Objectives To compare the effectiveness of two foam sclerotherapy techniques of the great saphenous vein. Methods Fifty subjects with varicose veins, edema, and great saphenous vein incompetence (diameter 6–10 mm) were randomly categorized into two equal groups and were treated with different foam sclerotherapy techniques: A (usual ultrasound-guided) and B (catheter-directed with tumescence). Concomitant phlebectomy was performed in all patients. Patients were seen on days 7 and 28, and at six and 12 months. The primary outcomes were the full success rate of the treated great saphenous vein and the number of patients who required retreatment sessions performed at 28-day follow-up. The secondary-assisted outcomes were the full success rates of the treated great saphenous vein after the retreatment sessions at six- and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life and side effects and complications of the intervention. In case of reflux, retreatment sessions were performed at 28 days and six months in both groups. Results Full success rate of the treated great saphenous vein was 36% in group A vs. 80% in group B ( p = 0.012) and the number of patients who required retreatment sessions were n = 14 in group A vs. n = 3 in group B at 28-day follow-up ( p = 0.002). Both were statistically significant. At six and 12 months, the success rates were not statistically significant between the groups. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Quality of life improved in both groups with statistical difference ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy with tumescence was better than usual ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy as it reached higher full success rate of the treated great saphenous vein and as a lower number of patients required retreatment sessions in the short-term. Both methods proved to be safe and improved the quality of life.
Objective:
To compare the use of the radiofrequency thermoablation of the saphenous vein with the ligation technique, and complete removal of the saphenous vein, from the saphenofemoral junction to the ankle.
Methods:
A total of 49 patients with chronic venous disease in the Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders (CEAP) classes 2 to 4 for clinical signs, etiology, anatomic distribution and pathophysiology, were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 1 year. The parameters assessed were complications, period of absence from activities, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and quality of life scores according to Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ). They were re-examined 1 and 3 years after treatment to evaluate recurrence rates.
Results:
The success rate per limb (p=0.540), VCSS (p=0.636), AVVQ (p=0.163), and clinical complications were similar in the two treatment groups. Nevertheless, the radiofrequency thermoablation group had significant shorter length of hospital stay (0.69±0.47) and absence from activities (8.62±4.53), p<000.1.
Conclusion:
Patients submitted to radiofrequency thermoablation had an occlusion rate, clinical recurrence and improvement in quality of life comparable to removal of the saphenous vein. However, these patients spent less time hospitalized and away from their daily activities during recovering.
Objectives To investigate whether radiofrequency endovenous ablation (RFA) of saphenous and perforating veins increases venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing rates and prevents ulcer recurrence. Method This prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled, single-center trial recruited 56 patients with VLU divided into: compression alone (CR, N = 29) and RFA plus compression (RF, N = 27). Primary endpoints were ulcer recurrence rate at 12 months; and ulcer healing rates at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were ulcer healing velocity; and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Results Recurrence was lower in the RF group (p < .001), as well as mean VCSS after treatment (p = .001). There were no significant between-group differences in healing rates. Healing velocity was faster in the RF group (p = 0.049). In the RF group, 2 participants had type 1 endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT). Conclusions RFA plus compression is an excellent treatment for VLU because of its safety, effectiveness, and impact on ulcer recurrence reduction and clinical outcome. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03293836, clinicaltrials.gov.
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