance outcomes of the VenoValve. METHODS Ten patients with C5-C6 CVI of the deep venous system secondary to postthrombotic syndrome had had a VenoValve surgically implanted into the femoral vein in Bogota, Colombia, under approval of the local ethics committee and Colombian National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute, national health care regulatory body, or the Colombian National Food and Drug Surveillance Agency. Follow-up examinations were conducted postoperatively at 2 and 14 days and then every 30 days for 6 months. The results of the assessments for adverse events, reflux time, disease severity (venous clinical severity scores), pain scores (visual analog scale), and QOL (VEINES-QOL/Sym [venous insufficiency epidemiological and economic study-QOL/symptoms] questionnaire) were documented. RESULTS Ten patients underwent successful implantation of the VenoValve into the femoral vein as outpatients (100% technical success rate). Of the 10 patients, 9 had undergone VenoValve placement under regional anesthesia and 1 under local anesthesia. Six patients had required bovine patch angioplasty of the vein. Four adverse events occurred, including one case of hematoma at the incision site that was aspirated, 2 cases of superficial wound infection in C6 patients treated with antibiotics, and 1 case of a bleeding complication due to warfarin anticoagulation. One patient's VenoValve had thrombosed at 5 months due to nontherapeutic anticoagulation. Improvements in all 5 patients who had reached the 6-month follow-up mark with the VenoValve were demonstrated during the study period by decreases in the venous clinical severity scores (61% decrease from baseline), visual analog scale for pain scores (57% decrease), and reflux time (40% decrease) and a statistically significant improvement in the VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire. The patient with the occluded VenoValve had experienced improvements in all areas except for the reflux time. The latter patient had shown improvement because her ulcer had nearly healed before the occurrence of the thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS The early results of the first-in-human trial using the VenoValve appear promising, with improvements in clinical outcomes and QOL. The VenoValve is the first prosthetic valve that has shown success at 6 months of follow-up. These findings offer insight for creating better outcomes for these highly disabled patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge H Ulloa
- Department of Surgery, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia.
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