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Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cyanoacrylate closure (CAC), mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), and surgical stripping (SS) for incompetent saphenous veins and to determine a suitable treatment modality for a specific clinical situation., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with varicose veins who underwent RFA, CAC, MOCA, or SS from January 2012 to June 2023. The clinical outcomes, including postoperative complications and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were assessed., Results: During the study period, 2866 patients with varicose veins were treated. Among them, 1670 patients (57.9%) were women. The mean age was 55.3 ± 12.9 years. RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS were performed in 1984 (68.7%), 732 (25.4%), 78 (2.7%), and 88 (3.0%) patients, respectively. The complete target vein closure rate after RFA, CAC, and MOCA was 94.5%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. The absence of a target vein after SS was 98%. Deep vein thrombosis developed in four patients: one in the RFA group and three in CAC group. Surgical or endovenous procedure-induced thrombosis occurred in 2.3%, 4.8%, 6.4%, and 2.3% of the patients after RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS, respectively. Phlebitis along the target vein occurred in 0.2% and 3.8% of patients after RFA and MOCA, respectively. A hypersensitivity reaction occurred in 3.7% of patients after CAC. Readmission was required for two patients who had undergone SS. Transient nerve symptoms developed in five (0.3%), zero, one (1.3%), and two (2.3%) patients after RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS, respectively. After treatment, the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score improved significantly in all groups., Conclusions: The clinical outcomes with improvement in quality of life were comparable among the different treatment modalities. The proximity of the nerve or skin to the target vein is the most important factor in selecting a suitable treatment modality., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of this study is to systemically review the literature on Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV) reflux treatment and insurance impediments to treatment coverage., Methods: A literature search was performed using a PRISMA framework. In addition, a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for ASV treatment was evaluated., Results: Published evidence and treatment considerations in the literature for ASV treatment are discussed. In 155 of 226 (68.6%) insurance policies reviewed coverage of ASV ablation was allowed while 62/226 (27.4%) did not specify coverage and 9/226 (4.0%) specified ASV treatment was not covered. Of the 155 that provide ASV coverage, 98 (62.2%) provide coverage with criteria such as requiring prior treatment of the great saphenous vein., Conclusions: Vein treatment experts should continue to advocate to insurance carriers to update their varicose vein treatment policies to reflect the substantial clinical evidence so that patients with ASV reflux can be appropriately treated., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The decision to treat a refluxing anterior saphenous vein (ASV) should be a clinical decision based on the assessment on the ASV's contribution to patient's signs and symptoms. Once the decision to treat has been made, there are anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations in treatment planning., Methods: Clinical scenarios were discussed by a panel of experts and common anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations were identified., Results: There are unique clinical considerations such as whether both the great saphenous vein (GSV) and ASV should be concomitantly treated, if a normal ASV should be treated when treating a refluxing GSV and when and how to treat the associated tributary varicose tributaries. Being aware of the anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations allows development of a treatment plan that optimizes long-term outcomes in patients with ASV reflux., Conclusions: Ultimately the treatment plan should be tailored to address these types of variables in a patient-centered discussion., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is a lack of clarity regarding the terminology of the anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) that can impact treatment outcomes. Although use of the word "accessory" implies that the vein is a superficial tributary, evidence supports its role as a truncal vein, similar to the great and small saphenous veins, and warranting a change in terminology., Methods: A multisocietal panel was convened by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), the Union International of Phlebology (UIP), and the American Venous Forum (AVF). The group was charged with reviewing the existing anatomic and clinical literature pertaining to the term "anterior accessory saphenous vein" and to consider the need for alternative terminology., Conclusions: Based on the insights gathered from the literature review and extensive discussions, the panel recommends changing the terminology such that the "anterior accessory saphenous vein" (AASV) now be designated the anterior saphenous vein (ASV)., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The term Anterior Accessory of the Great Saphenous Vein suggests this is a branch tributary vein despite this vessel's anatomic features of a truncal vein. A multisocietal group suggested to designate this the anterior saphenous vein (ASV). This study was aimed to evaluate its ultrasound anatomy in normal and varicose limbs., Methods: The clinical anatomy of the ASV was evaluated by narrative review of the literature. Additionally, the course of the ASV was evaluated in 62 limbs with no evidence of venous disease and 62 limbs with varicosities., Results: The ASV length, patterns of origin and termination are reported in both normal and patients with varicose veins. Discussion of the patterns is supported by the narrative review of the literature., Conclusions: The ASV must be considered a truncal vein and its treatment modalities should be the same that for the great and small saphenous veins rather than a tributary vein., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Neurolotic sequelae after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) imaging can show real-time high intensity transient signals (HITS), which reflect active microembolization. Although it is well known that intraprocedural microembolism occurs, it is not known if this embolic phenomenon continues in the postprocedural period. We investigated whether microemboli occur post-TAVR and whether we could determine any clinical, procedural, or echocardiographic predictors., Methods: We evaluated HITS in 51 consecutive patients undergoing unprotected TAVR with