Latest Innovations in the Treatment of Venous Disease

Usefulness of Elastic Bandage Compression Compared to Calf Massage to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism-A Retrospective Evaluation

Background: Manual calf massage and passive ankle motion (CaM) can reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, these methods cannot be used in all patients; thus, elastic bandage (EB) compression is an alternative method. The efficacy of EB compression in preventing VTE has not yet been investigated; thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of EB compression and manual calf massage. Methods: Of the 363 patients who underwent unilateral primary THA at our hospital between 1 August 2018 and 31 October 2023, CaM without anticoagulation therapy was administered to 206 patients (CaM group) and 157 patients underwent EB without anticoagulation therapy (EB group). Duplex ultrasonography was performed 7 days postoperatively to check for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in both legs. Results: The surgical time (122.2 min vs. 155.5 min), the incidence of DVT (4.5% vs. 4.8%) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) (0% vs. 0.7%), intraoperative bleeding (305.4 mL vs. 301 mL), and estimated actual blood loss (846.6 mL vs. 811.6 mL) were not significantly different between the CaM and EB group. However, there was one case of symptomatic PTE in the EB group. Conclusions: The incidences of DVT, PTE, and intraoperative bleeding were not significantly different between the groups. Moreover, EB can be administered to patients with DVT and is considered to be a DVT prophylaxis method that can be used in a larger number of patients. Therefore, we recommend that EB be performed in all the patients undergoing THA.

Key Regulators of Angiogenesis and Inflammation Are Dysregulated in Patients with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins (VVs) are the most common manifestation of chronic venous disease (CVD) and appear as abnormally enlarged and tortuous superficial veins. VVs result from functional abnormalities in the venous circulation of the lower extremities, such as venous hypertension, venous valve incompetence, and venous reflux. Previous studies indicate that enhanced angiogenesis and inflammation contribute to the progression and onset of VVs; however, dysregulations in signaling pathways associated with these processes in VVs patients are poorly understood. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to identify key regulators of angiogenesis and inflammation that are dysregulated in patients with VVs. Expression levels of 18 genes were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using real-time PCR, as well as plasma levels of 6 proteins were investigated using ELISA. Higher levels of CCL5, PDGFA, VEGFC, TGF-alpha, TGF-beta 1, and VEGF-A, as well as lower levels of VEGFB and VEGF-C, were found to be statistically significant in the VV group compared to the control subjects without VVs. None of the analyzed factors was associated with the venous localization of the varicosities. The presented study identified dysregulations in key angiogenesis- and inflammation-related factors in PBMC and plasma from VVs patients, providing new insight into molecular mechanisms that could contribute to the development of VVs and point out promising candidates for circulatory biomarkers of this disease.

Nursing diagnosis proposal "Impaired Peripheral Venous Return": concept formation

OBJECTIVES

to develop a nursing diagnosis proposal focused on venous return.

METHODS

this is a concept analysis according to the model proposed by Walker and Avant, which is operationalized through an integrative review. The study was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol recommendations.

RESULTS

the analysis of the 131 studies allowed identifying attributes, antecedents and consequences. The most common attribute was decreased venous flow. The antecedents most frequently found were structural and/or functional valve deficiency, advanced age and peripheral venous thrombosis. The most common consequences were peripheral edema, venous ulcer and pain in the extremity.

CONCLUSIONS

the formulated nursing diagnosis was proposed as part of Domain 4, Activity/rest, in Class 4, Cardiovascular/pulmonary responses, with eight defining characteristics, five related factors, six at-risk populations and four associated conditions.

Efficacy and safety of endovenous microwave ablation versus laser ablation for great saphenous vein varicosis: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

INTRODUCTION

Endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) is a relatively novel thermal ablation treatment for great saphenous vein (GSV) varicosis, and its efficacy and safety are rarely reported. This study aims to explore whether EMA can be comparable to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), which is a widely used thermal ablation treatment in clinical practice.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial to compare the efficacy and safety of EMA and EVLA in patients with GSV varicosis. We will recruit 180 patients in 6 centres and randomly assign them into treatment group (EMA group) and control group (EVLA group) in a 1:1 ratio. The patients will return to the hospitals at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, and will be called at 1 month after the treatment for follow-up visits. The primary outcome is the occlusion rate of GSV immediately, at 6 months, and at 12 months after the treatment. The secondary outcomes are Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) Score, operation time and instrument performance evaluation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol has been approved by the Clinical Trial Ethics Committee of Beijing Hospital (2020BJYYEC-126-02), Peking Union Medical College Hospital (KS2020393), Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (No.20279-2-02), Beijing Luhe Hospital.Capital Medical University (2020-LHYW-030-01), the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (No.2020249), and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU1AF2021LSY-12). The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04726124.

