Search

Introduction: Evidence regarding ultrasound assessment of left common iliac vein diameter (LCIV) is limited. Extensive work is currently being undertaken worldwide on non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions to identify patients who may benefit from intervention to alleviate symptoms of chronic venous obstruction. Interventions include long-term stent implantation to improve vein diameter stenosis. This study aimed to assess a cohort of symptomatic venous patients and the diameter of the LCIV in these patients. Methods: : Retrospective medical records review of all patients attending a tertiary vascular surgery centre who underwent a venous duplex ultrasound assessment between April 2017 and February 2018 were analysed for assessment of LCIV. Medical records of those patients with documented LCIV diameter were assessed over 18 months of follow-up. Results: : A total of 672 (271 males, 401 females) LCIV diameter measurements were collected. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 95 years (mean = 56.38). Median LCIV diameter overall was 7.64 mm (IQR 5.80mm–9.00 mm). 40 patients (6%) were reported to have a LCIV diameter measurement of < 4 mm, 8 (20%) male and 32 female (80%). 17 of these 40 patients (47.5%) were treated conservatively. Median LCIV diameter was 3.4 mm (IQR 2.5–3.7). 21 of these 40 patients (52.5%) underwent superficial venous intervention only, with a median LCIV diameter of 3.5 mm (IQR 3.2–3.7) and 2 out of these 40 patients (5%) underwent deep venous stenting (2/2 female – 100%), with a median LCIV diameter of 2.9 (IQR 2.9–2.9). No patients underwent both superficial and deep venous treatment in this 40 patient cohort. In those undergoing superficial venous intervention, 4 (19%) underwent repeat treatment. The two deep venous stenting patients underwent magnetic resonance venogram and venogram with intravascular ultrasound to allow stent placement, which confirmed a narrowed left common iliac vein. Primary stent patency at 18 months was 100%. Conclusion: In this large study cohort of venous duplex assessments the median vein diameter was 7.64 mm and 40 patients out of 672 had a vein diameter smaller than 4 mm. 2 patients underwent deep venous stenting with primary patency of 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the complexities of managing chronic venous disease (CVD) and its associated costs, estimated at around 1 billion euro annually. Topics include the treatment options for varicose veins, the debate surrounding concomitant treatment of tributary veins, and the impact of these treatments on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes that is becoming an increasing concern as the prevalence of diabetes rapidly rises. There are several types of DN, but the most prevalent and studied type is distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, which is the focus of this review and is simply referred to as DN. It can lead to a wide range of sensorimotor and psychosocial symptoms and is a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration and Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy, which are associated with high rates of lower limb amputation and mortality. The prevention and management of DN are thus critical, and clinical guidelines recommend several strategies for these based on the best available evidence. This article aims to provide a narrative review of DN prevention and management strategies by discussing these guidelines and the evidence that supports them. First, the epidemiology and diverse clinical manifestations of DN are summarized. Then, prevention strategies such as glycemic control, lifestyle modifications and footcare are discussed, as well as the importance of early diagnosis. Finally, neuropathic pain management strategies and promising novel therapies under investigation such as neuromodulation devices and nutraceuticals are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes associated with significant disability and mortality. Although more than 50% of people with diabetes develop DSPN, its pathogenesis is still relatively unknown. This lack of understanding has limited the development of novel disease-modifying therapies and left the reasons for failed therapies uncertain, which is critical given that current management strategies often fail to achieve long-term efficacy. In this article, the pathogenesis of DSPN is reviewed, covering pathogenic changes in the peripheral nervous system, microvasculature and central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, the successes and limitations of current therapies are discussed, and potential therapeutic targets are proposed. Recent findings on its pathogenesis have called the definition of DSPN into question and transformed the disease model, paving the way for new research prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This randomised controlled trial investigates the dosing effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Methods: Seventy-six patients with CEAP C3-C5 were randomised to Group A (no NMES), B (30 minutes of NMES daily) or C (60 minutes of NMES daily). Primary outcome was percentage change in Femoral Vein Time Averaged Mean Velocity (TAMV) at 6 weeks. Clinical severity scores, disease-specific and generic quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Results: Seventy-six patients were recruited - mean age 60.8 (SD14.4) and 47:29 male. Six patients lost to follow-up. Percentage change in TAMV (p<0.001) was significantly increased in Groups B and C. Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire Score (-6.9, p=0.029) and Venous Clinical Severity Score (-4, p-0.003) improved in Group C, and worsened in Group A (+1, p=0.025). Conclusions: Daily NMES usage increases flow parameters, with twice daily usage improving QoL and clinical severity at 6 weeks in CVD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical site infections (SSIs) of groin wounds are a common and potentially preventable cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in vascular surgery. Our aim was to define the contemporaneous rate of groin SSIs, determine clinical sequelae, and identify risk factors for SSI. An international multicentre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing groin incision for femoral vessel access in vascular surgery was undertaken over 3 months, follow‐up was 90 days. The primary outcome was the incidence of groin wound SSI. 1337 groin incisions (1039 patients) from 37 centres were included. 