low-, intermediate-, or high-risk Society of Thoracic Surgeons score. Patients were excluded if they did not have temporal windows for insonation of the middle cerebral artery or if they were not willing to participate. Primary outcomes of HITS 24 hours post-TAVR were observed using a Philips iU22 TCD. TCD was performed at 3 time points (pre-, peri-, and post-TAVR) for each patient, before, during, and 24 hours postprocedure., Results: While no HITS were detected in any of the patients preoperatively, all patients had HITS during the procedure. Interestingly, 56.8% had HITS 24 hours post-TAVR. One patient with HITS post-TAVR had a stroke 48 hours after TAVR., Conclusion: We observed a high prevalence of microemboli 24 hours post-TAVR. None of the predictors for intraprocedural microembolism seemed to play an important role for post-TAVR microemboli., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Objective: Minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly used to treat pathologic perforator veins (PVs). The goal of the present study was to summarize the current literature and determine the outcomes of treating PVs with or without the great saphenous vein/small saphenous vein using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS)., Methods: A systematic review of the literature on the percutaneous treatment of PVs (35 studies) was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Studies reported up to March 2020 were included. The incidence of several end points at different follow-up periods were calculated according to the availability of data within 3 to 12 months after the index procedure., Results: Of the 35 studies, 15 (n = 1677) had reported on EVLA with or without sclerotherapy and/or microphlebectomy, 12 (n = 1477) had investigated the outcomes of RFA ablation with/without sclerotherapy, and 8 (n = 331) had investigated USGS alone. All techniques were safe in terms of periprocedural adverse events, with only a few complications occurring in each group. Immediate procedural success (within 30 days) was 95% in the EVLA group, 91% in the RFS group, and 58% to 70% in the USGS group. At 12 months of follow-up, the occlusion rates were 89%, 77%, and 83% in the EVLA, RFA, and USGS groups, respectively. The 12-month pooled estimate of ulcer healing between the EVLA and RFA groups was similar, although no direct comparisons were performed., Conclusions: Treatment of PVs with percutaneous techniques, such as EVLA, RFA, and USGS, is safe and associated with high technical success. EVLA and RFA exhibited the most favorable outcomes. Additional research is needed to validate these results, which were based on the limited level of evidence available to better determine the most optimal treatment approach for lower limb pathologic PVs., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Thrombosis in COVID-19 worsens mortality. In our study, we sought to investigate how the dose and type of anticoagulation (AC) can influence patient outcomes., Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of critically ill intubated patients with COVID-19, comparing low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) at therapeutic and prophylactic doses. Of 218 patients, 135 received LMWH (70 prophylactic, 65 therapeutic) and 83 UFH (11 prophylactic, 72 therapeutic). The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were thromboembolic complications confirmed on imaging and major bleeding complications. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to determine whether the type and dose of AC were independent predictors of survival. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare the cumulative survivals., Results: Overall, therapeutic AC, with either LMWH (65% vs 79%, P = .09) or UFH (32% vs 46%, P = .73), conveyed no survival benefit over prophylactic AC. UFH was associated with a higher mortality rate than LMWH (66% vs 28%, P = .001), which was also evident in the multivariable analysis (LMWH vs UFH mortality, hazard ratio: 0.47, P = .001) and in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Thrombotic and bleeding complications did not depend on the AC type (prophylactic LMWH vs UFH: thrombosis P = .49, bleeding P = .075; therapeutic LMWH vs UFH: thrombosis P = .5, bleeding P = .17). When comparing prophylactic with therapeutic AC, the rate of both thrombotic and bleeding complications was higher with the use of LMWH compared with UFH. In addition, transfusion requirements were significantly higher with both therapeutic LMWH and UFH., Conclusions: Among intubated critically ill COVID-19 intensive care unit patients, therapeutic AC, with either LMWH or UFH, conveyed no survival benefit over prophylactic AC. AC with LMWH was associated with higher cumulative survival compared with AC with UFH., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: The clinical presentation of venous malformations (VMs) is variable and not well documented. The present study was designed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes in association with the type and extent of VM in the extremities., Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of a VM using ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging were included in the present study. The VM extent and tissue involvement, signs, and symptoms were retrospectively collected. Those with arteriovenous malformations, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, lymphedema, and symptoms from other unrelated diseases were excluded. The VMs were classified as extensive or localized according to whether different tissues or the entire compartment was involved. The clinical outcomes and imaging studies were obtained for both the treated patients and those who had chosen to not undergo any intervention., Results: A total of 72 patients, of whom 26 were men, were included in the present study, with a median age of 30 years. The VM had extended into the subfascial space in 40 patients (55.6%). Patients with VM distributed on their leg had mostly experienced pain, which was more evident during physical activity (n = 40; 80.0%), with swelling worsening with prolonged standing (n = 35; 70.0%). For those with VMs in the upper extremities, the most prominent complaints were venous enlargement (n = 10; 45.5%), pain (n = 9; 40.9%), and swelling (n = 11; 50.0%). The symptoms were related to the extent of the lesion (odds ratio, 7.664; 95% confidence interval, 2.006-29.291; P = .003). Treatment was decided by the extent and depth of the lesions. Excision was performed in 15 patients (20.8%), sclerotherapy in 12 (16.7%), sclerotherapy with phlebectomy or coil embolization in 8 (11.1%), and stripping in 2 (2.8%). An excellent result was achieved with the treatment of localized VMs. For those with extensive VMs, the symptom intensity was reduced or controlled after multiple treatments., Conclusions: VMs of the extremities affect patients' quality of life significantly owing their appearance and the resulting pain. The