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Nguyen HL, Holderbaum Do Amaral R, Lerouge S, De Roo AK, Zehtabi F, Vikkula M, Soulez G. Injectable chitosan hydrogel effectively controls lesion growth in a venous malformation murine model. Diagn Interv Imaging 2024:S2211-5684(24)00165-7. [PMID: 39095271 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional injection of chitosan hydrogel (CH) combined with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) to sclerose and embolize venous malformations (VMs) by comparison with 3% STS foam and placebo in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subcutaneous VMs were created by injecting HUVEC_TIE2-L914F cells, mixed with matrigel, into the back of athymic mice (Day [D] 0). After VM-like lesions were established at D10, 70 lesions were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups (untreated, saline, 3% STS-foam, CH, 1% STS-CH, 3% STS-CH). For 3% STS-foam, the standard Tessari technique was performed. VMs were regularly evaluated every 2-3 days to measure lesion size until the time of collection at D30 (primary endpoint). At D30, VM lesions including the matrigel plugs were culled and evaluated by histological analysis to assess vessel size, chitosan distribution and endothelial expression. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, otherwise Kruskal-Wallis test followed by pairwise comparisons by a Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed. RESULTS All VMs were successfully punctured and injected. Six VMs injected with 3% STS-CH showed early skin ulceration with an extrusion of the matrigel plug and were excluded from final analysis. In the remaining 64 VMs, skin ulceration occurred on 26 plugs, resulting in the loss of three 3% STS-foam and one 1% STS-CH plugs. Both chitosan formulations effectively controlled growth of VMs by the end of follow-up compared to untreated or 3% STS-foam groups (P < 0.05). Vessel sizes were smaller with both CH formulations compared to untreated and saline groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, there were smaller vascular channels within the 1% STS-CH group compared to the 3% STS-foam group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Chitosan's ability to control the growth of VMs suggests a promising therapeutic effect that outperforms the gold standard (STS-foam) on several variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Long Nguyen
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Holderbaum Do Amaral
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2 × 0A9, Canada; Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sophie Lerouge
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2 × 0A9, Canada; Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, QC, H3C 1K3, Canada
| | - An-Katrien De Roo
- Department of Pathology, Saint Luc University Hospital, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, University of Louvain, B-1348 Brussels, Belgium; Center for Vascular Anomalies, Member of VASCERN (European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases) VASCA European Reference Centre Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fatemeh Zehtabi
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2 × 0A9, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, QC, H3C 1K3, Canada
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, B-1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Gilles Soulez
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2 × 0A9, Canada; Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Bozkurt AK, Balkanay OO, Dinc R. Comparative analysis of VenaBlock and VenaSeal Systems for catheter-guided endovenous cyanoacrylate closure in treating chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremity: effectiveness and feasibility. INT ANGIOL 2024; 43:331-341. [PMID: 39041783 DOI: 10.23736/s0392-9590.24.05143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC) systems are widely used to treat varicose veins. In terms of efficacy and safety, these nonthermal, non-tumescent methods are noninferior to endovenous thermal ablation techniques. However, no published studies have compared products that use CAC systems. VenaSeal® (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) and VenaBlock® (Invamed) are the most commonly used CAC-based products worldwide. This study aimed to focus on the efficacy of these two commonly used products, with little emphasis on safety. Published full-text articles on the VenaBlock® and VenaSeal® systems were searched. Data for each product were evaluated by comparing them with each other in terms of effectiveness. In total, 1882 extremities from 11 studies using VenaBlock® and 524 extremities from eight studies using VenaSeal® were included and compared. Both devices were effective, and their cumulative recanalization-free survival rates were similar (P=0.188) at the 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 60-month follow-ups. Both products improved the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and quality of life (QoL) scores. VenaBlock® and VenaSeal® are effective in terms of cumulative recanalization-free survival rates, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.188). Both significantly improve the VCSS and QoL scores. CAC is feasible for the treatment of varicose veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet K Bozkurt
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ozan O Balkanay
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Rasit Dinc
- INVAMED Medical Innovation Institute, Ankara, Türkiye -
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Verbist J, Laeremans V, Gryffroy F, Van den Eynde W, Heerinckx C, Haesen D. Durability and efficacy of the ELVeS® Radial® 2ring slim fiber for multiple ablations. Phlebology 2023; 38:641-648. [PMID: 37545129 DOI: 10.1177/02683555231193883] [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] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To prove that the ELVeS® Radial® 2ring slim fiber (Biolitec AG, Wien, Austria) is safe and effective, with a reliable fiber durability. METHODS This prospective, non-randomized, registry recruited patients with venous incompetence of the great saphenous vein, with or without concomitant incompetence of the small, anterior accessory and posterior accessory saphenous veins. Anatomic success, clinical success and pain were assessed. RESULTS 150 patients (410 veins) underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Mean number of veins treated was 2.7 (1-7) with a mean total length of 80.7 cm. 98.3% occlusions were observed after 12 months. Clinical improvement was significant with reduced venous clinical severity scores at 1 month (1.7 ±1.9; p < .0001) and 12 months (0.7 ±1.3; p < .0001) versus pre-operation (4.4 ± 2.2). Mean pain level after 1-week was 5.8/100. No major surgery- or device-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS 1470-nm EVLA with the 2ring slim fiber is a highly effective treatment option well tolerated by patients. Despite intensive use, fiber integrity was preserved. CLINICAL REGISTRATION The study protocol was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03810677).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Verbist
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | - Veerle Laeremans
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Fien Gryffroy
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van den Eynde
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
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Satre DD, Parthasarathy S, Young-Wolff KC, Meacham MC, Borsari B, Hirschtritt ME, Van Dyke L, Sterling SA. Cost-Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Patients With Depression. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:662-671. [PMID: 36136436 PMCID: PMC9523750 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.21-00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising intervention for helping patients with mental health problems reduce their substance use. Examining the cost-effectiveness of MI and associations between MI and the use of health services can inform appropriate intervention strategies for these patients. METHOD Kaiser Permanente adult patients with depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score > 5) seen in outpatient psychiatry (N = 302) who reported unhealthy alcohol use or other substance use (primarily cannabis) were randomized to three sessions of MI (intervention) or printed literature (control) with telephone follow-up interviews at 6 and 12 months. Cost-effectiveness analyses compared intervention costs associated with 30-day abstinence from unhealthy alcohol use (i.e., any days of ≥4/≥5 drinks for women/men) and cannabis use. Multivariable analyses examined associations between MI and healthcare utilization at 12 months (emergency department, primary care, psychiatry, and addiction treatment). RESULTS MI resulted in greater likelihood of abstaining from unhealthy alcohol use (70.0% vs. 60.2%, p < .01) and cannabis use (74.6% vs. 63.9%, p < .01) than the control at 6 months, but outcomes did not differ at 12 months. The 6-month incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $1,207-$1,523 per abstinent patient for unhealthy drinking and $1,040-$1,313 per abstinent patient for cannabis. There were no differences between groups on health service utilization. CONCLUSIONS MI cost more than the control condition but yielded better outcomes at 6 months; MI had no relationship to health service utilization. Findings can inform implementation of substance use interventions through understanding MI's potential clinical and cost impact and its relationship to health services use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek D. Satre
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region, Oakland, California
| | - Sujaya Parthasarathy
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region, Oakland, California
| | - Kelly C. Young-Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region, Oakland, California
| | - Meredith C. Meacham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Brian Borsari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
- San Francisco Veterans Administration Health Care System, San Francisco, California
| | - Matthew E. Hirschtritt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region, Oakland, California
- Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
| | - Lucas Van Dyke
- Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
| | - Stacy A. Sterling
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region, Oakland, California
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Cryostripping-A Safe and Efficient Alternative Procedure in Chronic Venous Disease Treatment. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175028. [PMID: 36078958 PMCID: PMC9456708 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The presentation of cryostripping as an alternative procedure useful in venous insufficiency treatment. Methods: This retrospective study presents the results of 1087 operated patients, including follow-ups. Cryostripping was practised in all mentioned cases. Patient follow-up was performed at one week, one month, and six months postoperatively by clinical examination, Doppler ultrasonography, CIVIQ-20 and r-VCSS questionnaires. Outcomes, complications, surgery and hospitalisation period, and benefits of the method were analysed. Results: Generally, good functional and aesthetic outcomes defined by clinical symptom remission, absence of insufficient veins on Doppler ultrasonography, QoL and r-VCSS improvement (p < 0.001) were obtained. Complications included bruising ⌀ < 2 cm (32.38%), haematoma (8.92%), saphenous nerve injury (3.49%), deep vein thrombosis (0.18%). Recurrence was noted in 2.94% cases. Mean duration of procedure was 42 ± 12.5 min, mean duration of hospitalisation was 1.05 ± 0.36 days. Compared to high ligation and conventional stripping, the postoperative complications were reduced; compared to other minimally invasive procedures, the costs were reduced. Conclusions: Cryostripping seems to combine the radicality and efficacy of the stripping technique with the cosmetic advantage of the endothermal procedures, being an effective therapeutic method perfectly adapted to the economic conditions of middle-income countries health system. It is also suitable as day-case surgery.
