Fluoroscopy-guided endovenous sclerotherapy using a microcatheter prior to endovenous laser ablation: comparison between liquid and foam sclerotherapy for varicose tributaries

Comparison of Foam and Liquid Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Varicose Veins and Telangiectasia in Obese Patients

OBJECTIVE

Sclerotherapy is an accepted treatment modality for reticular varicose veins and telangiectasia. We aimed to compare the success and safety of foam and liquid sclerotherapy in obese patients with lower extremity varicose veins and telangiectasia.

METHODS

The present study was performed in a non-randomized prospective manner, and obese patients with lower extremity varicose veins (patients with anatomy and pathophysiology classification {CEAP} class C1) and telangiectasia treated with foam sclerotherapy and liquid sclerotherapy were enrolled into the study. Patients treated with foam sclerotherapy and liquid sclerotherapy were compared with regard to preoperative parameters, procedure success, Visual Analog Score (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications.

RESULTS

The VAS scores at the first hour and sixth hour were statistically higher in the foam sclerotherapy group (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The success rate after the first session was 88.2% in the foam sclerotherapy group and 69.4% in the liquid sclerotherapy group (p=0.008). After all sessions, the success rates were similar between groups (p=0.607). The foam sclerotherapy group required an average of 1.1 sessions, while the liquid sclerotherapy group required 1.4 sessions (p=0.001). At the third-month follow-up, the success rate was significantly higher in the foam sclerotherapy group than liquid sclerotherapy group (91.2% and 77.4%; p= 0.030). In the foam sclerotherapy group, 80.9% of the patients were very satisfied, while this rate was 58.1% in the liquid group (p=0.012). The rates of ecchymosis and hyperpigmentation in the first week after the procedure were significantly higher in the foam sclerotherapy group (p=0.003 and p=0.040, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that foam sclerotherapy had a significantly higher success rate after the first session, and third month follow-up with higher patient satisfaction. In contrast, liquid sclerotherapy had significantly lower VAS scores in the first and sixth hours following the procedure and had lower ecchymosis and hyperpigmentation in the first week after the procedure.

Outcomes of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous high ligation of the great saphenous vein combined with foam sclerotherapy for symptomatic great saphenous veins

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous high ligation (FPHL) combined with fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy (FGFS) to treat varicose veins of the greater saphenous veins (GSV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 113 patients (mean age, 62.1 ± 10.8 years; 60 men) with varicose veins of the GSV (133 limbs) which were treated with FPHL combined with FGFS between April 1, 2019 and October 31, 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected from these patients before the FPHL procedure, after which FGFS was performed. The preterminal GSV was percutaneously ligated by a percutaneously positioned polypropylene ligature under fluoroscopic guidance. The outcome of ligation was confirmed by venography. Then, foam sclerotherapy was performed under fluoroscopy. At 1-year follow-up, GSV occlusion was evaluated by ultrasound. The venous clinical severity scores (VCSSs) were compared between the preoperative and 1-year follow-up periods.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100% (133 limbs). Complete 12-month follow-up was available for 112 limbs (84.2%), and 103 of these limbs (92.0%) remained occluded during this period. The VCSS improved from 4.71 ± 2.15 to 0.74 ± 0.60 (V = 6328, P < .001). During follow-up, there were 16 limbs with thrombophlebitis and 38 limbs with saphenous junction pain; these events were alleviated within 2 weeks of the procedure. There was no deep venous thrombosis or other severe adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

FPHL combined with FGFS to treat varicose veins in the GSV achieved an occlusion rate of 92% and improved the clinical symptoms within one year; this minimally invasive procedure was safe and effective.