VM extent was associated with symptom severity. The clinical outcomes have been excellent for localized VMs; however, extensive VMs will require multiple treatments to reduce the symptom intensity., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare common femoral vein blood flow enhancement during external mechanical compression using the novel, nonpneumatic Recovery Force Health Movement and Compressions (MAC) System (Recovery Force USA, Fishers, Ind), and four currently available intermittent pneumatic compression devices., Methods: The MAC device was compared with the Kendall SCD 700 (Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio), Arjo Huntleigh Flowtron ACS900 (Arjo, Malmö, Sweden), ActiveCare+S.F.T. (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Ind), and Circul8 (Ortho8, Rocklin, Calif). Doppler ultrasound measurements for each device were directly obtained from the right common femoral vein by a registered vascular technologist. The peak flow velocity and the time taken to reach the peak were calculated. For the MAC system only, the subjects were asked to walk a minimum of 500 steps while wearing the system, which was then checked for slippage. Leg size measurements were obtained using the noncontact Sigvaris Legreader XT5 (Vialis Ortopedia, Turin, Italy). The MAC device is not yet commercially available, and the present study was a prequel to clinical studies of venous thromboembolism prevention., Results: We recruited a broad range of 20 subjects who varied in age (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 50.5 ± 16.2 years), body mass index (mean ± SD, 26 ± 5.5 kg/m 2 ), gender (male, 25%; female, 75%), and right calf circumference (mean ± SD, 37.2 ± 5.5 cm). The peak flow velocity compared with the baseline measurements was significantly greater for the Recovery Force Health MAC System for three (Kendall SCD 700, P = .02; ActiveCare+S.F.T., P = .003; Circul8, P < .001) of the four comparisons. Although the difference was not significant, the Arjo Huntleigh Flowtron ACS900 (SD, 3.4 cm/s) had more measurement variability in the peak flow velocity compared with baseline than did the MAC System (SD, 1.9 cm/s). The MAC had a significantly (P < .001) faster rise time to peak flow compared with the comparison devices. It was the only device to achieve the target peak flow velocity over baseline of at least three times in every body mass index group. Finally, the MAC System met the goal of <2.5 cm of movement after ambulation in 100% of the measurements, with 75% of the measurements showing no movement., Conclusions: The MAC System is a mobile device that remained in place during ambulation and provided more consistent external mechanical compression in the desired range compared with the other three devices included in the present study., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

As the importance of pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) has been increasingly recognized, progress in the field has been limited by the lack of a valid and reliable classification instrument. Misleading historical nomenclature, such as the May-Thurner, pelvic congestion, and nutcracker syndromes, often fails to recognize the interrelationship of many pelvic symptoms and their underlying pathophysiology. Based on a perceived need, the American Vein and Lymphatic Society convened an international, multidisciplinary panel charged with the development of a discriminative classification instrument for PeVD. This instrument, the Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology ("SVP") classification for PeVD, includes three domains-Symptoms (S), Varices (V), and Pathophysiology (P), with the pathophysiology domain encompassing the Anatomic (A), Hemodynamic (H), and Etiologic (E) features of the patient's disease. An individual patient's classification is designated as SVP A,H,E . For patients with pelvic origin lower extremity signs or symptoms, the SVP instrument is complementary to and should be used in conjunction with the Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Physiologic (CEAP) classification. The SVP instrument accurately defines the diverse patient populations with PeVD, an important step in improving clinical decision making, developing disease-specific outcome measures and identifying homogenous patient populations for clinical trials., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Initial phase III clinical studies with polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) demonstrated its safety and efficacy in the treatment of superficial venous reflux. In those studies, the primary outcome requirement was to assess the improvement in symptoms related to superficial venous disease. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of PEM technology in routine clinical practice-specifically, the closure rates after treatment., Methods: We performed an observational study during which data were prospectively collected from 2 vein centers using an electronic database. Patients with CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) class ≥2 and symptomatic superficial axial reflux (great saphenous vein, anterior accessory saphenous vein, and small saphenous vein) were included and followed up prospectively. PEM was used to treat the saphenous vein and varicosities. The CEAP classification was used to classify chronic venous disease, and the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was applied to measure the disease severity. Pain and discomfort were assessed using a visual analog scale, and the residual veins were assessed by physical examination., Results: PEM was used to treat superficial reflux in 60 patients. The CEAP classification was C2 for 32 patients, C3 for 14, C4 for 10, and C5 for 4 patients. The average pretreatment VCSS was 7.3. The saphenous vein diameter was 6.5 mm, and the average length was 31 cm. The average volume of PEM used to treat the saphenous veins was 9.3 mL. The closure rate at 3 and 6 months was 93% (54 of 58) and 93% (51 of 55), respectively. The VCSS had improved from 7.3 to 1.4. Complications included 1 case of deep vein thrombosis (1.7%), 5 patients (8.3%) with thrombophlebitis, and 4 patients (6.6%) with skin pigmentation., Conclusions: PEM is safe and effective for the treatment of saphenous reflux and varicosities. The early closure rates using PEM were maintained at 6 months and are comparable to the results reported with nonthermal, nontumescent technologies and thermal tumescent technologies., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Stimulated by published reports of potentially inappropriate application of venous procedures, the American Venous Forum and its Ethics Task Force in collaboration with multiple other professional societies including the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), and the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) developed the appropriate use criteria (AUC) for chronic lower extremity venous disease