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Gao S, Zhu Y, Tong M, Wang L, Ren S, Rui L, Yang F, Lian Z, Che Y. Different effects of intravenous and local anesthesia in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: a prospective cohort study. Int J Hyperthermia 2022; 39:1036-1043. [PMID: 35938345 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2106384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous anesthesia (IV) with local anesthesia (LA) in patients undergoing ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of thyroid nodules. METHODS 50 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification grades I-II undergoing US-guided thyroid RFA were enrolled and randomly (1:1) divided into IV (conscious sedation with Ramsay Sedation Scale [RSS] scores of 2-3 with an anesthesiologist) and LA (subcutaneous anesthesia with lidocaine without an anesthesiologist) groups. Pre-, intra- and post-procedural blood pressure (BP) (SBP0/DBP0, SBP1/DBP1, and SBP2/DBP2), intra- and post-procedural pain (NRS1 and NRS2), ablated area volume, treatment time and adverse events were analyzed and compared. RESULTS Age, sex, weight, number, nature, volume of nodules, and SBP0/DBP0 showed no difference between both groups. 11 and 0 patients' SBP1/DBP1 were elevated in the LA and IV groups. NRS1 differed between both groups. 6 patients in the LA group had moderate or severe pain, but none in the IV group. No between-group difference in SBP2/DBP2, NRS2, ablation completion rate and ablated volume was noted. The median procedure duration differed from 1109 (176) s in IV group and 723 (227) s in LA groups. There was no increased incidence of adverse events in IV group. CONCLUSIONS IV with RSS scores of 2-3 maintained intra-procedural BP and relieved intra-procedural pain better, without affecting the ablation efficacy and increasing complications. Despite increased treatment time, IV is a potential option for patients undergoing US-guided RFA of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhang Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yalin Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuangsong Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liu Rui
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqing Lian
- Department of Ultrasound, Central Hospital of Wafangdian, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Che
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Pannier F, Noppeney T, Alm J, Breu FX, Bruning G, Flessenkämper I, Gerlach H, Hartmann K, Kahle B, Kluess H, Mendoza E, Mühlberger D, Mumme A, Nüllen H, Rass K, Reich-Schupke S, Stenger D, Stücker M, Schmedt CG, Schwarz T, Tesmann J, Teßarek J, Werth S, Valesky E. S2k guidelines: diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. DER HAUTARZT 2022; 73:1-44. [PMID: 35438355 PMCID: PMC9358954 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-04977-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Pannier
- Praxis für Dermatologie und Phlebologie, Helmholtzstr. 4-6, 53123, Bonn, Germany.
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OUP accepted manuscript. Br J Surg 2022; 109:679-685. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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de Ávila Oliveira R, Riera R, Vasconcelos V, Baptista-Silva JC. Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD001732. [PMID: 34883526 PMCID: PMC8660237 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001732.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicose veins are enlarged and tortuous veins, affecting up to one-third of the world's population. They can be a cause of chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterised by oedema, pigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, atrophie blanche, and healed or active venous ulcers. Injection sclerotherapy (liquid or foam) is widely used for treatment of varicose veins aiming to transform the varicose veins into a fibrous cord. However, there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety, especially in patients with more severe disease. This is the second update of the review first published in 2002. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins. SEARCH METHODS For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, and LILACS databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registries, on 20 July 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (including cluster-randomised trials and first phase cross-over studies) that used injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed, selected and extracted data. Disagreements were cross-checked by a third review author. We used Cochrane's Risk of bias tool to assess the risk of bias. The outcomes of interest were cosmetic appearance, complications, residual varicose veins, quality of life (QoL), persistence of symptoms, and recurrent varicose veins. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the worst-case-scenario for dichotomous data imputation for intention-to-treat analyses. For continuous outcomes, we used the 'last-observation-carried-forward' for data imputation if there was balanced loss to follow-up. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 23 new RCTs for this update, bringing the total to 28 studies involving 4278 participants. The studies differed in their design, and in which sclerotherapy method, agent or concentration was used. None of the included RCTs compared sclerotherapy to no intervention or to any pharmacological therapy. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded for risk of bias, low number of studies providing information for each outcome, low number of participants, clinical differences between the study participants, and wide CIs. Sclerotherapy versus placebo Foam sclerotherapy may improve cosmetic appearance as measured by IPR-V (independent photography review - visible varicose veins scores) compared to placebo (polidocanol 1%: mean difference (MD) -0.76, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.60; 2 studies, 223 participants; very low-certainty evidence); however, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rates may be slightly increased in this intervention group (RR 5.10, 95% CI 1.30 to 20.01; 3 studies, 302 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Residual varicose vein rates may be decreased following polidocanol 1% compared to placebo (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.29; 2 studies, 225 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Following polidocanol 1% use, there may be a possible improvement in QoL as assessed using the VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire (MD 12.41, 95% CI 9.56 to 15.26; 3 studies, 299 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and possible improvement in varicose vein symptoms as assessed using the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) (MD -3.25, 95% CI -3.90 to -2.60; 2 studies, 223 participants; low-certainty evidence). Recurrent varicose veins were not reported for this comparison. Foam sclerotherapy versus foam sclerotherapy with different concentrations Three individual RCTs reported no evidence of a difference in cosmetic appearance after comparing different concentrations of the intervention; data could not be pooled for two of the three studies (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.47; 1 study, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Similarly, there was no clear difference in rates of thromboembolic complications when comparing one foam concentration with another (RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.41 to 5.33; 3 studies, 371 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Three RCTs investigating higher concentrations of polidocanol foam indicated the rate of residual varicose veins may be slightly decreased in the polidocanol 3% foam group compared to 1% (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.04; 3 studies, 371 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). No clear improvement in QoL was detected. Two RCTs reported improved VCSS scores with increasing concentrations of foam. Persistence of symptoms were not reported for this comparison. There was no clear difference in recurrent varicose vein rates (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.32; 1 study, 148 participants; low-certainty evidence). Foam sclerotherapy versus liquid sclerotherapy One RCT reported on cosmetic appearance with no evidence of a difference between foam or liquid sclerotherapy (patient satisfaction scale MD 0.2, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.67; 1 study, 126 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the RCTs investigated thromboembolic complications, QoL or persistence of symptoms. Six studies individually showed there may be a benefit to polidocanol 3% foam over liquid sclerotherapy in reducing residual varicose vein rate; pooling data from two studies showed a RR of 0.51, with 95% CI 0.41 to 0.65; 203 participants; very low-certainty evidence. One study reported no clear difference in recurrent varicose vein rates when comparing sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) foam or liquid (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.42; 1 study, 286 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy with different substances Four RCTs compared sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy with any other substance. We were unable to combine the data due to heterogeneity or assess the certainty of the evidence due to insufficient data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a very low to low-certainty evidence that, compared to placebo, sclerotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for varicose veins concerning cosmetic appearance, residual varicose veins, QoL, and persistence of symptoms. Rates of DVT may be slightly increased and there were no data concerning recurrent varicose veins. There was limited or no evidence for one concentration of foam compared to another; foam compared to liquid sclerotherapy; foam compared to any other substance; or one technique compared to another. There is a need for high-quality trials using standardised sclerosant doses, with clearly defined core outcome sets, and measurement time points to increase the certainty of the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Riera
- Cochrane Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Cochrane, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Vladimir Vasconcelos
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Cc Baptista-Silva
- Evidence Based Medicine, Cochrane Brazil, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, Gerlach H, Guggenbichler S, Kahle B, Murena R, Reich-Schupke S, Schwarz T, Stücker M, Valesky E, Werth S, Pannier F. Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in cooperation with the following societies: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. DER HAUTARZT 2021; 72:23-36. [PMID: 33252705 PMCID: PMC8692296 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Rabe
- Emeritus Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn (AöR), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | - B Kahle
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - R Murena
- Phlebologische Praxis, Köln, Germany
| | - S Reich-Schupke
- Privatpraxis für Haut- und Gefäßmedizin, Wundtherapie, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - T Schwarz
- Praxis für Gefäßmedizin, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Stücker
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Josef Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - E Valesky
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinik Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Werth
- Universitäts-Gefäßzentrum, Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - F Pannier
- Praxis Dermatologie & Phlebologie Bonn und Dermatologische Universitätsklinik Köln, Bonn, Germany
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Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy as a therapeutic modality in venous ulceration. Surgeon 2021; 20:e206-e213. [PMID: 34629303 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate rates of ulcer healing following ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). METHODS The MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were used to search for relevant studies using the terms ' (sclerotherapy AND ulcer) OR (vein AND ulcer) OR (sclerotherapy AND vein)'. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified using the I2 statistic. A random effects model was used to calculate risk ratios where substantial heterogeneity was found. RESULTS The initial search yielded 8266 articles. 8 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 3 in the meta-analysis. Superior complete ulcer healing rates were noted in patients treated with foam sclerotherapy versus compression therapy alone (pooled OR 6.41, 95% CI = 0.3-148.2, p = 0.246, random effects method). A marked degree of heterogeneity was observed between studies (I2 = 81%). CONCLUSION A prospective, trial is warranted in order to determine the true merits of UGFS in the setting of venous ulceration.
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Qian Y, Walters SJ, Jacques R, Flight L. Comprehensive review of statistical methods for analysing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) used as primary outcomes in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published by the UK's Health Technology Assessment (HTA) journal (1997-2020). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051673. [PMID: 34489292 PMCID: PMC8422492 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify how frequently patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used as primary and/or secondary outcomes in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and to summarise what statistical methods are used for the analysis of PROs. DESIGN Comprehensive review. SETTING RCTs funded and published by the United Kingdom's (UK) National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme. DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY HTA reports of RCTs published between January 1997 and December 2020 were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION Information relating to PRO use and analysis methods was extracted. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The frequency of using PROs as primary and/or secondary outcomes; statistical methods that were used for the analysis of PROs as primary outcomes. RESULTS In this review, 37.6% (114/303) of trials used PROs as primary outcomes, and 82.8% (251/303) of trials used PROs as secondary outcomes from 303 NIHR HTA reports of RCTs. In the 114 RCTs where the PRO was the primary outcome, the most used PRO was the Short-Form 36 (8/114); the most popular methods for multivariable analysis were linear mixed model (45/114), linear regression (29/114) and analysis of covariance (13/114); logistic regression was applied for binary and ordinal outcomes in 14/114 trials; and the repeated measures analysis was used in 39/114 trials. CONCLUSION The majority of trials used PROs as primary and/or secondary outcomes. Conventional methods such as linear regression are widely used, despite the potential violation of their assumptions. In recent years, there is an increasing trend of using complex models (eg, with mixed effects). Statistical methods developed to address these violations when analysing PROs, such as beta-binomial regression, are not routinely used in practice. Future research will focus on evaluating available statistical methods for the analysis of PROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Qian
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen J Walters
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Jacques
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Flight
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Current Varicose Veins Treatments. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:504-513.e7. [PMID: 34450353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of technologies for treatment of varicose veins over 5 years - conservative care (CONS), surgery (HL/S), ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and cyanoacrylate glue occlusion (CAE). METHODS A systematic review was updated and used to construct a Markov decision model. Outcomes were re-intervention on the truncal vein, re-treatment of residual varicosities and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and costs over five years. RESULTS UGFS has a significantly greater re-intervention rate than other procedures, while there is no significant difference between the other procedures. The cost per QALY of EVLA versus UGFS in our base-case model is £16966 ($23700) per QALY, which is considered cost-effective in the UK. RFA, MOCA and CAE have greater procedure costs than EVLA with no evidence of greater benefit for patients. CONCLUSIONS EVLA is the most cost-effective therapeutic option, with RFA a close second, in adult patients requiring treatment in the upper leg for incompetence of the GSV. MOCA, UGFS, CAE, CONS and HL/S are not cost-effective at current prices in the UK National Health Service. MOCA and CAE appear promising but further evidence on effectiveness, re-interventions and health-related quality of life is needed, as well as how cost-effectiveness may vary across settings and reimbursement systems.