115 groin incisions (8.6%) developed SSI, of which 62 (4.6%) were superficial. Patients who developed an SSI had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (6 versus 5 days, P =.005), a significantly higher rate of post‐operative acute kidney injury (19.6% versus 11.7%, P =.018), with no significant difference in 90‐day mortality. Female sex, Body mass index≥30 kg/m2, ischaemic heart disease, aqueous betadine skin preparation, bypass/patch use (vein, xenograft, or prosthetic), and increased operative time were independent predictors of SSI. Groin infections, which are clinically apparent to the treating vascular unit, are frequent and their development carries significant clinical sequelae. Risk factors include modifiable and non‐modifiable variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Venous thromboembolism is a potentially fatal complication of superficial endovenous treatment. Proper risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis could mitigate this hazard; however, there are currently no evidence-based or consensus guidelines. This study surveyed UK and Republic of Ireland vascular consultants to determine areas of consensus. Methods: A 32-item survey was sent to vascular consultants via the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (phase 1). These results generated 10 consensus statements which were redistributed (phase 2). 'Good' and 'very good' consensus were defined as endorsement/rejection of statements by >67% and >85% of respondents, respectively. Results: Forty-two consultants completed phase 1. This generated seven statements regarding risk factors mandating peri-procedural pharmacoprophylaxis and three statements regarding specific pharmacoprophylaxis regimes. Forty-seven consultants completed phase 2. Regarding venous thromboembolism risk factors mandating pharmacoprophylaxis, 'good' and 'very good' consensus was achieved for 5/7 and 2/7 statements, respectively. Regarding specific regimens, 'very good' consensus was achieved for 3/3 statements. Conclusions: The main findings from this study were that there was 'good' or 'very good' consensus that patients with any of the seven surveyed risk factors should be given pharmacoprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. High-risk patients should receive one to two weeks of pharmacoprophylaxis rather than a single dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to summarize the evidence reported on the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). A systematic search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was performed in February 2019, using search terms relating to the domains DFU and NMES. All primary evidence assessing outcomes of NMES in DFU were included. Of 344 references obtained from database searching, 7 met the inclusion criteria and included a total of 140 participants, 77 of whom had DFU. All included studies used prospective designs. Two studies demonstrated improvements in chronic ulcer healing with NMES use; however, in each study, only 3 of the included participants had DFU and subgroup analyses based on ulcer etiology was omitted. The remaining 5 studies were produced by the same research group and positive effects of NMES (in combination with heat therapy) on DFU healing were consistently demonstrated. They reported significantly better healing rates with NMES in DFU than in nondiabetic wounds of a similar grade (healing rate: 70.0 ± 32.3% in DFU vs 38.4 ± 22.3% in nondiabetic ulcers [ P <.01]). These studies did not provide data assessing the isolated effects of NMES without concomitant heat exposure. Data on device tolerability and compliance were lacking. The existing data support a potential role for NMES in individuals with DFU; however, the identified studies inadequately controlled for confounding and were underpowered. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with DFU, higher quality evidence is needed to assess the adjunctive role for NMES in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-thermal non-tumescent methods for varicose vein treatment have rapidly gained popularity in recent years due to clinical efficacy comparable to other endovenous methods, but with a superior safety and tolerability profile. Cyanoacrylate is an adhesive that rapidly polymerises during endovenous treatment to cause rapid occlusion of veins and initiate vein fibrosis. Method: Cyanoacrylate glue treatment is known to cause complications such as phlebitis, cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis in rare instances. We present the first reported case of cyanoacrylate extravasation with chronic foreign body reaction in a patient nine months after initial treatment. Results: We discuss the aetiology of this complication, its treatment, patient outcome and its significance to both clinicians and patients. Conclusion: Cyanoacrylate glue embolisation can, in rare instances, lead to extravasation and chronic foreign body reaction, necessitating surgical intervention. The relative novelty of cyanoacrylate glue embolisation in the treatment of varicose veins requires clinicians to monitor for rare complications during its use in clinical practice. Patients should be aware of the rare risk of glue extravasation and foreign body reaction for fully informed consent prior to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Chronic venous disease (CVD) that is a common clinical problem affecting several people. Topics include examines that cause of CVD is incompetence of the great saphenous veins (GSV) or the small saphenous veins (SSV) intervention that offers the best long-term outcome; and considered that ideal modality to treat truncal veins would be one that can correct reflux without pain, complications.

