Saphenofemoral Venous Channels Associated with Recurrent Varicose Veins are not Neovascular

Abstract

We found little evidence of neovascularisation associated with recurrent varicose veins in the saphenofemoral region. The venous channels that develop at the previously ligated SFJ may represent adaptive dilatation of pre-existing venous channels (vascular remodelling), probably in response to abnormal haemodynamic forces.

Late follow-up of a randomized trial of routine duplex imaging before varicose vein surgery

“…Recurrent veins only identified later were defined as progression of disease. If follow-up duplex imaging showed a varicose vein in a SFJ or SPJ that was obliterated at postoperative duplex examination, it was classed as neovascularization 12,13 . The classification of recurrent varices after surgery (REVAS) could not be used, as the study started before the guidelines were published 14 .…”

Natural History of Recurrent Varices Undergoing Reintervention: A Retrospective Study

“…7 However, some causes of recurrence go beyond the technical mistake and can be traced back to the evolutionary characteristic of the varicose disease.…”

Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Varicosis

“…Histologically, these multiple thin vessels appear with an asymmetric venous wall, and they do not have functional valves (St€ ucker et al 2004). Nevertheless, markers of endothelial proliferation, which should appear with angiogenesis, have not yet been found (El Wajeh et al 2004). Therefore, it can be argued whether neovascularization or a residual venous stump is the most common cause of recurrent varicose veins in the groin.…”