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14
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A Randomized Controlled Trial of Endovenous Laser Ablation Versus Mechanochemical Ablation With ClariVein in the Management of Superficial Venous Incompetence (LAMA Trial). Ann Surg 2021; 273:e188-e195. [PMID: 31977509 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This RCT compares the clinical, technical and quality of life outcomes after EVLA and MOCA. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Thermal ablation is the current mainstay treatment for SVI. Newer nonthermal methods of treatment have been developed which do not require the use of tumescent anesthesia. The potential advantages of these newer methods should be tested in RCTs to ascertain their role in the future treatments of SVI. METHODS This single-center RCT enrolled patients with symptomatic, unilateral, single-axis SVI. Eligible patients were equally randomized to either EVLA or MOCA, both with concomitant phlebectomy when necessary. The joint primary outcomes were intraprocedural axial ablation pain scores and anatomical occlusion at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included postprocedural pain, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), quality of life (Aberdeen varicose veins questionnaire and EuroQol 5-domain utility index), patient satisfaction and complication rates. RESULTS One hundred fifty patients were randomized equally between the 2 interventions. Both groups reported low intraprocedural pain scores; on a 100 mm visual analog scale, pain during axial EVLA was 22 (9-44) compared to 15 (9-29) during MOCA; P = 0.210. At 1 year, duplex derived anatomical occlusion rates after EVLA were 63/69 (91%) compared to 53/69 (77%) in the MOCA group; P = 0.020. Both groups experienced significant improvement in VCSS and AVVQ after treatment, without a significant difference between groups. Median VCSS improved from 6 (5-8) to 0 (0-1) at one year; P < 0.001. Median AVVQ improved from 13.8 (10.0-17.7) to 2.0 (0.0-4.9); P < 0.001. One patient in the MOCA group experienced DVT. CONCLUSIONS Both EVLA and MOCA were highly efficacious in treating SVI; patients improved significantly in terms of disease severity, symptoms, and QoL. Both resulted in low procedural pain with a short recovery time. Axial occlusion rates were higher after EVLA. Long term follow-up is warranted to assess the effect of recanalization on the rate of clinical recurrence.
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15
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Ulloa JH, Comerota A, Figueroa V, Cifuentes S. GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN OCCLUSION RATES AFTER COMBINED TREATMENT WITH LASER AND FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9:1437-1442. [PMID: 34174499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and foam sclerotherapy are effective and safe treatments for chronic venous disease (CVD) with great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux. We report our experience combining both strategies as a merged approach to treat GSV incompetence to potentiate both methods' superiority and benefits. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. METHODS 246 limbs with great saphenous vein incompetence (C2-C6) treated with EVLA and foam sclerotherapy between January 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes of interest were the International Union of Phlebology type of anatomic closure (primary, primary assisted, secondary and therapeutic failure), identified with ultrasound in the GSV after the procedure. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up was conducted at two weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. We utilized Fisher's exact test to determine the significance of the association between the type of anatomic closure and the clinical stage according to the CEAP classification. RESULTS 67% of the treated limbs were C2-C4 and 33% C5-C6. International Union of Phlebology (IUP) primary closure was achieved in 229 limbs (93%), IUP primary assisted closure in 10 (4%), IUP secondary closure in 1 (0.4%), with therapeutic failure in 6 limbs (2%). Forty-five limbs (18%) required microthrombectomies of tributary veins due to local induration, 7 (2.8%) developed dyschromia, 4 (1.6%) had type 1 Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis (E-HIT1), and one limb (0.4%) developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which was successfully treated with anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a high occlusion rate of incompetent GSVs with combined EVLA and foam sclerotherapy with infrequent non-serious complications and one case of subclinical isolated popliteal DVT. Combined therapy effectiveness and safety are comparable with other endovenous treatments for CVD with GSV reflux. The use of both thermal and chemical ablation combines the benefits of both techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge H Ulloa
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota, Colombia.
| | | | - Valentin Figueroa
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Sebastian Cifuentes
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
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16
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Gohel MS, Mora MSc J, Szigeti M, Epstein DM, Heatley F, Bradbury A, Bulbulia R, Cullum N, Nyamekye I, Poskitt KR, Renton S, Warwick J, Davies AH. Long-term Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of Early Endovenous Ablation in Venous Ulceration: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg 2021; 155:1113-1121. [PMID: 32965493 PMCID: PMC7512122 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.3845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance One-year outcomes from the Early Venous Reflux Ablation (EVRA) randomized trial showed accelerated venous leg ulcer healing and greater ulcer-free time for participants who are treated with early endovenous ablation of lower extremity superficial reflux. Objective To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous leg ulceration. Design, Setting, and Participants Between October 24, 2013, and September 27, 2016, the EVRA randomized clinical trial enrolled 450 participants (450 legs) with venous leg ulceration of less than 6 months' duration and superficial venous reflux. Initially, 6555 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 6105 were excluded for reasons including ulcer duration greater than 6 months, healed ulcer by the time of randomization, deep venous occlusive disease, and insufficient superficial venous reflux to warrant ablation therapy, among others. A total of 426 of 450 participants (94.7%) from the vascular surgery departments of 20 hospitals in the United Kingdom were included in the analysis for ulcer recurrence. Surgeons, participants, and follow-up assessors were not blinded to the treatment group. Data were analyzed from August 11 to November 4, 2019. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to receive compression therapy with early endovenous ablation within 2 weeks of randomization (early intervention, n = 224) or compression with deferred endovenous treatment of superficial venous reflux (deferred intervention, n = 226). Endovenous modality and strategy were left to the preference of the treating clinical team. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome for the extended phase was time to first ulcer recurrence. Secondary outcomes included ulcer recurrence rate and cost-effectiveness. Results The early-intervention group consisted of 224 participants (mean [SD] age, 67.0 [15.5] years; 127 men [56.7%]; 206 White participants [92%]). The deferred-intervention group consisted of 226 participants (mean [SD] age, 68.9 [14.0] years; 120 men [53.1%]; 208 White participants [92%]). Of the 426 participants whose leg ulcer had healed, 121 (28.4%) experienced at least 1 recurrence during follow-up. There was no clear difference in time to first ulcer recurrence between the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.57-1.17; P = .28). Ulcers recurred at a lower rate of 0.11 per person-year in the early-intervention group compared with 0.16 per person-year in the deferred-intervention group (incidence rate ratio, 0.658; 95% CI, 0.480-0.898; P = .003). Time to ulcer healing was shorter in the early-intervention group for primary ulcers (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12-1.64; P = .002). At 3 years, early intervention was 91.6% likely to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay of £20 000 ($26 283) per quality-adjusted life year and 90.8% likely at a threshold of £35 000 ($45 995) per quality-adjusted life year. Conclusions and Relevance Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux was highly likely to be cost-effective over a 3-year horizon compared with deferred intervention. Early intervention accelerated the healing of venous leg ulcers and reduced the overall incidence of ulcer recurrence. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ISRCTN02335796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjit S Gohel
- Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Mora MSc
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matyas Szigeti
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francine Heatley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Bradbury
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bulbulia
- Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Cullum
- University of Manchester & Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Nyamekye
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R Poskitt
- Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Renton
- North West London Hospitals National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Warwick
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Alun H Davies
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Orhurhu V, Chu R, Xie K, Kamanyi GN, Salisu B, Salisu-Orhurhu M, Urits I, Kaye RJ, Hasoon J, Viswanath O, Kaye AJ, Karri J, Marshall Z, Kaye AD, Anahita D. 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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Vwaire Orhurhu
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Robert Chu
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mariam Salisu-Orhurhu
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel J Kaye
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jamal Hasoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Aaron J Kaye
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jay Karri
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zwade Marshall
- Regenerative Spine and Pain Specialist, Fayetteville, GA, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Dua Anahita
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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[Guidelines for sclerotherapy of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the German Society of Phlebology (DGP) in cooperation with the following professional associations: DDG, DGA, DDG, BVP. German Version]. DER HAUTARZT 2021; 72:50-64. [PMID: 33151348 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04707-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Gohel MS, Heatley F, Liu X, Bradbury A, Bulbulia R, Cullum N, Epstein DM, Nyamekye I, Poskitt KR, Renton S, Warwick J, Davies AH. Early versus deferred endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous ulceration: the EVRA RCT. Health Technol Assess 2020; 23:1-96. [PMID: 31140402 DOI: 10.3310/hta23240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous ulceration is a common and costly health-care issue worldwide, with poor healing rates greatly affecting patient quality of life. Compression bandaging has been shown to improve healing rates and reduce recurrence, but does not address the underlying cause, which is often superficial venous reflux. Surgical correction of the reflux reduces ulcer recurrence; however, the effect of early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux on ulcer healing is unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of compression therapy with early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux compared with compression therapy with deferred endovenous ablation in patients with venous ulceration. DESIGN A pragmatic, two-arm, multicentre, parallel-group, open randomised controlled trial with a health economic evaluation. SETTING Secondary care vascular centres in England. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a venous leg ulcer of between 6 weeks' and 6 months' duration and an ankle-brachial pressure index of ≥ 0.8 who could tolerate compression and were deemed suitable for endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomised 1 : 1 to either early ablation (compression therapy and superficial endovenous ablation within 2 weeks of randomisation) or deferred ablation (compression therapy followed by endovenous ablation once the ulcer had healed). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was time from randomisation to ulcer healing, confirmed by blinded assessment. Secondary outcomes included 24-week ulcer healing rates, ulcer-free time, clinical success (in addition to quality of life), costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS A total of 450 participants were recruited (224 to early and 226 to deferred superficial endovenous ablation). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Time to ulcer healing was shorter in participants randomised to early superficial endovenous ablation than in those randomised to deferred ablation [hazard ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 1.68; p = 0.001]. Median time to ulcer healing was 56 (95% CI 49 to 66) days in the early ablation group and 82 (95% CI 69 to 92) days in the deferred ablation group. The ulcer healing rate at 24 weeks was 85.6% in the early ablation group, compared with 76.3% in the deferred ablation group. Median ulcer-free time was 306 [interquartile range (IQR) 240-328] days in the early ablation group and 278 (IQR 175-324) days in the deferred endovenous ablation group (p = 0.002). The most common complications of superficial endovenous ablation were pain and deep-vein thrombosis. Differences in repeated measures of Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores (p < 0.001), EuroQol-5 Dimensions index values (p = 0.03) and Short Form questionnaire-36 items body pain (p = 0.05) over the follow-up period were observed, in favour of early ablation. The mean difference in total costs between the early ablation and deferred ablation groups was £163 [standard error (SE) £318; p = 0.607]; however, there was a substantial and statistically significant gain in QALY over 1 year [mean difference between groups 0.041 (SE 0.017) QALYs; p = 0.017]. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of early ablation at 1 year was £3976 per QALY, with a high probability (89%) of being more cost-effective than deferred ablation at conventional UK decision-making thresholds (currently £20,000 per QALY). Sensitivity analyses using alternative statistical models give qualitatively similar results. LIMITATIONS Only 7% of screened patients were recruited, treatment regimens varied significantly and technical success was assessed only in the early ablation group. CONCLUSIONS Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux, in addition to compression therapy and wound dressings, reduces the time to healing of venous leg ulcers, increases ulcer-free time and is highly likely to be cost-effective. FUTURE WORK Longer-term follow-up is ongoing and will determine if early ablation will affect recurrence rates in the medium and long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN02335796. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjit S Gohel