Objective Venous thromboembolism, encompassing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting one in 1000 adults per year. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is the transcutaneous application of electrical impulses to elicit muscle contraction, preventing venous stasis. This review aims to investigate the evidence underlying the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in thromboprophylaxis. Methods The Medline and Embase databases were systematically searched, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, for articles relating to electrical stimulation and thromboprophylaxis. Articles were screened according to a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results The search strategy identified 10 randomised controlled trials, which were used in three separate meta-analyses: five trials compared neuromuscular electrical stimulation to control, favouring neuromuscular electrical stimulation (odds ratio of deep vein thrombosis 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.65; P = .003); three trials compared neuromuscular electrical stimulation to heparin, favouring heparin (odds ratio of deep vein thrombosis 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.13–3.52; P = .02); three trials compared neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an adjunct to heparin versus heparin only, demonstrating no significant difference (odds ratio of deep vein thrombosis 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.10–1.14; P = .08). Conclusion Neuromuscular electrical stimulation significantly reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis compared to no prophylaxis. It is inferior to heparin in preventing deep vein thrombosis and there is no evidence for its use as an adjunct to heparin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endovenous thermal ablation has revolutionised varicose vein treatment. New non-thermal techniques such as mechanical occlusion chemically assisted endovenous ablation (MOCA) allow treatment of entire trunks with single anaesthetic injections. Previous non-randomised work has shown reduced pain post-operatively with MOCA. This study presents a multi-centre randomised controlled trial assessing the difference in pain during truncal ablation using MOCA and radiofrequency endovenous ablation (RFA) with six months’ follow-up. Methods Patients undergoing local anaesthetic endovenous ablation for primary varicose veins were randomised to either MOCA or RFA. Pain scores using Visual Analogue Scale and number scale (0–10) during truncal ablation were recorded. Adjunctive procedures were completed subsequently. Pain after phlebectomy was not assessed. Patients were reviewed at one and six months with clinical scores, quality of life scores and duplex ultrasound assessment of the treated leg. Results A total of 170 patients were recruited over a 21-month period from 240 screened. Patients in the MOCA group experienced significantly less maximum pain during the procedure by Visual Analogue Scale (MOCA median 15 mm (interquartile range 7–36 mm) versus RFA 34 mm (interquartile range 16–53 mm), p = 0.003) and number scale (MOCA median 3 (interquartile range 1–5) versus RFA 4 mm (interquartile range 3–6.5), p = 0.002). ‘Average’ pain scores were also significantly less in the MOCA group; 74% underwent simultaneous phlebectomy. Occlusion rates, clinical severity scores, disease specific and generic quality of life scores were similar between groups at one and six months. There were two deep vein thromboses, one in each group. Conclusion Pain secondary to truncal ablation is less painful with MOCA than RFA with similar short-term technical, quality of life and safety outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence and determine whether there is a clinical benefit for using pharmacological agents as adjunctive treatment for chronic venous ulcers. Method A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 1 January 1947 through 15 August 2013) and Cochrane databases (from inception through 15 August 2013) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were all randomised controlled trials investigating pharmacological adjuncts for the treatment of venous ulcers with a minimum sample size of 20 patients for each treatment arm. Results Ten relevant articles were identified; one pilot randomised controlled trial and four Cochrane reviews were included. Pentoxifylline, aspirin, sulodexide, mesoglycan, flavonoids, thromboxane A2 antagonist (ifetroban), zinc, prostaglandin and prostacyclin analogues were the drugs reviewed. Pentoxifylline was found to be more effective than placebo in terms of complete ulcer healing or in causing a significant improvement (greater than 60% reduction in ulcer size) (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.24). Aspirin and flavonoids show potential to be effective adjuncts but methodological shortcomings and issues with bias limit the validity of results from trials involving each of these drugs, respectively. There was no significant difference between placebo and Ifetroban and likewise pooled results from trials investigating sulodexide and zinc showed no benefit in comparison to placebo. Conclusion Many systemic pharmacological agents have been investigated as adjuncts to venous ulcer healing; however, pentoxifylline (400 mg, three times a day) is currently the only drug that has promising evidence to support its use. Other compounds are in early stage research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicose veins are common and their management has undergone a number of changes over the years. Surgery has been the traditional treatment option, but towards the 21st century, new endovenous thermal ablation techniques, namely, radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation, were introduced which have revolutionised the way varicose veins are treated. These minimally invasive techniques are associated with earlier return to normal activity and less pain, as well as enabling procedures to be carried out as day cases. They are, however, also known to cause a number of side-effects and involve infiltration of tumescent fluid which can cause discomfort. Non-thermal, non-tumescent methods are believed to be the answer to these unwelcome effects. