Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is safe and effective in the management of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremity

First registry of patients treated with foam sclerotherapy using a new automated microfoam preparation device (2021-2022)

Objectives: To present results for the use of an automated microfoam preparation system (AMPS) in the treatment of varicose veins in a real-world setting.Method: We performed a descriptive study based on a prospective database of patients treated with foam sclerotherapy between February 2021 and December 2022. Polidocanol foam was prepared using a capsule containing sterile air or a low-nitrogen mix. We recorded volume per session, percentage of sclerosing drug, number of sessions, release of thrombus entrapment, complications, and adverse events. A univariate descriptive analysis was performed using Stata V.16.Results: Over a 23-month period, 185 patients (84.9% women, 15.1% men) underwent 685 sessions. Median age was 51.6 years (range, 16-79 years). Thread veins were the condition treated in 68.9% of sessions, tributaries in 7.2%, and truncal veins in 22.6%. The average volume per session was as follows: thread veins, 8 mL; great saphenous vein (GSV), 6.9 mL; and small saphenous vein (SSV), 4.3 mL. The average drug concentration was as follows: thread veins, 0.18%; GSV, 1.49%; and SSV, 1.63%. The average number of sessions was 3.4 for thread veins, 2 for tributaries, 2.7 for the GSV, and 2.9 for the SSV. The occlusion rate at 15 months was 93.2% (41/43) for the great saphenous vein and 86% (13/15) for the small saphenous vein. We recorded a total of 21 complications (3.1% of sessions), 14 of which were minor complications (2% sessions), and 7 moderate adverse events (1% of sessions).Conclusions: This new device is highly versatile and can be used for preparing foam at all concentrations. It contributes to a high rate of occlusion in saphenous trunks, with a minimal number of sessions required for thread veins indicating that the system is a favorable option in the treatment of venous diseases. Additionally, the low frequency of residual pigmentation may be attributed to the system's ability to tailor the foam concentration to the individual case, thus supporting optimal outcomes.

Customizing foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein: A proposed algorithm to enhance technical efficacy

OBJECTIVES

The catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (FS) and the suggested perivenous tumescent application for great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter reduction are suggested to improve technical and clinical results; yet, their use is reported rather indiscriminately. Our aim is to introduce an algorithm categorising the use of technical modalities accompanying ultrasound-guided FS of the GSV and present the technical efficacy of FS through a 5 F × 11  cm sheath placed at the knee level.

METHODS

Representative cases of GSV insufficiency were chosen to describe our methodology.

RESULTS

Sole sheath-directed FS can achieve complete GSV occlusion proximally at a level comparable to the catheter-directed technique. We apply perivenous 4°C cold tumescent to GSV >6 mm even in the standing position to ensure diameter reduction of the proximal GSV as close to the saphenofemoral junction. We use long catheters only to overcome large varicosities above the knee level that could otherwise compromise the adequate foam infusion from the sheath tip. When GSV insufficiency extends along the entire limb and severe skin lesions preclude the antegrade distal catheterisation, the sheath-directed FS in the thigh can be concomitantly combined with retrograde FS from catheterisation just below the knee.

CONCLUSIONS

A topology-oriented methodology with sheath-directed FS is technically feasible and avoids indiscriminate use of more complex modalities.

The 2023 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 II: Endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine

The Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently published Part I of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines on varicose veins. Recommendations were based on the latest scientific evidence researched following an independent systematic review and meta-analysis of five critical issues affecting the management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins, using the patients, interventions, comparators, and outcome system to answer critical questions. Part I discussed the role of duplex ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of varicose veins and treatment of superficial truncal reflux. Part II focuses on evidence supporting the prevention and management of varicose vein patients with compression, on treatment with drugs and nutritional supplements, on evaluation and treatment of varicose tributaries, on superficial venous aneurysms, and on the management of complications of varicose veins and their treatment. All guidelines were based on systematic reviews, and they were graded according to the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using the GRADE method. All ungraded Consensus Statements were supported by an extensive literature review and the unanimous agreement of an expert, multidisciplinary panel. Ungraded Good Practice Statements are recommendations that are supported only by indirect evidence. The topic, however, is usually noncontroversial and agreed upon by most stakeholders. The Implementation Remarks contain technical information that supports the implementation of specific recommendations. This comprehensive document includes a list of all recommendations (Parts I-II), ungraded consensus statements, implementation remarks, and best practice statements to aid practitioners with appropriate, up-to-date management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins.

Brazilian guidelines on chronic venous disease of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery

The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has set up a committee to provide new evidence-based recommendations for patient care associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Topics were divided in five groups: 1. Classification, 2. Diagnosis, 3. Conservative or non-invasive treatment, 4. Invasive treatment and 5. Treatment of small vessels. This last series is closely related to the activities of Brazilian angiologists and vascular surgeons, who are heavily involved in the treatment of small superficial veins. These guidelines are intended to assist in clinical decision-making for attending physicians and health managers. The decision to follow a guideline recommendation should be made by the responsible physician on a case-by-case basis taking into account the patient's specific condition, as well as local resources, regulations, laws, and clinical practice recommendations.

Sheath-Based Combined Foam Sclerotherapy to Promote Management of Extensive Insufficiency of the Great Saphenous Vein in Venous Ulcers

Background: Foam sclerotherapy is considered an acceptable method to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency, promoting occlusion of its trunk and eradicating reflux. Various modalities and techniques have been described, varying form foam infusion through multiple short cannulae along the GSV to catheter-directed techniques in order to facilitate complete proximal GSV occlusion and improve technical and clinical success. Purpose: To present a modification of the sclerotherapy tehcnique where the presence of venous ulcers poses an extra challenge to the treatment of GSV treatment. Technique: We describe a technical proposal of single foam perfusion through a 11 cm 5F sheath placed at the knee level combined with simultaneous retrograde infusion below the knee. Perivenous tumescent segmental infiltration with cold normal saline at 4°C is applied initially to reduce the diameter in those GSV >6-7 mm. Conclusions: This combination avoids multiple vein cannulation in the GSV along the thigh as well as the need for antegrade infusion when GSV cannulation at the lower tibia is prohibited by a large ulcer area.

Proposed public policies to improve outcomes in vascular surgery: an experts' forum

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of vascular surgeries and identify strategies to improve public vascular care.

METHODS

This was a descriptive, qualitative, and cross-sectional survey involving 30 specialists of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein via Zoom. The outcomes of vascular procedures performed in the Public Health System extracted through Big Data analysis were discussed, and 53 potential strategies to improve public vascular care to improve public vascular care.

RESULTS

There was a consensus on mandatory reporting of some key complications after complex arterial surgeries, such as stroke after carotid revascularization and amputations after lower limb revascularization. Participants agreed on the recommendation of screening for diabetic feet and infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. The use of Telemedicine as a tool for patient follow-up, auditing of centers for major arterial surgeries, and the concentration of complex arterial surgeries in reference centers were also points of consensus, as well as the need to reduce the values of endovascular materials. Regarding venous surgery, it was suggested that there should be incentives for simultaneous treatment of both limbs in cases of varicose veins of the lower limbs, in addition to the promotion of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in the public system.

CONCLUSION

After discussing the data from the Brazilian Public System, proposals were defined for standardizing measures in population health care in the area of vascular surgery. Notification of complications of arterial surgeries is essential in identifying strategies to improve surgical outcomes. Screening of prevalent and/or morbid diseases allows early intervention and prevention of complications. Use of telemedicine in vascular follow-up allows optimizing the use of resources and reducing the burden on health services. Concentrating complex cases in reference hospitals leads to improved surgical outcomes.