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francine Heatley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xinxue Liu
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bradbury
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard Bulbulia
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK.,Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicky Cullum
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David M Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Keith R Poskitt
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - Jane Warwick
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Alun H Davies
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ay Y, Gunes E, Turkkolu ST, Selcuk E, Calim M, Akal R, Aydin C, Inan B, Koksal C, Kahraman Ay N. Comparative efficacy and life quality effects of surgical stripping, radiofrequency ablation, and cyanoacrylate embolization in patients undergoing treatment for great saphenous vein insufficiency. Phlebology 2020; 36:54-62. [PMID: 32741257 DOI: 10.1177/0268355520947292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare traditional surgery with two minimally invasive endo-venous procedures in terms of their long-term effect on the quality of life in great saphenous vein insufficiency (GSV). METHOD This prospective observational study included 217 patients that underwent surgical stripping (n = 62), radiofrequency ablation (n = 70), or cyanoacrylate embolization (n = 85) for the treatment of GSV insufficiency. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) assessments were made, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and Chronic Venous Insufficiency quality of life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) were administered, before and 1 year after the treatments. RESULTS Surgical stripping group had significantly higher closure rates than the other groups (p < 0.05). At 12 months, decrease in VCSS scores was less pronounced in the cyanoacrylate embolization group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Improvement in CIVIQ-14 scores was better in the radiofrequency ablation group when compared to the cyanoacrylate embolization group (p < 0.05). Surgical stripping or radiofrequency ablation groups performed better on several domains of SF-36, when compared to the cyanoacrylate embolization group. CONCLUSIONS Surgical stripping and radiofrequency ablation seem to provide a better quality of life results at one year in patients undergoing treatment for GSV insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Ay
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Gunes
- Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevket Tuna Turkkolu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emre Selcuk
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhittin Calim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Akal
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemalettin Aydin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bekir Inan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Koksal
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuray Kahraman Ay
- Department of Cardiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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Critello DC, Pullano SA, Gallo G, Matula TJ, Fiorillo AS. Low frequency ultrasound as a potentially viable foaming option for pathological veins. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.124919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Brown CS, Obi AT, Cronenwett JL, Kabnick L, Wakefield TW, Osborne NH. Outcomes after truncal ablation with or without concomitant phlebectomy for isolated symptomatic varicose veins (C2 disease). J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2020; 9:369-376. [PMID: 32502731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many insurance payers are hesitating to cover interventional treatments in patients with isolated symptomatic varicose veins. In this study, we sought to determine the outcomes of patients with varicose veins who were treated with venous ablation alone or ablation plus phlebectomy using the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry. METHODS Using data from the Varicose Vein Registry between January 2015 and March 2019, we investigated immediate postoperative as well as long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes among patients with documented symptomatic C2 disease undergoing truncal endovenous ablations alone and combined ablation and phlebectomy. Preprocedural and postprocedural comparisons were performed using t-test, χ2 test, or nonparametric tests when appropriate. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was performed on ordinal outcome variables. RESULTS Among 3375 patients with symptomatic C2 disease, 40.1% of patients (1376) underwent isolated truncal ablation and 59.9% (1999) underwent ablation and phlebectomy. Complications overall were low (8.6%) and varied between 8.4% and 8.7% in patients undergoing ablation alone and ablation plus phlebectomy, respectively (P = .820). The most common complication noted was paresthesia, 3.4% overall, which occurred more commonly after ablation and phlebectomy (4.5%) than after ablation alone (1.3%; P < .001). An improvement in Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was experienced by 87.4% of patients; median change in VCSS was 4 points (interquartile range [IQR], 2-5 points), with an improvement of 3 points among patients undergoing ablation alone (IQR, 1-5 points) and 5 points among patients undergoing ablation and phlebectomy (IQR, 3-5 points; P < .001). An improvement in overall symptoms was experienced by 94.4% of patients (median improvement, 11 points; (maximum, 30 points), with more significant decreases among patients undergoing ablation and phlebectomy (median, 12 points; IQR, 8-17 points) compared with ablation alone (median, 9 points; IQR, 5-13 points; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with isolated symptomatic varicose veins (C2 disease), ablation and ablation with phlebectomy are safe and effective in improving both patient-reported outcomes and clinical severity (VCSS). Given these data, payers should continue to cover these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Brown
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
| | - Andrea T Obi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Jack L Cronenwett
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Institute and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Lowell Kabnick
- Atlantic Health System (Morristown Medical Center), Kabnick Vein Center, Morristown, NJ
| | - Thomas W Wakefield
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Nicholas H Osborne
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
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Kolluri R, Chung J, Kim S, Nath N, Bhalla BB, Jain T, Zygmunt J, Davies A. Network meta-analysis to compare VenaSeal with other superficial venous therapies for chronic venous insufficiency. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2020; 8:472-481.e3. [PMID: 32063522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2019.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared different interventions for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) management, but mixed comparison of these interventions is lacking. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare VenaSeal closure system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), mechanochemical ablation, sclerotherapy, and surgery for management of CVI to achieve anatomic success (complete closure of treated vein within 6 months after intervention) as the primary outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; EuroQol-5 Dimension, Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), pain scores, and adverse events as secondary outcomes. METHODS A systematic review of journal databases was undertaken, and RCTs between January 1996 and September 2018 comparing different treatment options were included. Risk of bias and quality of publications were assessed using the Cochrane bias tool; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for study selection and reporting. Twenty RCTs comprising 4570 patients were analyzed. Data for anatomic success, VCSS, HRQoL, pain score, and adverse events were extracted and analyzed using mixed treatment comparison in a network meta-analysis. A Bayesian fixed or random effects model was selected for analysis. Rank probability graphs were generated for various treatments and corresponding ranks obtained to estimate their probability of being best. Relative treatment effects were calculated in terms of log odds ratios for anatomic success and adverse events. Mean difference was calculated for VCSS, HRQoL, and pain score. RESULTS For the primary outcome measure (anatomic success), VenaSeal system had the highest probability of being ranked first (P = .980); RFA was ranked second (P = .365), EVLA third (P = .397), surgery fourth (P = .290), mechanochemical ablation fifth (P = .695), and sclerotherapy sixth (P = .982). For secondary outcome measures, VenaSeal system ranked third for VCSS (P = .332), fifth for EuroQol-5 Dimension (P = .420), and third for Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (P = .300). Although, VenaSeal system was slightly inferior to some of the other interventions for HRQoL, the 95% credible interval of log odds ratio indicated insufficient evidence for any concrete conclusion to be drawn. VenaSeal system ranked first in reduction of postoperative pain score from baseline (P = .690) and was lowest in occurrence of adverse events (P = .650). Odds of occurrence of adverse events was 3.3 times in the sclerotherapy arm, 2.7 times in the EVLA arm, 1.6 times with surgery, and 1.1 times with RFA vs VenaSeal system arm. CONCLUSIONS VenaSeal system is a promising therapeutic option for anatomic success at 6 months, with fewer occurrences of adverse events (wound and groin infection, pulmonary embolism) in CVI patients compared with other interventions in this study. Additional economic analysis including cost-effectiveness analysis would provide interesting perspectives on real-world insights to patients, payers, and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Kolluri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ohio Health & Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
| | | | - Sue Kim
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn
| | | | | | | | | | - Alun Davies
- Department of Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Critello CD, Pullano SA, Matula TJ, De Franciscis S, Serra R, Fiorillo AS. Recent developments on foaming mechanical and electronic techniques for the management of varicose veins. Expert Rev Med Devices 2019; 16:931-940. [PMID: 31622557 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2019.1682549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Varicose veins are a common disease, causing significant impairment of quality of life to afflicted individuals. Conventional surgery has represented the traditional treatment for years, with significant post-operative complications. By the end of the 20th century, novel approaches had been developed to induce biochemical sclerosis into the treated vein in order to exclude it from blood circulation.Areas covered: Foaming techniques for treatment of varicose veins, both clinically-approved methods and those under experimental studies. A brief description of cavitation, which is the basis of microbubbles formation, and an overview of foam properties have been also provided, including a discussion on clinical efficacy and safety profile.Expert commentary: Foam sclerotherapy has rapidly gained popularity since it represents the most minimally invasive and cost-effective procedure in the short term. Several different methods of foam preparation have been described in literature. In general, the foam generation method may affect characteristics such as stability and bubble size distribution, which in turn affect the therapeutic action of foam itself. Therefore, the selection of a suitable foaming technique is of importance for treatment success. Future developments on foaming techniques are expected to make sclerotherapy, already an effective treatment, even safer and more versatile therapeutic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Davide Critello
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Salvatore A Pullano
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Thomas J Matula
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stefano De Franciscis
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Raffaele Serra
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonino S Fiorillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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25