A case series of platelet rich plasma in chronic venous ulcers

INTRODUCTION

Venous ulcers are the most common type of leg wounds (80%) and the main cause is chronic venous insufficiency. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential wound healing treatment due to its great variety of growth factors. The aim of this study was to describe in a case series the results of poor-leukocyte PRP (P-PRP) or saline for the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers of the lower extremity.

METHODS

Eight patients were treated according to the topical therapy: saline solution or P-PRP gel. All patients used double compression stocks and were assisted by a vascular practitioner for up to 12 months or until wound healing. The treatment was performed weekly with cleaning of the affected area, macroscopic evaluation (area measurement and photos) and P-PRP or saline application, and closure with Tegaderm®. Trial Registration: Retrospectively approved by Brazilian Clinical Trials, register number RBR-7zhgb3 (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7zhgb3/).

RESULTS

All patients showed signs of wound healing with a reduction in wound size and ulcer numbers, but more evident with P-PRP application.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that P-PRP presented a better result when compared to saline solution in the healing process of long clinical course chronic venous ulcers, when associated to compressive stocks and topical care.

Scoping review of non-thermal technologies for endovenous ablation for treatment of venous insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this review article was to compare the outcomes of newer non-thermal endovenous ablation techniques to thermal ablation techniques for the treatment of symptomatic venous insufficiency.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three independent reviewers screened PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify relevant studies. A total of 1173 articles were identified from database search that met our inclusion criteria. Two articles were identified through reference search. Removal of duplicates from our original search yielded 695 articles. We then screened these articles and assessed 173 full-text articles for eligibility. Subsequent to exclusion, 11 full-text articles were selected for final inclusion.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The non-thermal techniques are similar to thermal techniques in terms of a high technical success rate, closure rate at 12 months, change in Venous Clinical Severity Score and change in quality of life after procedure. However, the length of procedure is shorter for non-thermal modalities and patient comfort is improved with lower pain scores. Return to work may also be earlier after non-thermal ablation. The rates of bruising, phlebitis and paresthesia are higher after thermal ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-thermal modalities are safe and effective in treating venous reflux and have shown improved patient comfort and shorter length of procedure which may make them favorable for use compared to the thermal modalities.

Understanding Chronic Venous Disease: A Critical Overview of Its Pathophysiology and Medical Management

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a multifactorial condition affecting an important percentage of the global population. It ranges from mild clinical signs, such as telangiectasias or reticular veins, to severe manifestations, such as venous ulcerations. However, varicose veins (VVs) are the most common manifestation of CVD. The explicit mechanisms of the disease are not well-understood. It seems that genetics and a plethora of environmental agents play an important role in the development and progression of CVD. The exposure to these factors leads to altered hemodynamics of the venous system, described as ambulatory venous hypertension, therefore promoting microcirculatory changes, inflammatory responses, hypoxia, venous wall remodeling, and epigenetic variations, even with important systemic implications. Thus, a proper clinical management of patients with CVD is essential to prevent potential harms of the disease, which also entails a significant loss of the quality of life in these individuals. Hence, the aim of the present review is to collect the current knowledge of CVD, including its epidemiology, etiology, and risk factors, but emphasizing the pathophysiology and medical care of these patients, including clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatments. Furthermore, future directions will also be covered in this work in order to provide potential fields to explore in the context of CVD.