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is one such non-thermal, non-tumescent method and, despite a possible lower occlusion, has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients. The early results of two recently launched non-thermal, non-tumescent methods, mechanochemical ablation and cyanoacrylate glue, are promising and are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to assess the management of superficial venous thrombosis by general practitioners and vascular surgeons. The study conducted a 19-question validated electronic survey to general practitioners and vascular surgeons in Great Britain, in which the survey evaluated the presentation, investigation and treatment of superficial venous thrombosis. The results showed that management of the said condition varies widely despite good levels of evidence and guidance.

The article compares and studies Quality of life (QoL) questionnaires as QoL is an important outcome measure in the treatment for chronic venous disease. Topics include information on the relationship between the questionnaire scores which was analyzed using Spearman's correlation, results of the study conducted on patients where a strong correlation was observed in the questionnaire scores and the conclusion of this technique.

Background: Worldwide superficial and deep venous diseases are common and associated with significant individual and socioeconomic morbidity. Increasing burden of venous disease requires Phlebology to define itself as an independent specialty representing not only patients but the multidisciplinary physicians involved in venous care.Methods & Results: In this article the scope of venous disease in Europe and subsequent future governance for treatment in the region is discussed. Superficial venous disease is common with 26.9-68.6% of European populations reported to have C2-C6 disease according to the CEAP (Clinical severity, Aetiology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology) scoring system. However, a significant disparity is observed in the treatment of superficial venous disease across Europe.Post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) contributes to the increasing burden of deep venous disease. Aggressive thrombus removal for acute ileofemoral DVT provides a cost-effective 14.4% risk reduction in the development of PTS. Additionally, deep venous lesions requiring endovascular intervention are being increasingly performed to prevent recurrent thrombosis. The European College of Phlebology (ECoP) has been formed to provide a responsible body for the care of the European patient with venous disease. The role of the ECoP includes unifying European member states through standardised guideline production, identification of research strategy and provision of training and accreditation of physicians. Conclusion: Creation of a European venous disease specific speciality will provide a patient centred approach through understanding of the impact of disease in the region and delivery of high quality diagnostics and treatment from an appropriately certified Phlebologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicose veins are common and cause extensive morbidity; however, the value of treatment is under-appreciated. Many procedures allow the treatment of varicose veins with minimal cost and extensive literature supporting differing minimally invasive approaches. In this article, we investigate the current literature regarding treatment options, clinical outcome and the cost-benefit economics associated with varicose vein treatment. The practice of defining clinical outcome with quality of life (QOL) assessment is explained to provide valid concepts of treatment success beyond occlusion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the carotid artery is a rare condition of currently unknown etiology. Less than 150 cases have been described in the published world literature to date. Design and Setting: We present 6 consecutive cases of carotid FFT, identified prospectively from 5000 carotid duplex scans over a 34-month period in a single tertiary center for vascular surgery. Results: All 6 cases involved the left carotid bifurcation in neurologically symptomatic individuals. In 5 of the 6 cases, FFT occurred in the absence of a significantly stenosing atheromatous plaque and was not associated with an elevation in velocity on duplex. The patients were all treated with surgical thromboendarterectomy, with good result. Conclusions: Duplex imaging can underestimate the degree of stenosis. Free-floating thrombus presents a challenge in diagnosis due to its rapidly evolving nature. The management of FFT by acute thromboendarterectomy appears to be safe and effective in limiting further focal neurological sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discusses the techniques for treating the varicose veins, wherein they states the need of thermal ablation and tumescent infiltration having similar efficacy as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). They mentions the randomized control trial on the utilization of compression stocking in the varicose vein disease.