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Brittenden J, Cooper D, Dimitrova M, Scotland G, Cotton SC, Elders A, MacLennan G, Ramsay CR, Norrie J, Burr JM, Campbell B, Bachoo P, Chetter I, Gough M, Earnshaw J, Lees T, Scott J, Baker SA, Tassie E, Francis J, Campbell MK. Five-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of Treatments for Varicose Veins. N Engl J Med 2019; 381:912-922. [PMID: 31483962 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1805186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy are recommended alternatives to surgery for the treatment of primary varicose veins, but their long-term comparative effectiveness remains uncertain. METHODS In a randomized, controlled trial involving 798 participants with primary varicose veins at 11 centers in the United Kingdom, we compared the outcomes of laser ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and surgery. Primary outcomes at 5 years were disease-specific quality of life and generic quality of life, as well as cost-effectiveness based on models of expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained that used data on participants' treatment costs and scores on the EuroQol EQ-5D questionnaire. RESULTS Quality-of-life questionnaires were completed by 595 (75%) of the 798 trial participants. After adjustment for baseline scores and other covariates, scores on the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (on which scores range from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a better quality of life) were lower among patients who underwent laser ablation or surgery than among those who underwent foam sclerotherapy (effect size [adjusted differences between groups] for laser ablation vs. foam sclerotherapy, -2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.49 to -1.22; P<0.001; and for surgery vs. foam sclerotherapy, -2.60; 95% CI, -3.99 to -1.22; P<0.001). Generic quality-of-life measures did not differ among treatment groups. At a threshold willingness-to-pay ratio of £20,000 ($28,433 in U.S. dollars) per QALY, 77.2% of the cost-effectiveness model iterations favored laser ablation. In a two-way comparison between foam sclerotherapy and surgery, 54.5% of the model iterations favored surgery. CONCLUSIONS In a randomized trial of treatments for varicose veins, disease-specific quality of life 5 years after treatment was better after laser ablation or surgery than after foam sclerotherapy. The majority of the probabilistic cost-effectiveness model iterations favored laser ablation at a willingness-to-pay ratio of £20,000 ($28,433) per QALY. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research; CLASS Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN51995477.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brittenden
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - David Cooper
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Maria Dimitrova
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Graham Scotland
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Seonaidh C Cotton
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Elders
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Graeme MacLennan
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Craig R Ramsay
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - John Norrie
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer M Burr
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Campbell
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bachoo
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chetter
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Michael Gough
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Jonothan Earnshaw
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Tim Lees
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Julian Scott
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Sara A Baker
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Emma Tassie
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Jill Francis
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
| | - Marion K Campbell
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Glasgow (J.B.), and the Institute of Applied Health Research, Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University (A.E.), Glasgow, the Health Services Research Unit (D.C., S.C.C., G.M., C.R.R., M.K.C.) and the Health Economics Research Unit (M.D., G.S., E.T.), University of Aberdeen, and the Department of Vascular Surgery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (P.B.), Aberdeen, the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (J.N.), the School of Medicine, Medical and Biological Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews (J.M.B.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter (B.C.), the Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull (I.C.), the School of Surgery, University of Leeds (M.G.), and Vascular Surgery, St. James University Hospital (J.S.), Leeds, Vascular Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester (J.E.), Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne (T.L.), the Vascular Surgical Unit, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth (S.A.B.), and the School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London (J.F.) - all in the United Kingdom
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Epstein DM, Gohel MS, Heatley F, Liu X, Bradbury A, Bulbulia R, Cullum N, Nyamekye I, Poskitt KR, Renton S, Warwick J, Davies AH. Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized clinical trial of early versus deferred endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous ulceration. Br J Surg 2019; 106:555-562. [PMID: 30741425 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of superficial venous reflux in addition to compression therapy accelerates venous leg ulcer healing and reduces ulcer recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed endovenous treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. METHODS This was a within-trial cost-utility analysis with a 1-year time horizon using data from the EVRA (Early Venous Reflux Ablation) trial. The study compared early versus deferred endovenous ablation for superficial venous truncal reflux in patients with a venous leg ulcer. The outcome measure was the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) over 1 year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with alternative methods of handling missing data, alternative preference weights for health-related quality of life, and per protocol. RESULTS After early intervention, the mean(s.e.m.) cost was higher (difference in cost per patient £163(318) (€184(358))) and early intervention was associated with more QALYs at 1 year (mean(s.e.m.) difference 0·041(0·017)). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £3976 (€4482) per QALY. There was an 89 per cent probability that early venous intervention is cost-effective at a threshold of £20 000 (€22 546)/QALY. Sensitivity analyses produced similar results, confirming that early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective. CONCLUSION Early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective in patients with venous leg ulcers over 1 year. Registration number: ISRCTN02335796 (http://www.isrctn.com).
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M S Gohel
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - F Heatley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - X Liu
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Bradbury
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Bulbulia
- Cheltenham Vascular Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, UK
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - N Cullum
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - I Nyamekye
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, UK
| | - K R Poskitt
- Cheltenham Vascular Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, UK
| | - S Renton
- Northwick Park Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - J Warwick
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - A H Davies
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Meta-analysis of nontumescent-based versus tumescent-based endovenous therapies for patients with great saphenous insufficiency and varicose veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018; 6:779-787.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Gohel MS, Heatley F, Davies AH. Endovenous Ablation in Venous Ulceration. N Engl J Med 2018; 379:1482-3. [PMID: 30304658 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc1811147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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Carradice D, Forsyth J, Mohammed A, Leung C, Hitchman L, Harwood AE, Wallace T, Smith GE, Campbell B, Chetter I. Compliance with NICE guidelines when commissioning varicose vein procedures. BJS Open 2018; 2:419-425. [PMID: 30511042 PMCID: PMC6253791 DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Varicose veins impair quality of life and can lead to chronic leg ulcers. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (CG168) set out evidence-based standards for patient management. In England, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) fund NHS care within their locality. The objective of this study was to evaluate CCGs' commissioning policies and compare them with CG168. Methods Searches were made for the published policies of all 206 English CCGs. They were reviewed for compliance with NICE guidelines and the associated quality standard. Areas of disagreement were analysed for themes. Results Some 203 CCGs (98·5 per cent) had a published policy and 190 (93·6 per cent) of these were published after publication of CG168. Only 73 of the policies (36·0 per cent) were compliant with CG168. Treatment was restricted on the basis of clinical disease severity in 119 CCGs (58·6 per cent); 29 (14·3 per cent) stipulated delay of treatment using a 'trial' of conservative treatment; 22 (10·8 per cent) used lifestyle-related factors such as BMI and smoking status to ration treatment. Treatment was commissioned for uncomplicated symptomatic varicose veins in 87 CCGs (42·9 per cent), but some applied additional rationing mechanisms; 109 CCGs (53·7 per cent) would treat oedema, 183 (90·1 per cent) would treat skin and soft tissue damage, 202 (99·5 per cent) healed ulceration, and all would allow active ulcers to be treated. Discussion The majority of CCGs in England have commissioning policies that contradict NICE guidelines. Rationing strategies include disease severity, delay and patient lifestyle-related factors, creating unwarranted geographical variation for varicose vein treatment, disregarding the NHS Constitution for England, and perhaps leading to an increase in costly treatment of chronic complications in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Carradice
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - J Forsyth
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - A Mohammed
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - C Leung
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - L Hitchman
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - A E Harwood
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - T Wallace
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - G E Smith
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
| | - B Campbell
- Department of Vascular Surgery Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Exeter UK
| | - I Chetter
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit Hull York Medical School and Hull Royal Infirmary Hull UK
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30
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Epstein D, Onida S, Bootun R, Ortega-Ortega M, Davies AH. Cost-Effectiveness of Current and Emerging Treatments of Varicose Veins. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2018; 21:911-920. [PMID: 30098668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the cost-effectiveness of current technologies (conservative care [CONS], high-ligation surgery [HL/S], ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy [UGFS], endovenous laser ablation [EVLA], and radiofrequency ablation [RFA]) and emerging technologies (mechanochemical ablation [MOCA] and cyanoacrylate glue occlusion [CAE]) for treatment of varicose veins over 5 years. METHODS A Markov decision model was constructed. Effectiveness was measured by re-intervention on the truncal vein, re-treatment of residual varicosities, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over 5 years. Model inputs were estimated from systematic review, the UK National Health Service unit costs, and manufacturers' list prices. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken. RESULTS CONS has the lowest overall cost and quality of life per person over 5 years; HL/S, EVLA, RFA, and MOCA have on average similar costs and effectiveness; and CAE has the highest overall cost but is no more effective than other therapies. The incremental cost per QALY of RFA versus CONS was £5,148/QALY. Time to return to work or normal activities was significantly longer after HL/S than after other procedures. CONCLUSIONS At a threshold of £20,000/QALY, RFA was the treatment with highest median rank for net benefit, with MOCA second, EVLA third, HL/S fourth, CAE fifth, and CONS and UGFS sixth. Further evidence on effectiveness and health-related quality of life for MOCA and CAE is needed. At current prices, CAE is not a cost-effective option because it is costlier but has not been shown to be more effective than other options.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, School of Economics and Business Studies, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Sarah Onida
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Roshan Bootun
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marta Ortega-Ortega
- Department of Applied Economics, Public Economics and Political Economy, School of Economics and Business, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alun H Davies
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
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de-Abreu GCG, Camargo OD, de-Abreu MFM, de-Aquino JLB. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for severe chronic venous insufficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 44:511-520. [PMID: 29019582 DOI: 10.1590/0100-69912017005014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by cutaneous alterations caused by venous hypertension; in severe forms, it progresses to lower limb ulcers. Lower limb varicose veins are the main cause of chronic venous insufficiency, and the classic treatment includes surgery and compressive therapy. Minimally invasive alternative treatments for varicose veins include new techniques such as venous thermal ablation using laser or radiofrequency. The use of different methods depends on clinical and anatomical factors. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is the venous injection of sclerosing foam controlled by Doppler ultrasound. Sclerotherapy is very useful to treat varicose veins, and probably, is cheaper than other methods. However, until the present, it is the less studied method.