Nonthermal Endovenous Procedures for Varicose Veins: A Health Technology Assessment

BACKGROUND

Varicose veins are part of the spectrum of chronic venous disease and are a sign of underlying chronic venous insufficiency. Treatments to address varicose veins include surgical vein removal under general anesthesia, or endovenous laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under tumescent anesthesia. Two newer nonthermal endovenous procedures can close veins without any tumescent anesthesia, using either mechanochemical ablation (MOCA, a combination of mechanical and chemical techniques) or cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC). We conducted a health technology assessment of these nonthermal endovenous procedures for people with symptomatic varicose veins, which included an evaluation of effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, the budget impact of publicly funding MOCA and CAC, and patient preferences and values.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence. We assessed the risk of bias of each included study using the Cochrane Risk of Bias or RoBANS tool, and the quality of the body of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.2, where appropriate.We performed a systematic economic literature search and conducted a cost-utility analysis with a 5-year time horizon from the perspective of Ontario Ministry of Health. In our primary economic evaluation, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of nonthermal endovenous procedures (CAC and MOCA) compared with surgical vein stripping and thermal endovenous therapies (EVLA and RFA). We also analyzed the budget impact of publicly funding nonthermal and thermal endovenous therapies for adults with symptomatic varicose veins in Ontario over the next 5 years. Costs are expressed in 2020 Canadian dollars.To contextualize the potential value of nonthermal endovenous treatments, we spoke with 13 people with varicose veins who had sought various treatment options. We conducted phone interviews and qualitatively analyzed their responses regarding their care journey and the impact of different treatment options; the only nonthermal treatment that participants had experience with was CAC.

RESULTS

We included 19 primary studies reported in 25 publications comparing either MOCA or CAC with at least one other invasive treatment for symptomatic varicose veins. No studies compared MOCA with CAC. Based on evidence of low to moderate quality, MOCA resulted in slightly poorer technical outcomes (vein closure and recanalization) than thermal endovenous ablation procedures. However, clinical outcomes, quality of life improvement, and patient satisfaction were similar compared with RFA (GRADE: Very low to Moderate) and EVLA (GRADE: High). Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure resulted in little to no difference in technical outcomes, clinical outcomes, and quality of life improvement compared with RFA and EVLA (GRADE: Moderate). Patient satisfaction may also be similar (GRADE: Low). Recovery time was slightly reduced with nonthermal endovenous procedures compared with thermal ablation (GRADE: Moderate). The effect of CAC compared with surgical vein stripping is very uncertain (GRADE: Very low). Major complications of any procedure were rare, with minor complications occurring as expected and resolving.We included two European studies in the economic evidence review that were partially applicable to the Ontario context. Both studies found that thermal ablation procedures (RFA, EVLA, or steam vein sclerosis) were the most cost-effective treatments, compared with surgical vein stripping and nonthermal therapies. Our cost-utility analysis showed that surgical vein stripping is the least effective and most costly treatment among five treatments for varicose veins. Differences in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between endovenous treatments (CAC, MOCA, RFA, and EVLA) were small. When the willingness-to-pay (WTP) value was $50,000 per QALY gained, the probabilities of being cost-effective were 55.6%, 18.8%, 15.6%, 10.0%, and 0%, for EVLA, CAC, MOCA, RFA, and surgical vein stripping, respectively. When the WTP was $100,000 per QALY gained, the probabilities of being cost-effective were 40.2%, 30.0%, 17.7%, 12.1%, and 0%, for EVLA, CAC, RFA, MOCA, and surgical vein stripping, respectively. Publicly funding endovenous procedures (both nonthermal and thermal) would increase the total volume of treatments, resulting in a total 5-year budget impact of around $17 million.People with varicose veins with whom we spoke reported positively on their experiences with the CAC procedure and its outcomes. They also described geographic and financial barriers to accessing the range of available treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure and MOCA produced similar patient-important outcomes, and slightly shorter recovery compared with thermal ablation. Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure yielded similar anatomical outcomes as thermal endovenous ablation, but the technical outcomes of MOCA were slightly poorer.Compared with surgical vein stripping, all endovenous treatments were more effective and less expensive. If we were to look at the most cost-effective strategy (at WTP less than $100,000 per QALY), EVLA is most likely to be cost-effective. Assuming an 80% increase in the number of eligible people over the next 5 years, we estimate that publicly funding nonthermal and thermal endovenous treatments for varicose veins in Ontario would range from $2.59 million in year 1 to $4.35 million in year 5, and that the total 5-year budget impact would be around $17 million.For people with varicose veins, the CAC procedure was seen as a positive treatment method that reduced their symptoms and improved their quality of life.