to provide clarity to the application of venous procedures, duplex ultrasound imaging, timing, and reimbursements., Methods: The AUC were developed using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a validated method of developing appropriateness criteria in health care. By conducting a modified Delphi exercise and incorporating best available evidence and expert opinion, AUC were developed and scored., Results: There were 119 scenarios rated on a scale of 1 to 9 by an expert panel, with 1 being never appropriate and 9 being appropriate. The majority of scenarios consisted of symptomatic indications were deemed appropriate for venous intervention. For scenarios with anatomically short segments of reflux and/or no symptoms, the indications were rated less appropriate. For the indication of edema, a wide dispersion of ratings was observed especially for short segments of saphenous reflux or stenting for iliac/ inferior vena cava disease, noting that there are multifactorial causes of edema, some of which could coexist with venous disease and possibly impact effectiveness of treatment. Several scenarios were considered never appropriate, including treatment of saphenous veins with no reflux, iliac vein or inferior vena cava stenting for iliac vein compression as an incidental finding by imaging with minimal or no symptoms or signs, and incentivizing sonographers to find reflux., Conclusions: The AUC statements are intended to serve as a guide to patient care, particularly in areas where high-quality evidence is lacking to aid clinicians in making day-to-day decisions for common venous interventions. This may also prove useful when applied on a population level, such as practice patterns, and not necessarily to dictate decision making for individual cases. As a product of a collaborative effort, it is hoped that this could be utilized by physicians and multiple stakeholders committed toward improving patient care and to identify and stimulate future research priorities., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Whereas the internal jugular vein is the most common site of thrombosis in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremity, the association between internal jugular vein thrombus and pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been clearly characterized. The objective of this paper was to determine the risk of embolization of an isolated internal jugular vein thrombus causing a clinically overt PE, with the secondary objective of assessing the value of therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with isolated internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) in improving clinical outcomes., Methods: The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for articles. The relevant articles included were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they specifically examined incidence of IJVT and incidence of PE and were excluded if they did not report on these rates specifically or failed to specify the exact site of upper extremity DVT., Results: Of the 274 articles screened, 25 were selected for full review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses inclusion criteria. Seven of those provided adequate data and were included in the review. There were only two studies demonstrating IJVT before PE that could probably establish causality, but this might be confounded by the presence of concomitant upper extremity DVT in one of the cases and radiologic findings compatible with resolving PE in another that might have preceded the presence of internal jugular vein thrombus. In the patients who were found to have PE in the setting of IJVT, the overall observed mortality attributed to PE was low. In specific studies, the use of anticoagulation did not reduce the mortality in those with isolated IJVT or affect the rate of thrombus resolution while carrying the risk of bleeding complications in these patients, who often have severe comorbidities., Conclusions: Despite the proximity of the jugular vein to the right side of the heart and the pulmonary vasculature, there is little proof of propagation of the thrombus to cause a clinically overt PE. Whereas current practice is to treat the patients with IJVT in the same way as patients with lower extremity DVTs are treated, the lack of any survival benefit in those with isolated IJVT and the risk of bleeding complications warrant further studies to characterize the need of medical management in this population of patients., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. All rights reserved.)

The CEAP (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology) classification is an internationally accepted standard for describing patients with chronic venous disorders and it has been used for reporting clinical research findings in scientific journals. Developed in 1993, updated in 1996, and revised in 2004, CEAP is a classification system based on clinical manifestations of chronic venous disorders, on current understanding of the etiology, the involved anatomy, and the underlying venous pathology. As the evidence related to these aspects of venous disorders, and specifically of chronic venous diseases (CVD, C2-C6) continue to develop, the CEAP classification needs periodic analysis and revisions. In May of 2017, the American Venous Forum created a CEAP Task Force and charged it to critically analyze the current classification system and recommend revisions, where needed. Guided by four basic principles (preservation of the reproducibility of CEAP, compatibility with prior versions, evidence-based, and practical for clinical use), the Task Force has adopted the revised Delphi process and made several changes. These changes include adding Corona phlebectatica as the C4c clinical subclass, introducing the modifier "r" for recurrent varicose veins and recurrent venous ulcers, and replacing numeric descriptions of the venous segments by their common abbreviations. This report describes all these revisions and the rationale for making these changes., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The growth of endovenous ablation in the United States over the last few years has raised concerns of overuse by many vascular societies and payers. Reasons for such growth are unclear (ie, increased awareness, less invasive procedure, or inappropriate overuse). The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment database was analyzed to define metrics of current practice trends in Medicare patients by providers., Methods: The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment database was queried for endothermal ablation Current Procedural Terminology codes (36475, 36476, 36478, and 36479) from 2012 through 2015. These results were imported into a relational database program. Queries were designed to ascertain the practice trends of all providers, inclusive of all specialties, and the data were exported to a spreadsheet program for analysis. Analysis for ablations