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Khilnani NM, Meissner MH, Vedanatham S, Piazza G, Wasen SM, Lyden S, Schul M, Beckman JA. The evidence supporting treatment of reflux and obstruction in chronic venous disease. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018; 5:399-412. [PMID: 28411707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
On July 20, 2016, a Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee panel convened to assess the evidence supporting treatment of chronic venous disease. Several societies addressed the questions posed to the panel. A multidisciplinary coalition, representing nine societies of venous specialists, reviewed the literature and presented a consensus opinion regarding the panel questions. The purpose of this paper is to present our coalition's consensus review of the literature and recommendations for chronic venous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Khilnani
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine Vein Treatment Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.
| | - Mark H Meissner
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash
| | - Suresh Vedanatham
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo
| | - Gregory Piazza
- Vascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Suman M Wasen
- Division of Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Section, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Okla
| | - Sean Lyden
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Joshua A Beckman
- Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn
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Staniszewska A, Onida S, Davies AH. Compression therapy for uncomplicated varicose veins - Too little for too much? Phlebology 2018; 34:148-150. [PMID: 29954256 DOI: 10.1177/0268355518781432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Onida
- 2 Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alun H Davies
- 2 Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
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34
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Abstract
Varicose veins are a very common condition and have been the subject of a recent proliferation of treatment modalities. The advent of the endovenous treatment era has led to a confusing array of different techniques that can be daunting when making the transition from traditional surgery. All modalities offer excellent results in the right situation, and each has its own treatment profile. Thermal ablation techniques have matured and have a reassuring and reliable outcome, but the arrival of nonthermal techniques has delivered further options for both patient and surgeon. This article provides an overview of the different treatment devices and modalities available to the modern superficial vein surgeon and details the currently available evidence and summation analysis to help surgeons to make an appropriate treatment choice for their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Belramman
- 1 Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roshan Bootun
- 1 Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan R A Lane
- 1 Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,2 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alun H Davies
- 1 Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,2 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Epstein D, Gohel M, Heatley F, Davies AH. Cost-effectiveness of treatments for superficial venous reflux in patients with chronic venous ulceration. BJS Open 2018; 2:203-212. [PMID: 30079389 PMCID: PMC6069357 DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Venous leg ulcers impair quality of life significantly, with substantial costs to health services. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of interventional procedures alongside compression therapy versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulceration. Methods A Markov decision analytical model was developed. The main outcome measures were quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and lifetime costs per patient, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service at 2015 prices. Resource use included the initial procedures, compression therapy, primary care and outpatient consultations. The interventional procedures included superficial venous surgery, endothermal ablation and ultrasound‐guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The study population was patients with a chronic venous ulcer who were eligible for either compression therapy or an interventional procedure. Data were obtained from systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs. Results Surgery gained 0·112 (95 per cent c.i. −0·011 to 0·213) QALYs compared with compression therapy alone, with a difference in lifetime costs of €−1330 (−3570 to 1262). Given the expected savings in community care, the procedure would pay for itself within 4 years. There was insufficient evidence regarding endothermal ablation and UGFS to draw conclusions. Discussion This modelling study found surgery to be more effective and less costly than compression therapy alone. Further RCT evidence is required for both endothermal ablation and UGFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics University of Granada Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada Spain
| | - M Gohel
- Department of Vascular Surgery Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge UK
| | - F Heatley
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine Imperial College School of Medicine London UK
| | - A H Davies
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine Imperial College School of Medicine London UK
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Clinical outcomes after varicose vein procedures in octogenarians within the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018; 6:464-470. [PMID: 29752187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins (VVs) are a universally recognized problem, they are frequently underappreciated as major contributors to long-term morbidity in the elderly despite the increasing prevalence with age. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic venous insufficiency and VV treatments in patients ≥65 years old yield an overall benefit; however, there have been few data as to whether octogenarians are undergoing these procedures and with what success. As such, our objectives were to investigate the procedures selected, to examine clinical outcomes after VV procedures in elderly patients ≥80 years old, and to explore complication rates (both systemic and leg specific) after VV procedures in patients ≥80 years old. METHODS We performed a retrospective review using the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry of all VV procedures performed for ≥C2 disease from January 2015 to February 2017. We divided all procedures into three age groups: patients <65 years, patients ≥65 to 79 years, and patients ≥80 years. Statistical testing included χ2 test for categorical variables and Student t-test for continuous variables. Two comparisons were performed: first, comparing patients <65 years old with patients ≥65 to 79 years old; and second, comparing patients ≥65 to 79 years old with patients ≥80 years old. RESULTS There were a total of 12,262 procedures performed, with 8608 procedures in the patients <65 years, 3226 in patients 65 to 79 years, and 428 procedures in patients ≥80 years. A total of 22,050 veins were treated during the 12,262 procedures. Almost half of procedures (46.51%; n = 5703) had only one vein treated during a single procedure. Between age groups, the percentage of one vein treated increased as the patient's age increased, ranging from 45.39% (n = 3875) for patients <65 years to 48.55% (n = 1555) for patients between 65 and 79 years and 64.08% (n = 273) for patients ≥80 years. Patients in the group ≥80 years had an overall lower average body mass index and were more likely to be receiving anticoagulation and to undergo truncal procedures alone compared with the other groups. The group ≥80 years had a significant improvement in both Venous Clinical Severity Score (4.37 ± 4.16; P < .001) and patient-reported outcomes (8.79 ± 7.27; P < .001) from before to after the procedure. Overall complications were low in all age groups. The octogenarians had no higher risk of systemic complications. CONCLUSIONS Vascular specialists are performing VV procedures in octogenarians and are more likely to perform truncal only therapy. In addition, octogenarians have statistically significant improvement of Venous Clinical Severity Score and patient-reported outcomes with a low risk of complications despite more advanced venous disease at presentation.
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Prospective Comparison of Effect of Ligation and Foam Sclerotherapy with Foam Sclerotherapy Alone for Varicose Veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2018; 49:75-79. [PMID: 29428536 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare the efficacy of ligation after foam sclerotherapy (FSL) with foam sclerotherapy (FS) alone for patients with varicose veins prospectively. METHODS Ninety-four patients with varicose veins underwent foam sclerothrapy alone and 88 patients with varicose veins received FSL. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The postoperative complications were documented prospectively. RESULTS In comparison with patients who underwent FSL, patients treated with FS only had higher incidence of phlebitis within 4 weeks (14.9% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.002) and at 6 months (10.6% vs. 0, P = 0.002) after treatment and had higher incidence of tenderness or discomfort (9.8% vs. 0, P = 0.003) and recanalization rate (8.5% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.007) at 6 months after treatment. All patients in both groups had no deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with FSL have less postoperative complications than those with foam sclerotheray alone. FSL is an alternative procedure for management of patients with varicose veins. Also, a randomized prospective study is required to observe the long-term outcomes of the FSL.