Thrombus Extension after Great Saphenous Vein Mechanochemical Ablation

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to examine factors associated with thrombus extension after early experience with mechanochemical ablation, which combines mechanical damage to the venous endothelium with infusion of a sclerosant.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent mechanochemical ablation to treat saphenous vein insufficiency in the thigh including the saphenofemoral junction. Data abstracted included patient demographics, procedural details, and postprocedural outcomes. Thrombus extension was determined by postprocedural duplex ultrasound and classified as flush closure with the femoral vein and any extension of thrombus into the femoral vein.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age of the population was 60, 17.8% were female, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.7. Seven (9.6%) patients who underwent mechanochemical ablation experienced saphenous vein closure flush with the femoral vein. Eleven (15%) patients experience extension of thrombus to less than 50% of the diameter of the femoral vein and one patient experienced complete thrombosis of the femoral vein. There was no significant difference in age, sex, or comprehensive classification system for chronic venous disorders between the group with thrombus extension and the group without, with the exception of BMI. The mean BMI in the group with thrombus extension was 26.8 vs. 32 in the group without (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in sclerosant volume used, distance between catheter tip and SFJ, and mean diameter of GSV in the thigh.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, the incidence of thrombus extension into the femoral vein with mechanochemical ablation was high relative to rates of thrombus extension associated with reported rates of thermal ablation. Further investigation with larger cohorts, and standardized reporting is required to characterize the true rate of thrombus extension after mechanochemical ablation and identify maneuvers which may prevent thrombus extension.

Efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The varicose veins of the lower extremities showed earthworm-like dilatation and venous protrusion of the lower extremities. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy, as a minimally invasive treatment with rapid recovery, less trauma and not easy to relapse, has achieved good results in clinical, but it is lack of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities by meta-analysis.

METHOD

Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientifific Journals Database, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, EMBASE database, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library will be used as search sources to conduct for randomized controlled trials of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities. The search time is set from the establishment of the database in December 2020 in this study. Two researchers independently extract, delete files, extract data and evaluate the quality. Revman software version 5.3 will be used for statistical analysis of data.

RESULT

In this study, the efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities will be evaluated in terms of total effective rate, incidence of complications and recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidence for the clinical application of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval will not be required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AUR4X.

Medicine and Phlebolymphology: Time to Change?

Biomedical science is undergoing a reappraisal of its scientific advancement process and of the related healthcare management. Progress in medicine should combine improvements of knowledge, efficacy, and safety of diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, with adequate cost-effectiveness profiles. This narrative review is aimed at assessing in medicine, more specifically in phlebology and lymphology: (a) scientific literature possible biases, (b) the level of evidence, comprehensiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the main therapeutic options, and (c) the possible contribution of integrative and translational medicine. Current medical research may have cognitive biases, or industry-tied influences, which impacts clinical practice. Some reductionism, with an increasing use of drugs and technology, often neglecting the understanding and care of the root causative pathways of the diseases, is affecting biomedical science as well. Aging brings a relevant burden of chronic degenerative diseases and disabilities, with relevant socio-economic repercussions; thus, a major attention to cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of healthcare is warranted. In this scenario, costly and innovative but relatively validated therapies may tend to be adopted in venous and lymphatic diseases, such as varicose veins, leg venous ulcer, post-thrombotic syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, and lymphedema. Conversely, a more comprehensive approach to the basic pathophysiology of chronic venous and lymphatic insufficiency and the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics analyses would benefit overall patients' management. Erroneous lifestyle and nutrition, together with chronic stress-induced syndromes, significantly influence chronic degenerative phlebo-lymphatic diseases. The main active epigenetic socio-biologic factors are obesity, dysfunctions of musculo-respiratory-vascular pumps, pro-inflammatory nutrition, hyperactivation of stress axis, and sedentarism. An overall critical view of the scientific evidence and innovations in phebolymphology could be of help to improve efficacy, safety, and sustainability of current practice. Translational and integrative medicine may contribute to a patient-centered approach. Conversely, reductionism, eminence/reimbursement-based decisional processes, patients' lack of education, industry-influenced science, and physician's improvable awareness, may compromise efficacy, safety, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of future diagnostic and therapeutic patterns of phlebology and lymphology.