per patient was calculated by assessing the number of beneficiaries who underwent at least one ablation by a provider in relation to the total number of ablations performed by that provider., Results: Most saphenous vein ablations were done by vascular surgeons (29%), cardiologists (21%), or general surgeons (14%). The remaining one-third was performed by 33 other provider specialties ranging from nuclear medicine specialists to ophthalmologists. Regional variation was significant with 51% of ablations being performed in the south (Florida, 15.7% and Texas, 11.4%). The Western region had the greatest percentage growth of 62% with the addition of 14,788 cases added between 2012 and 2015. Ablations per patient averaged 1.8 in the aggregate dataset. Over the 4-year period, there was a steady increase seen in the number of patients undergoing ablation, number of ablations performed, number of providers performing ablation, average amount of ablations being performed as well as the number and proportion of providers performing more than ablations per patient. The number of ablations per patient was higher than average in specialties without any formal vascular training., Conclusions: Endovenous ablation is performed by a wide variety of subspecialists with different levels of formal training for the management of chronic venous disease. This data analysis can help to establish better guidelines and governance over the use of endovenous ablation, but care should be taken to realize this is only an average and many patients will require more than two ablations for appropriate care. As our health care system shifts from a fee-for-service to a value-based system, and taxpayer-funded resources in Medicare patients become less available, it is important that practice trends be scrutinized using data-driven initiatives so that the appropriate physician treats the appropriate patient for the appropriate reasons., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: No clear data exist on the treatment patterns in patients with chronic venous disease. This study was designed to determine how such patients were treated in our center., Methods: Consecutive patients presenting for a vein consultation at our center were collected during a 9-month period, allotting for at least 6 months of follow-up. All patients had a detailed history and physical examination by experienced vascular surgeons and a complete venous ultrasound evaluation by registered vascular technologists having experience in venous imaging. Charts were reviewed for patient factors including body mass index, age, clinical class (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology [CEAP] classification), and treatment. Deidentified data from the chart review were entered into a local database. Queries were designed to identify trends in the data. The results of the queries were exported to a spreadsheet program for analysis per patient and per limb., Results: There were 506 patients evaluated for venous disease during a period of 9 months. We identified 200 patients with chronic venous disease who required superficial vein treatment. There were 136 (68%) women. Ablation was required in 156 patients (78%), whereas 44 (22%) required only adjunctive therapy (microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy). The average number of ablations in patients with venous disease was 1.3 (259 ablations in 200 patients). In patients who needed at least one ablation, the average was 1.7 ablations per patient (259 ablations in 156 patients). Unilateral ablation was done in 94 patients (60%), and 62 patients (40%) had bilateral treatment. Of those who underwent unilateral ablations, 61% required adjunctive treatment of the contralateral limb. In patients who required only adjunctive therapy (no ablation), 73% underwent bilateral treatment. There were 182 limbs (45.5%) that did not require ablation as no reflux was found in the saphenous systems. Of the 156 patients who underwent ablation, 218 limbs had at least one ablation; 52% of limbs had C2 disease and on average underwent 1.1 ablations/limb. Only 7 of 113 (6%) limbs required more than one ablation. Average ablations per limb increased with clinical class, C3 having 1.2 ablations/limb, C4 having 1.4 ablations/limb, and C5 and C6 having 1.56 ablations/limb., Conclusions: Patients with venous disease required on average 1.3 ablations/patient. Most (78%) require at least one ablation for an average of 1.7 ablations/patient. There were 182 limbs (45.5%) with no saphenous reflux that did not require an ablation. The average number of ablations/limb increased with CEAP class., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Management of chronic deep vein disease focuses on the alleviation of reflux and obstruction. For the suprainguinal veins, the main underlying pathologic process is obstruction, which has been recognized as a significant contributor to chronic venous insufficiency. This is currently being addressed with venous stenting and the development of dedicated stents designed for this segment of the venous system. Treatment of the femoropopliteal vein (FPV) is far more challenging because of the idiosyncratic anatomy, the hemodynamic physiology, and the technical aspects of size mismatch and valve flow dynamics in managing deep venous reflux. This review article discusses traditional and emerging technologies to treat infrainguinal disease., Methods: Previous and current articles addressing this issue were reviewed. Emphasis was placed on emerging techniques and technologies., Results: Significant bench work, in vitro and in vivo studies, have been conducted over the last 40 years addressing the issue of infrainguinal reflux and obstruction. Historically, open procedures to address FPV reflux and obstruction have had variable success in a few centers around the world. The significant increase of emerging endovascular therapies may allow more appropriate, reproducible, widespread treatment of infrainguinal deep venous disease., Conclusions: Adequate and durable therapies for infrainguinal venous disease represent one of the greatest challenges for a vein specialist. Recently, a cluster of interest and techniques/technologies have been developed. The endovascular management of arterial disease is mature. The endovenous management of infrainguinal disease is on the cusp of meaningful innovation. The purpose of this evidence summary is to describe the options for the management of chronic FPV disease, with emphasis on emerging technologies and techniques., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although unprovoked superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) has traditionally been considered a local, benign disorder, recent studies demonstrate that patients with SVT are at significant risk for deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Nevertheless, clinical management remains widely inconsistent. Moreover, patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs of noncommunicating anatomic sites have not been previously described, and they may be at even increased risk for adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs to elucidate whether this subset of patients possesses a higher risk of thrombophilia, cancer, recurrent VTE, or death compared with patients with unprovoked SVT at a single location., Methods: Twenty-four patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs were enrolled. Blood tests and computed tomography scans were performed to detect thrombophilia and malignant disease. Patients were followed up with duplex ultrasound and clinical examination for at least 3 months. The prevalence of recurrent VTE and clinical outcomes were compared with a control group of 39 patients with unprovoked SVT in a single vein., Results: Cancer was detected in five patients (20.8%) and thrombophilia in 10 patients (41.7%). During the follow-up period, nine patients (37.5%) exhibited recurrent VTEs, and five patients (16.2%) died. The VTE recurrence rate was significantly greater than in controls (P = .03). Patients with a coexisting thrombophilia or cancer had elevated thrombotic load (4.08 vs 2.27 separate vein segments; P = .0096) and an increase in VTE recurrence (P = .038) compared with patients without any such findings., Conclusions: The results of this study warrant further investigation into this subset of patients through a larger multicenter design, as patients with multiple SVTs are at greater risk for thrombophilia, cancer, recurrent VTE events, and death compared with patients with isolated SVT., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study evaluated the accuracy of assessment and compliance with proper use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices before and after implementation of education, accountability, and oversight measures for health care providers., Methods: Prospective analysis of randomly selected, emergently hospitalized adult patients was performed (group 1). IPC use was observed by random visual inspections. These patients underwent independent venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessments by the admitting service and a VTE consult service. Mechanical prophylaxis orders were subsequently reviewed. Next, strategies to improve compliance were implemented. One year later, prospective analysis of a similar cohort (group 2) was performed, followed by surveys of staff and patients to identify barriers to compliance., Results: In group 1, VTE risk assessments were accurate and IPC was appropriately ordered. Of patients who needed IPC, 24 had IPC correctly applied and 72 did not. In group 2, VTE risk assessments were accurate and IPC was appropriately ordered. Of patients who needed IPC, 26 had IPC correctly applied and 74 did not. Surveys revealed that most providers are aware of the indications, order appropriately, and make efforts to ensure application. Most nurses reported that orders were placed and that IPC was applied. Most patients claimed to have knowledge of VTE and IPC use, but half reported that they were not educated and complained of sleep interference., Conclusions: Even with implementation of strategies to improve compliance, most patients do not receive adequate mechanical prophylaxis. Health care providers appropriately order prophylactic measures but do not follow up to ensure application. Discomfort and lack of education of the patient were important barriers to prophylaxis., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The management of patients with isolated deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is controversial, leading to overtreatment and undertreatment with several complications and increased cost. The aim of this study was to describe the management of isolated calf DVT (ICDVT) in a university hospital., Methods: Data on patients with acute DVT in our hospital are prospectively entered in a database through our venous thromboembolism team. All patients had an objective diagnosis with duplex ultrasound (DU) in our accredited vascular laboratory. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with ICDVT from July 2015 to June 2016. Patients with proximal DVT were excluded. The management of the patients was assessed for use of different types of anticoagulation, use of sequential compression devices, serial follow-up with ultrasound, or any combination. Patients' demographic information, risk factors, calf DVT anatomic location, DVT extension into calf deep veins, DVT propagation to proximal deep veins, and pulmonary embolism were collected as well., Results: There were 159 patients diagnosed with ICDVT in 1 year, of whom 52% were female with a mean age of 59 years. Nearly half of the patients were smokers (48%), 62% had limited or no mobility, 36% had surgery within the past 30 days, and 23% were considered readmissions. Anticoagulation was given to 121 patients who received seven different types of treatment varying from prophylactic dosing to thrombin inhibitors. In the rest of the 38 patients, 28 had a contraindication to anticoagulation and two had an inferior vena cava filter placed. Eighty-six patients had one DU follow-up study, 39 patients had two follow-up studies, and 21 had three follow-up studies. In the 86 patients with one DU study, seven propagated within the calf (8.1%) and two to the proximal veins (2.3%). Two patients developed nonfatal pulmonary embolism (1.2%). Sequential compression devices were applied in 75 patients despite that the majority were receiving anticoagulation and having serial DU examinations., Conclusions: Significant variation in the management of ICDVT was found on the basis of the physician's preference. The type of treatment overall did not follow a plan based on the patient's risk. Such an approach may increase the cost in the management of these patients without ensuring benefit., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare medical disorder most often diagnosed in the peripartum period and maybe associated with other risk factors for thrombosis. Rarely, OVT is considered idiopathic. It occurs in the right ovarian vein alone in two-thirds of patients. In this report, we present a case of idiopathic and bilateral OVT in a 35-year-old woman who presented with 2-day history of left flank pain. Duplex ultrasound imaging and computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis. Oral anticoagulation achieved a favorable outcome., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Contemporary texts frequently present the venous system of the lower limb as a prime example of bilateral symmetry. However, overt bilateral asymmetry may be noted. This study was designed to examine and to quantify the level of symmetry in the lower extremity veins., Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated major anatomic differences between right and left lower extremity veins in adult patients. Two hundred patients presenting with signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD; class 