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Camillo O. Is catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy more effective than the usual foam sclerotherapy for treatment of the great saphenous vein? Phlebology 2018; 33:646-652. [DOI: 10.1177/0268355518756503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective This retrospective study presents the long-term results of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein. Method From January 2003 to June 2017, 277 patients with varices and great saphenous vein incompetence were treated with echo-guided foam sclerotherapy. Forty-six patients were treated with long-catheters guided by foam sclerotherapy. Foaming was carried out with sodium-tetra-decyl-sulphate. Results Results were examined in the two groups: A (long-catheters) and B (other procedures). The median overall follow-up was 52.1 months. In the A-group, the complete occlusion rate was 34/46 pts (73.9%) and partial occlusion was 10/46 (21.7%). In the B-group, respectively, 130/231 (56.2%) and 90/231 (38.9%). Comparisons between groups were statistically significant (p = 0.023; p = 0.021). Failures involved, respectively, 2/46 (4.3%) and 11/231 (4.7%) with no statistical significance. The complication rates were similar in the two groups. Conclusions In this long-term experience (median follow-up exceeding four years), foam-guided sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein with a long-catheter turned out to be more effective than the usual foam-guided sclerotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsini Camillo
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Camposampiero, Camposampiero, Padova, Italy
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Wade J, Elliott D, Avery KNL, Gaunt D, Young GJ, Barnes R, Paramasivan S, Campbell WB, Blazeby JM, Birtle AJ, Stein RC, Beard DJ, Halliday AW, Donovan JL. Informed consent in randomised controlled trials: development and preliminary evaluation of a measure of Participatory and Informed Consent (PIC). Trials 2017; 18:327. [PMID: 28716064 PMCID: PMC5513045 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2048-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informed consent (IC) is an ethical and legal prerequisite for trial participation, yet current approaches evaluating participant understanding for IC during recruitment lack consistency. No validated measure has been identified that evaluates participant understanding for IC based on their contributions during consent interactions. This paper outlines the development and formative evaluation of the Participatory and Informed Consent (PIC) measure for application to recorded recruitment appointments. The PIC allows the evaluation of recruiter information provision and evidence of participant understanding. METHODS Published guidelines for IC were reviewed to identify potential items for inclusion. Seventeen purposively sampled trial recruitment appointments from three diverse trials were reviewed to identify the presence of items relevant to IC. A developmental version of the measure (DevPICv1) was drafted and applied to six further recruitment appointments from three further diverse trials to evaluate feasibility, validity, stability and inter-rater reliability. Findings guided revision of the measure (DevPICv2) which was applied to six further recruitment appointments as above. RESULTS DevPICv1 assessed recruiter information provision (detail and clarity assessed separately) and participant talk (detail and understanding assessed separately) over 20 parameters (or 23 parameters for three-arm trials). Initial application of the measure to six diverse recruitment appointments demonstrated promising stability and inter-rater reliability but a need to simplify the measure to shorten time for completion. The revised measure (DevPICv2) combined assessment of detail and clarity of recruiter information and detail and evidence of participant understanding into two single scales for application to 22 parameters or 25 parameters for three-arm trials. Application of DevPICv2 to six further diverse recruitment appointments showed considerable improvements in feasibility (e.g. time to complete) with good levels of stability (i.e. test-retest reliability) and inter-rater reliability maintained. CONCLUSIONS The DevPICv2 provides a measure for application to trial recruitment appointments to evaluate quality of recruiter information provision and evidence of patient understanding and participation during IC discussions. Initial evaluation shows promising feasibility, validity, reliability and ability to discriminate across a range of recruiter practice and evidence of participant understanding. More validation work is needed in new clinical trials to evaluate and refine the measure further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wade
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Daisy Elliott
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Kerry N. L. Avery
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Daisy Gaunt
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Grace J. Young
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Rebecca Barnes
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Sangeetha Paramasivan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | | | - Jane M. Blazeby
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Alison J Birtle
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Rob C. Stein
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
| | - David J Beard
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
| | - Alison W Halliday
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Jenny L. Donovan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - On behalf of the ProtecT study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - CLASS study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - Chemorad study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - POUT study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - OPTIMA prelim study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - CSAW study group and ACST-2 study group
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, EX2 5DW UK
- Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT4 UK
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BMC), University College London Hospitals, 1st Floor Central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
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Abstract
Stasis dermatitis commonly occurs in older age. It is caused by venous hypertension resulting from retrograde flow due to incompetent venous valves, valve destruction, or obstruction of the venous system. Further tissue changes arise from an inflammatory process mediated by metalloproteinases, which are up-regulated by ferric ion from extravasated red blood cells. Stasis dermatitis presents initially as poorly demarcated erythematous plaques of the lower legs bilaterally, classically involving the medial malleolus. It is one of the spectrum of cutaneous findings that may result from chronic venous insufficiency. Its mimics include cellulitis, contact dermatitis, and pigmented purpuric dermatoses. Duplex ultrasound is useful in demonstrating venous reflux when the clinical diagnosis of stasis dermatitis is inadequate. Conservative treatment involves the use of compression therapy directed at improving ambulatory venous pressure. Interventional therapy currently includes minimally invasive techniques such as endovenous thermal ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, which have supplanted the use of open surgical techniques.
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Leo M, Stefano R, Raffaele AI. Foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein in association with pre-terminal saphenous junction ligation/division as an office-based procedure: 12-Month results. Phlebology 2017; 33:321-329. [PMID: 28440727 DOI: 10.1177/0268355517702818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) - one of the most frequently recommended methods for treating great saphenous vein incompetence - is easy and inexpensive. However, it achieves a lower occlusion rate compared to endovenous thermal ablation. The application of UGFS to pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption, eliminating the saphenous stem wash out effect, enhances the short-term occlusion rate. This study explores the results of this technique at 12 months. Method Thirty great saphenous veins (28 patients) with junction incompetence, with calibres >6 mm and >30 cm reflux stem length were submitted to echo-guided pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption and foam great saphenous vein occlusion. Participants were subjected to a 12-month post-operative review by ultrasound assessment of great saphenous vein occlusion and terminal stump stability. Comparisons were made between pre-operative and 12-month Validation of Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), photopletismography, Aberdeen questionnaire and complications. Results After 12 months, 28/30 great saphenous veins remained occluded (93%). One complete and one partial recanalization did not require retreatment. Four saphenous stumps showed a reflux during Valsalva (one due to recanalization, one limited to the stump, two with reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous vein). VCSS improved from 3.33 ± 1.64 to 0.67 ± 1.21 ( p < 0.05). Aberdeen questionnaire scores decreased from 9.44 ± 6.18 to 2.47 ± 3.77 ( p < 0.05). For photopletismographic examination, the mean venous refilling time (normal value: > 25 s) improved from 17.94 ± 11.97 to 31.4 ± 11.99 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Applying pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption to UGFS of the saphenous stem achieved an occlusion rate at one year similar to that of endovenous thermal ablation. The procedure is simple, effective, office based, and may be used as a 10-min prolongation to a phlebectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moro Leo
- Università Campus Bio Medico, Roma, Italy
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Sun Y, Li X, Chen Z, Li X, Ren S. Feasibility and safety of foam sclerotherapy followed by a multiple subcutaneously interrupt ligation under local anaesthesia for outpatients with varicose veins. Int J Surg 2017; 42:49-53. [PMID: 28419883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of foam sclerotherapy and ligation (FSL) for outpatients with varicose veins under local anaesthesia. METHODS 136 outpatients with varicose veins who were unwilling to be hospitalized underwent FSL. FSL is a technique in which the dilated varicose veins were ligated subcutaneously after foam sclerotherapy with an absorbable suture. Patients were reviewed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after FSL. Pain scores were recorded after FSL. The revised venous clinical severity scorer (rVCSS) and clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathological classification (CEAP) were used to evaluate the improvement at 3 months after treatment. RESULTS 146 limbs in 136 outpatients with varicose veins were managed with FSL. The pain scores decreased following FSL, CEAP classification score, the rVCSS values improved 3 months postintervention. No significant postoperative complications were observed on follow-up. CONCLUSION FSL is feasible, safe and easily to perform under local anaesthesia for outpatients with varicose veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Vascular Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Helongjiang, 154002, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xianlun Li
- Cardiovascular Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100019, China.
| | - Shiyan Ren
- Vascular Surgery, Aviation General Hospital, Beiijng, 100023, China.