We present the first case of retrograde ablation of the small saphenous vein to treat active venous ulceration. A 73-year-old gentleman with complicated varicose veins of the left leg and a non-healing venous ulcer despite previous successful endovenous treatment to his left great saphenous vein underwent mechanochemical ablation of his small saphenous vein with the ClariVein® system, under local anaesthetic, using a retrograde cannulation technique. Post-operatively the patient had improved symptomatically and the ulcer size had reduced. This report highlights that patients with small saphenous vein incompetence and active ulceration can be treated successfully with retrograde mechanochemical ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Ambulatory phlebectomies and foam sclerotherapy are two of the most common treatments for varicose vein tributaries. Many studies have been published on these treatments, but few comparative studies have attempted to determine their relative effectiveness.Methods/design: This is a prospective single-centre randomised clinical trial. Patients with primary truncal vein incompetence and varicose vein tributaries requiring treatment will be assigned randomly to either ambulatory phlebectomies or foam sclerotherapy. The primary outcome measure is the re-intervention rate for the varicose vein tributaries during the study period. The secondary outcomes include the degree of pain during the first two post-operative weeks and the time to return to usual activities or work. Improvements in clinical scores, quality of life scores, occlusion rates and cost-effectiveness for each intervention are other secondary outcomes. The re-intervention rate will be considered from the third month.Discussion: This study compares ambulatory phlebectomies and foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose vein tributaries. The re-intervention rates, safety, patient experience and the cost-effectiveness of each intervention will be assessed. This study aims to recruit 160 patients and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03416413 . Registered on 31 January 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermal ablation techniques have become the first-line treatment of truncal veins in the management of chronic venous disease (CVD). Despite excellent outcomes, these methods are often associated with pain; generally due to their use of heat and the necessity of fluid infiltration around the vein. More recently, novel non-thermal techniques, such as mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and cyanoacrylate adhesive (CAE) have been developed to overcome these unwelcome effects. So far, the novel techniques have been found to have similar efficacy to thermal methods, yet no direct comparisons between the non-thermal treatment techniques have been conducted to date, giving rise to this study.Methods/design: This is a prospective, multicentre, randomised clinical trial, recruiting patients with truncal saphenous incompetence. Patients will be randomised to undergo either MOCA or CAE truncal ablation, followed by treatment of any varicosities. All patients will be required to wear compression stockings for 4 days post intervention. The primary outcome measure is the pain score immediately following completion of truncal ablation, measured by a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes are entire treatment pain scores, clinical scores, quality of life scores, occlusion rates, time to return to usual activities/work at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Re-intervention rate will be considered from the third month. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed for each intervention at 12 months. The study is powered to detect a mean 10-mm difference in maximum pain score. Allowing for loss to follow-up, the total target recruitment is 180 patients.Discussion: The study will be the first study to compare MOCA against CAE and is designed to determine which method causes less pain. Completion of this study is expected to be the end of 2019.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03392753 . Registered on 17 November 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 33 year old man presented to Accident and Emergency with haematuria and intermittent left loin pain radiating to the groin. On examination he had evidence of lower limb chronic venous insufficiency. Plain abdominal radiograph was unremarkable however computed tomography (CT) urogram and subsequent CT of thorax/abdomen/pelvis with contrast demonstrated azygous replacement of the inferior vena cava with an enlarged azygous vein and multiple enlarged veins in the abdomen and pelvis. A 5.7cm by 4.2cm low density lesion with surrounding inflammatory change was also visualised in the left para-aortic region. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed this as a thrombosed collateral of the aberrant venous web drainage. Lifelong anti-coagulation was commenced with symptomatic relief. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]