Feasibility and short-term complication rate of mechanochemical ablation for epifascial tributaries of incompetent great saphenous veins

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of skin complications after mechanochemical ablation with the ClariVein device (Merit Medical, South Jordan, Utah) for incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) and compare the results in terms of the target vein characteristics, especially in the presence of an epifascial GSV tributary.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective study was performed. We reviewed 33 limbs of 32 patients with GSV insufficiency who had undergone mechanochemical ablation with the ClariVein device from December 2017 to February 2020. The 33 limbs were divided into two groups: the epifascial group, comprising 11 limbs of 11 patients, and the nonepifascial group, comprising 22 limbs of 21 patients. The patients underwent postoperative follow-up examinations at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The skin complication counts and scores on a four-point scale were recorded.

RESULTS

Regarding the baseline characteristics, the epifascial group showed a significantly lower GSV depth in the distal thigh region compared with the nonepifascial group (2.64 ± 0.5 mm vs 7.05 ± 2.57 mm; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the sclerosant (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) volume (5.45 ± 2.02 mL vs 6.59 ± 1.79 mL; P = .109) or ablation length (31.82 ± 3.92 cm vs 32.95 ± 4.05 cm; P = .449). All ClariVein procedures were technically successful (33 of 33 limbs; 100%), and no major complications were reported. The hyperpigmentation score was significantly greater in the epifascial group than in the nonepifascial group (score, 0.18 ± 0.4 vs 0 ± 0; P = .0401), although the hyperpigmentation count was not significantly different between the two groups (2 of 11 limbs [18.2%] vs 0 of 22 limbs [0.0%]; P = .1042). Although marginally higher counts and scores were observed in terms of phlebitis and bruising in the epifascial group, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovenous treatment with the ClariVein device for incompetent GSVs can be performed safely. However, caution should be exercised when the epifascial GSV tributary is treated during the ClariVein procedure because of its predilection to result in hyperpigmentation.

Retrograde Endovenous Laser Ablation through Saphenopopliteal Junctional Area for Incompetent Small Saphenous Vein: Comparison with Antegrade Approach

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and to compare it with the conventional antegrade EVLA for incompetent small saphenous vein (SSV).

Materials and Methods

Small saphenous vein was cannulated via two approaches under ultrasound-guidance. One method involved puncturing the SSV cranially at mid-calf (the antegrade group). If the antegrade puncture into the SSV failed twice, the other approach for puncture was selected that involved puncturing the SSV toward the ankle (the retrograde group). Patients were evaluated in terms of technical & clinical success, closure rates of the SSV, and complications including pain, bruising, or paresthesia at all follow-up visits.

Results

The 1470 nm endovenous laser was used in all limbs. Technical success was seen in all limbs in both groups (100%). Closure rate in both groups showed about 95%, without significant difference (p = 0.685). Similar linear endovenous energy density was supplied during the EVLA in both groups (p = 0.876). Three frequent complications including bruising, pain, and paresthesia did not show statistical significance between groups (p = 0.465, 0.823, 1.000, respectively). Major complications were absent in both groups.

Conclusion

The EVLA for the incompetent SSV using a retrograde approach is safe and effective and should be considered the alternative method if the antegrade access fails due to vasospasm or small SSV diameter.

A modified Tessari method for producing more foam

This study aimed to develop a modified Tessari method for producing more sclerosing foam in treatment of extensive venous malformations. Sclerosing foam was produced by using Tessari method and the modified Tessari method. The procedure of the later was as follows: prepared foam in a sclerosant–air ratio of 1:4; connected three disposable 10 ml syringes to two medical three-way taps; drawn 4 ml of liquid sclerosant into one syringe and 16 ml averagely of air into the other two; then moved the plungers of all syringes back and forth for 20 times to produce sclerosing foam. The volume and foam half time (FHT) of foam produced by the two methods were compared. The average volume of sclerosing foam produced by Tessari method and the modified Tessari method were 9.8 and 19.7 ml, and assessed to have statistical difference. The FHT of foam produced by the two methods were 120 and 150 s, and assessed to have statistical difference. In conclusion, the modified Tessari method could produce more fresh and stable sclerosing foam.