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Prospective Randomized Study of Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Combined with Great Saphenous Vein High Ligation in the Treatment of Severe Lower Extremity Varicosis. Ann Vasc Surg 2017; 39:256-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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He G, Zheng C, Yu MA, Zhang H. Comparison of ultrasound-guided endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency for the varicose veins treatment: An updated meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2017; 39:267-275. [PMID: 28119106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate and compare the relative efficacy, recurrence and complications of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of varicose veins patients. METHODS Searches were applied to the Cochrane Library as well as MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS databases. 12 articles published in English (10 randomized controlled trials and 2 cohort study) were identified from specialized trails. Fixed effect model and Random effect model were applied to compare the vein ablated length, pain scores (3days and 10days), quality of Life, occlusion, over all complication, thrombophlebitis, haematoma and recanalization between the EVLA and RFA group. The results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for categorical outcomes. RESULTS 12 reported studies with a combined total of 1577 patients were included. vein ablated length (SMD:0.37, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.77), 3days pain scores (SMD:11.25, 95%CI: 3.42 to 25.92) and 10days (SMD:0.79,95%CI: 0.48 to 2.05),1 month quality of Life (SMD: 0.09,95%CI: 0.28 to 0.10) and 1 year (SMD: 0.04,95%CI: 0.21 to 0.13), occlusion (OR:1.05,95%CI:0.41 to 2.73), thrombophlebitis (RR:1.03,95%CI:0.56 to 1.92), haematoma (OR:1.55, 95%CI:0.54 to 4.45) and recanalization (OR:0.68,95%CI:0.43 to 1.09) following RFA showed no difference when compared with EVLA. These results were not statistically significant. RFA was associated with the lower overall complication (OR: 3.49, 95%CI:1.36 to 8.96) in patients with varicose veins compared to the EVLA treatment. CONCLUSION EVLA and RFA seem to be the same safe and effective on clinical efficacy (vein ablated length, 3days and 10days pain scores, 1 month and 1 year quality of life, occlusion, thrombophlebitis, haematoma and recanalization). Data on RFA seems to having potential benefits from reducing risk of overall complication than EVLA, which is needed by large high-quality prospective randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhi He
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen Guangming New District People's Hospital, 339# Songbai Road, Gongming Street, Shenzhen 518106, China
| | - Chenhong Zheng
- No. 2 Clinic, Logistic Support Department, Central Military Commission, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ming-An Yu
- Interventional Ultrasound Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, East Yinghua Street, Hepingli, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Hongpeng Zhang
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Cost analysis and implications of routine deep venous thrombosis duplex ultrasound scanning after endovenous ablation. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017; 5:126-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Paravastu SCV, Horne M, Dodd PDF. Endovenous ablation therapy (laser or radiofrequency) or foam sclerotherapy versus conventional surgical repair for short saphenous varicose veins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 11:CD010878. [PMID: 27898181 PMCID: PMC6464398 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010878.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short (or small) saphenous vein (SSV) varices occur as a result of an incompetent sapheno-popliteal junction, where the SSV joins the popliteal vein, resulting in reflux in the SSV; they account for about 15% of varicose veins. Untreated varicose veins may sometimes lead to ulceration of the leg, which is difficult to manage. Traditionally, treatment was restricted to surgery or conservative management. Since the 1990s, however, a number of minimally invasive techniques have been developed; these do not normally require a general anaesthetic, are day-case procedures with a quicker return to normal activities and avoid the risk of wound infection which may occur following surgery. Nerve injury remains a risk with thermal ablation, but in cases where it does occur, the injury tends to be transient. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) versus conventional surgery in the treatment of SSV varices. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Specialised Register (last searched 17 March 2016) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 2). We searched clinical trials databases for details of ongoing or unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EVLA, endovenous RFA or UGFS with conventional surgery in the treatment of SSV varices for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently reviewed, assessed and selected trials that met the inclusion criteria; any disagreements were resolved by discussion. We extracted data and used the Cochrane's tool for assessing risk of bias. When the data permitted, we performed either fixed-effect meta-analyses with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) or random-effects meta-analyses where there was moderate to significant heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS We identified three RCTs, all of which compared EVLA with surgery; one also compared UGFS with surgery. There were no trials comparing RFA with surgery. The EVLA versus surgery comparison included 311 participants: 185 received EVLA and 126 received surgery. In the UGFS comparison, each treatment group contained 21 people. For several outcomes in the EVLA comparison, only a single study provided relevant data; as a result, the current review is limited in its ability to demonstrate meaningful results for some planned outcomes. The quality of evidence according to GRADE was moderate to low for the outcome measures in the EVLA versus surgery comparison, but low for the UGFS versus surgery comparison. Reasons for downgrading in the EVLA versus surgery comparison were risk of bias (for some outcomes, the outcome assessors were not blinded; and in one study the EVLA-surgery allocation of 2:1 did not appear to be prespecified); imprecision (data were only available from a single small study and the CIs were relatively wide); indirectness (one trial reported results at six months rather than one year and was inadequately powered for SSV varices-only analysis). Reasons for downgrading in the UGFS versus surgery comparison were imprecision (only one trial offered UGFS and several participants were missing from the analysis) and a limitation in design (the study was inadequately powered for SSV participants alone).For the EVLA versus surgery comparison, recanalisation or persistence of reflux at six weeks occurred less frequently in the EVLA group than in the surgery group (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.22; I2 = 51%; 289 participants, 3 studies, moderate-quality evidence). Recurrence of reflux at one year was also less frequent in the EVLA group than in the surgery group (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.77; I2 = 0%; 119 participants, 2 studies, low-quality evidence). For the outcome clinical evidence of recurrence (i.e. presence of new visible varicose veins) at one year, there was no difference between the two treatment groups (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.75; 99 participants, 1 study, low-quality evidence). Four participants each in the EVLA and surgery groups required reintervention due to technical failure (99 participants, 1 study, moderate-quality evidence). There was no difference between the two treatment groups for disease-specific quality of life (QoL) (Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire) either at six weeks (mean difference (MD) 0.15, 95% CI -1.65 to 1.95; I2 = 0%; 265 participants, 2 studies, moderate-quality evidence), or at one year (MD -1.08, 95% CI -3.39 to 1.23; 99 participants, 1 study, low-quality evidence). Main complications reported at six weeks were sural nerve injury, wound infection and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (one DVT case in each treatment group; EVLA: 1/161, 0.6%; surgery 1/104, 1%; 265 participants, 2 studies, moderate-quality evidence).For the UGFS versus surgery comparison, there were insufficient data to detect clear differences between the two treatment groups for the two outcomes recanalisation or persistence of reflux at six weeks (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.06 to 2.10; 33 participants, 1 study, low-quality evidence), and recurrence of reflux at one year (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.29 to 4.92; 31 participants, 1 study, low-quality evidence). No other outcomes could be reported for this comparison because the study data were not stratified according to saphenous vein. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Moderate- to low-quality evidence exists to suggest that recanalisation or persistence of reflux at six weeks and recurrence of reflux at one year are less frequent when EVLA is performed, compared with conventional surgery. For the UGFS versus conventional surgery comparison, the quality of evidence is assessed to be low; consequently, the effectiveness of UGFS compared with conventional surgery in the treatment of SSV varices is uncertain. Further RCTs for all comparisons are required with longer follow-up (at least five years). In addition, measurement of outcomes such as recurrence of reflux, time taken to return to work, duration of procedure, pain, etc., and choice of time points during follow-up should be standardised such that future trials evaluating newer technologies can be compared efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Horne
- The University of Edinburgh Medical SchoolCentre for Population Health SciencesTeviot PlaceEdinburghUK
| | - P Dominic F Dodd
- Northern General HospitalSheffield Vascular InstituteHerries RoadSheffieldUKS5 7AU
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Whiteley M. Letter regarding embolization is not essential in the treatment of leg varices due to pelvic venous insufficiency. Phlebology 2016; 31:588. [DOI: 10.1177/0268355516647319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wallace T, Leung C, Nandhra S, Samuel N, Carradice D, Chetter I. Defining the optimum tumescent anaesthesia solution in endovenous laser ablation. Phlebology 2016; 32:322-333. [PMID: 27306991 DOI: 10.1177/0268355516653905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To produce a tumescent anaesthesia solution with physiological pH for endovenous thermal ablation and evaluate its influence on peri- and postoperative pain, clinical and quality of life outcomes, and technical success. Methods Tumescent anaesthetic solution (0.1% lidocaine with 1:2,000,000 epinephrine) was titrated to physiological pH by buffering with 2 ml incremental aliquots of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy were studied before and after introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic. Primary outcome was perioperative pain measured on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were daily pain scores during the first postoperative week, complications, time to return to normal activity, patient satisfaction, generic and disease-specific quality of life, and technical success. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks following the procedure. Results A physiological pH was achieved with the addition of 10 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to 1 l of standard tumescent anaesthetic solution. Sixty-two patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation with phlebectomy were recruited before and after the introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic solution. Baseline and operative characteristics were well matched. The buffered solution was associated with significantly lower (median (interquartile range)) periprocedural pain scores (1 (0.25-2.25) versus 4 (3-6), p < 0.001) and postoperative pain score at the end of the treatment day (1.8 (0.3-2.8) versus 3.0 (1.2-5.2), p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups at any other time. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in generic and disease-specific quality of life, with no intergroup differences. Both groups demonstrated 100% ultrasonographic technical success at all time points. Conclusions Buffering of tumescent anaesthetic solution during endovenous thermal ablation is a simple, safe, inexpensive and effective means of reducing perioperative and early postoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Wallace
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Clement Leung
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Sandip Nandhra
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Nehemiah Samuel
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Daniel Carradice
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Ian Chetter
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School / Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
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Lawson JA, Toonder IM. A review of a new Dutch guideline for management of recurrent varicose veins. Phlebology 2016; 31:114-24. [PMID: 26916778 DOI: 10.1177/0268355516631683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, the new Dutch guideline for "Venous Pathology" was published. The guideline was a revision and update from the guideline "Diagnostics and Treatment of Varicose Veins" from 2009 and the guideline "Venous Ulcer" from 2005. A guideline for "Deep Venous Pathology" and one for "Compression Therapy" was added to the overall guideline "Venous Pathology." The chapter about treatment of recurrent varicose veins after initial intervention was recently updated in 2015 and is reviewed here. The Dutch term "recidief varices" or the French "récidive de varices" should be used analogous to the English term "recurrent varicose veins." The DCOP Guideline Development Group Neovarices concluded that "recidief" in Dutch actually suggests recurrence after apparent successful treatment and ignores the natural progression of venous disease in its own right. So the group opted to use the term "neovarices." In the Dutch guideline, neovarices is meant to be an all embracing term for recurrent varicose veins caused by technical or tactical failure, evolvement from residual refluxing veins or natural progression of varicose vein disease at different locations of the treated leg after intervention. This report reviews the most important issues in the treatment of varicose vein recurrence, and discusses conclusions and recommendations of the Dutch Neovarices Guideline Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Lawson
- Section of Phlebology and Vascular Surgery, Centrum Oosterwal, The Netherlands
| | - Irwin M Toonder
- Section of Phlebology and Vascular Surgery, Centrum Oosterwal, The Netherlands Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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Onida S, Shalhoub J, Moore HM, Head KS, Lane TRA, Davies AH. Factors impacting on patient perception of procedural success and satisfaction following treatment for varicose veins. Br J Surg 2016; 103:382-90. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been collected from patients undergoing varicose vein treatments in the National Health Service since 2009. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to examine PROMs for varicose vein interventions, characterizing factors that might predict patient-reported perception of procedural success and satisfaction.
Methods
Centrally compiled PROMs data for varicose vein procedures carried out from 2009 to 2011 were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics data warehouse for England. As data were not distributed normally, non-parametric statistical tests were employed.
Results
Data for 35 039 patient episodes (62·8 per cent women) were available for analysis. Some 23·4 per cent of patients reported a degree of anxiety or depression before treatment; a formal diagnosis of depression was present in 7·8 per cent. Quality of life, measured by generic EQ-5D-3L™ index and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) improved after intervention by 11·7 per cent (0·77 to 0·86) and 40·1 per cent (18·95 to 11·36) respectively. No significant improvement was found in EQ-5D™ visual analogue scale scores. There was a significant improvement in self-perceived anxiety or depression after the intervention (P < 0·001, McNemar–Bowker test). Both preoperative and postoperative depression or anxiety had a statistically significant relationship with self-reported success and satisfaction (both P < 0·001, χ2 test).
Conclusion
This analysis of PROMs is evidence that treatment of varicose veins improves quality of life, and anxiety or depression. Preoperative and postoperative anxiety or depression scores impact on patient-perceived success and satisfaction rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onida
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - J Shalhoub
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - H M Moore
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - K S Head
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - T R A Lane
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - A H Davies
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, East Wing, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK
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