Dysregulations of MicroRNA and Gene Expression in Chronic Venous Disease

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a vascular disease of lower limbs with high prevalence worldwide. Pathologic features include varicose veins, venous valves dysfunction and skin ulceration resulting from dysfunction of cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. These processes are partly regulated by microRNA (miRNA)-dependent modulation of gene expression, pointing to miRNA as a potentially important target in diagnosis and therapy of CVD progression. The aim of the study was to analyze alterations of miRNA and gene expression in CVD, as well as to identify miRNA-mediated changes in gene expression and their potential link to CVD development. Using next generation sequencing, miRNA and gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with CVD in relation to healthy controls were studied. Thirty-one miRNAs and 62 genes were recognized as potential biomarkers of CVD using DESeq2, Uninformative Variable Elimination by Partial Least Squares (UVE-PLS) and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) methods. Regulatory interactions between potential biomarker miRNAs and genes were projected. Functional analysis of microRNA-regulated genes revealed terms closely related to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. The study shed new light on miRNA-dependent regulatory mechanisms involved in the pathology of CVD. MicroRNAs and genes proposed as CVD biomarkers may be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Efficacy of Cyanoacrylate Glue Ablation of Primary Truncal Varicose Veins Compared to Existing Endovenous Techniques: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction  One-third of adults in the United States and United Kingdom suffer from varicose veins. n -butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue is a novel endovascular, nontumescent, nonthermal ablation technique for treatment of this condition. It has proved effective in multiple studies since its first use in 2013. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of NBCA in ablating primary truncal varicose veins and eliminating reflux compared with existing endovascular techniques. Secondary outcomes include complications and quality of life. Methods  PRISMA was used as a guide and studies were screened for risk of bias and methodological quality. Subjects had to be ≥18 years of age and followed-up posttreatment with color Duplex ultrasound (DUS). Eligibility criteria included saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) or saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) incompetence with reflux down truncal veins lasting >0.5 seconds on DUS interrogation and a Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological classification of venous disorders ranging between C1 and C6. Results  Out of 2,910 patients (3,220 veins) in 17 studies, 1,981 were administered NBCA, 445 radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and 484 endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with mean procedure times of 25.7, 23.2, and 28.7 minutes, respectively. Mean recruitment period was 9 months (1-36 months) and followed-up for an average of 12.3 months (1-36 months). The majority were C2 to C3. Two-year occlusion rates were 93.7, 90.9, and 91.5% for NBCA, RFA, and EVLA, respectively. NBCA-treated patients experienced the least complications, with bruising, phlebitis, and pain being the most prevalent. Quality of life improved equally in all three modalities. Conclusion  NBCA is simple to administer, safe, and effective even without compression stockings. Further studies are required to assess longer-term benefit and the effect of anticoagulation on vein obliteration.

Evaluation and Management of Chronic Venous Disease Using the Foundation of CEAP

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Venous disease is common. Depending on the population studied, the prevalence may be as high as 80%. Significant chronic venous disease with venous ulcers or trophic skin changes is reported to affect 1-10% of the population. A systematic assessment of the clinical findings associated with chronic venous disease will facilitate appropriate imaging. Based on imaging and assessment, patients with reflux or obstruction can be recommended proper medical and endovascular or surgical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many types of endovascular management are available to treat reflux and eliminate varicose veins and tributaries. More recently adopted non-thermal non-tumescent techniques have been shown to be comparable with more widely performed laser or radiofrequency ablation techniques. A thorough clinical assessment, appropriate duplex ultrasound imaging, and use of advanced imaging when needed will allow clinicians to optimize therapy for patients with chronic venous disease based on the etiology, anatomy involved, and the pathophysiology.

Refining diagnosis and management of chronic venous disease: Outcomes of a modified Delphi consensus process

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common condition with major health consequences that is associated with poor long-term prognosis, significant socioeconomic impact, disabling symptoms and reduced quality of life. To provide practical guidance for diagnosis and management of CVD, a Delphi panel of 5 experts in steering committee and 28 angiologists/vascular surgeons met with the major aim of providing a supplement for established national and international guidelines. A total of 24 statements were voted upon in two rounds, of which consensus was reached on 22 statements, indicating a high level of overall agreement. Consensus was reached on 7 of 8 statements relative to diagnosis (CEAP classification, diagnostic tools, QoL assessment, diagnostic imaging) and on 15 of 16 statements on management (conservative treatments, compressive therapy, pharmacological therapy, surgical treatment). The results of the consensus reached are discussed herein from which it is clear that diagnostic and management approaches utilising personalised therapies tailored to the individual patient should be favoured. While it is clear that additional studies are needed on many aspects of diagnosis and management of CVD, the present Delphi survey provides some key recommendations for clinicians treating CVD that may be useful in daily practice.