2-6) and venous reflux on duplex ultrasound were examined. A second group of 25 healthy volunteers without reflux or obstruction were used as controls. Those with conditions that could potentially alter vasculature, including vascular malformation, lower extremity trauma, and previously documented surgery for venous disease or bypass operations, were excluded. Only overt changes in the main superficial veins (great saphenous and small saphenous veins) and deep veins (femoral, popliteal, peroneal, and tibial veins) of the lower extremities were examined for symmetry. The level of small saphenous vein termination and thigh extension veins were also included. Location and extent of hypoplasia or aplasia and venous duplication or triplication were noted for all venous segments., Results: Of the 100 patients (200 limbs) with CVD class 2-3 (age, 49 years; range, 21-78 years), the extent of asymmetry in the superficial system, deep system, and combined was 84%, 86%, and 100%, respectively. Similarly, of the 100 patients (200 limbs) with CVD class 4-6 (age, 56 years; range, 28-84 years), the level of asymmetry in the superficial system, deep system, and combined was 83%, 84%, and 100%, respectively. Fifty (100 limbs) healthy volunteers (age, 46 years; range, 18-74 years) also presented similarly elevated levels of asymmetry compared with both cohorts of differing CVD class severity (superficial, 78%; deep, 84%; both, 100%). The most common reason for asymmetry in the great saphenous vein was hypoplasia or aplasia, whereas duplication was rare. In the small saphenous vein, the level of termination, thigh extension, and hypoplasia were the more frequent reasons. In the deep veins, duplication of the femoral and popliteal veins at different locations and extents was the most common finding for asymmetry. These findings remained consistent for all subgroups of patients and healthy controls., Conclusions: A complete lack of symmetry is consistently seen in CVD patients and healthy subjects. Asymmetry in the veins of the lower extremities appears to be the norm. This is true despite examination of only overt changes and exclusion of multiple veins from the comparison., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This prospective study was designed to determine the great saphenous vein (GSV) wall thickness in age-related and venous reflux-associated remodeling., Methods: GSV wall thickness was measured in the thigh and calf using a duplex ultrasound 17-MHz transducer. Interobserver and intraobserver variability studies were performed. Two healthy control groups, each with 10 individuals (20 limbs), were selected on the basis of age. Group 1 had a mean age of 21 years, and group 2 had a mean age of 64 years. Forty patients with chronic venous disease signs and symptoms and GSV reflux of >2 seconds were enrolled. The vein wall thickness was assessed in vein segments with reflux and adjacent segments without reflux in the patient group., Results: The measurements were valid as the variability for each rater was far below the difference in vein wall thickness measurements in all comparisons. In controls and patients, respectively, rater one had a range of 0.11 mm and 0.16 mm, and rater two had a range of 0.09 mm and 0.15 mm. The vein wall thickness significantly increased (P < .05) between each group in the following order: control group 1 (0.30 ± 0.03 mm), control group 2 (0.40 ± 0.05 mm), patients' vein segments without reflux (0.45 ± 0.07 mm), and patients' vein segments with reflux (0.58 ± 0.1 mm). These measurements were from the thigh and were comparable to those in the calf. The thickened, nonrefluxing segments were seen both proximal and distal to segments with reflux., Conclusions: This human in vivo study demonstrated that GSV wall thickness significantly increases with age and in patients with venous reflux. The increased vein wall thickness in nonrefluxing segments of chronic venous disease patients suggests that the venous wall can be affected before reflux is present in a particular segment., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) after isolated calf deep vein thrombosis (C-DVT) is controversial, which leads to inconsistent clinical decision making when treating C-DVT. This systematic review assessed PE frequency and severity in patients with C-DVT., Methods: Database searches were completed using MEDLINE and Scopus along with cross-referencing. Two independent reviewers used using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria to screen the papers. Data concerning PE and C-DVT characteristics as well as methods of detection were abstracted. Studies reporting combined outcomes for patients with proximal and C-DVT, those with concurrent PE at diagnosis, and retrospective studies not allowing the determination of C-DVT and PE as separate events were excluded., Results: Of 586 papers that were screened, 21 met inclusion criteria, which included eight randomized clinical trials and 13 prospective cohort studies. There was data heterogeneity among patients, methods of diagnosis, and follow-up. PE diagnosis was often based on ventilation/perfusion scanning, where more recent studies used computed tomography angiography. The PE is usually overestimated because it includes concurrent events. The incidence of PE from isolated C-DVT in our review was 0% to 6.2%. No fatal PEs were reported. No data were found on PE severity and patient outcomes regarding this complication., Conclusions: Reported adverse outcomes of PE from C-DVT are infrequent, and clinical severity is unclear. Further studies are necessary to determine the actual risk associated with PE after C-DVT to establish proper treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Perforating veins may play a role in the development of chronic venous insufficiency and ulceration. There is renewed interest in minimally invasive treatments vs historic surgical options. Current indications for treatment, technical success, and evidence for clinical efficacy are summarized. Existing recommendations include perforator closure in Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class 5 or class 6 disease through percutaneous thermal ablation, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery, open surgery, or sclerotherapy. Closure rates for percutaneous thermal ablation are reported as 60% to 80% initially. More recanalization and de novo perforator formation have been reported than after thermal saphenous closure. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy has shown promise in perforator closure and wound healing, but with variable success rates. Regardless of method used, successful closure of perforators appears predictive of wound healing with minimal morbidity. However, the power and design of all studies supporting this are far from robust, and more work is needed., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Perforator vein aneurysms (PVAs) of the lower extremity have not been defined or reported. This study reports the clinical presentation of patients, the PVA characteristics, and the clinical outcome of their management., Methods: Patients with signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease who had a PVA were included. Diagnosis of a PVA was made with duplex ultrasound. Normal perforator veins have a diameter of <3 mm. A PVA was defined as a diameter dilation of >9 mm, and it was always found below the deep fascia. The topography and morphology of the aneurysms were described in detail. All PVAs were treated with subfascial ligation with or without aneurysm excision. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months with clinical examination and duplex ultrasound, and complications were noted., Results: There were 21 aneurysms identified in 19 patients. Fourteen (73.7%) patients were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 49 years with a standard deviation of 9. Aneurysm size ranged from 9.8 to 22.2 mm, with a mean diameter of 15.7 mm and a standard deviation of 3.8. Seventeen aneurysms were fusiform, one was saccular, and one was multilobar. The perforators of the great saphenous vein distribution were most frequently involved, whereas only one involved deep vein disease. Few patients had symptoms, such as pressure and pain directly over the affected perforator. There was no association between the location and size of the PVA and the severity of chronic venous disease. Fourteen patients were treated surgically; five patients preferred conservative treatment with elastic compression stockings. Fourteen patients (73.7%) had ligation with (n = 9) or without (n = 5) excision of the aneurysm. All underwent concomitant phlebectomies, and eight of them also had ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Endovenous thermal ablation of saphenous veins was performed in seven patients, whereas two had ligation and stripping. There were four minor postoperative complications in four patients, all of which resolved within 6 weeks. The median follow-up was 21 months, ranging from 3 to 52 months. There were no recurrences of a PVA. Five patients preferred conservative treatment. The diameter changed from 0 to 13 mm during the follow-up, and the patients' symptoms remained the same or had mild worsening., Conclusions: PVAs are rare without causing significant symptoms locally. Diagnosis is made with duplex ultrasound because the affected vein is located below the deep fascia. As only one case in our series of 19 involved the deep veins, we believe that PVAs originate from superficial veins. The condition is relatively benign, and the treatment outcomes are very good with limited complications experienced. However, selective treatment of PVAs may not be needed for most of them as treatment of the superficial veins connecting with the PVA may be sufficient., (Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Information on ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is limited to some retrospective studies. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the natural history and treatment outcomes of OVT., Methods: Patients with documented symptomatic OVT who were treated with anticoagulation and had at least 3 months of follow-up were included. Outcomes of interest were recanalization rates, pain resolution, pelvic congestion syndrome, recurrent deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and mortality. All patients underwent clinical examination and duplex ultrasound; computed tomography venography was selectively performed., Results: There were 23 women with a mean age of 44 years (range, 23-68 years). Fifteen (65%) right, 5 (22%) left, and 3 (23%) bilateral OVTs were detected. The median follow-up was 27 months (range, 3 months-7 years). The most common presentation was abdominal pain in nine patients (39%), followed by flank pain in six (26%). Two patients (9%) presented with dyspnea due to pulmonary embolism. The most prevalent condition was the puerperium (n = 9; 39%). Complete recanalization occurred in 16 veins (61%), partial recanalization in four veins (15%), and occlusion in six veins (24%) while patients were receiving anticoagulation. Four patients (17%) had lower extremity DVT during follow-up after the interruption of anticoagulation. Three patients (13%) developed pelvic congestion syndrome. All four deaths (17%) were due to cancer-related complications., Conclusions: Symptomatic OVT is rare. Patients fare well with anticoagulation; complete recanalization occurs in about two thirds of the patients. Recurrent DVT is found in lower extremity veins after the interruption of anticoagulation in 17% of patients; mortality was seen only in cancer patients., (Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) imaging workup algorithms are not well-defined. The purpose of our study is to gauge the impact and accuracy of duplex ultrasound (DU) to assist in the diagnosis of PCS., Methods: We reviewed the records of 48 patients with PCS seen at a vein center from June 2010 to June 2012. All patients had DU plus either computed tomography venography (CTV) or conventional venography (CV). Measurements of the left (LOV) and right ovarian vein (ROV) diameter and the presence or absence of ovarian vein reflux were obtained using DU and compared with either CTV or CV to assess sensitivity and specificity. An ovarian vein diameter >6 mm was considered abnormal., Results: All patients were female (29 Caucasians, 18 Hispanic, and 1 Asian). The mean number of pregnancies was 3 (range, 1-5). All patients had lower extremity varicose veins, and 14 (29%) had vulvar varicosities. Thirty-four (71%) patients reported pelvic pain, 22 (46%) dyspareunia, 2 (4%) dysuria, and 1 (2%) hematuria. The median diameter of the LOVs and ROVs measured using DU compared with either CTV/CV were similar (DU, 8.6 and 5.6; CTV/CV, 8.3 and 6). The sensitivity and specificity of DU to demonstrate a dilated LOV were 100% and 57%, and for the ROV were 67% and 90%. Pelvic varicosities were identified in all but one patient with good correlation between DU and CV., Conclusions: DU has a high sensitivity to identify an abnormal LOV diameter that is greatly reduced when evaluating the ROV; however, the latter can be evaluated with another imaging modality such as CTV especially when DU results are equivocal or negative. A moderate specificity was found to determine both LOV and ROV abnormal diameters. All three imaging modalities are equally accurate to show the presence of pelvic varices., (Copyright © 2014 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Endovenous radiofrequency ablation has become an accepted mode of treatment for superficial venous reflux. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT), its progression, and risk factors that may contribute to its formation., Methods: This was a prospective study of all patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), accessory GSV, and small saphenous vein (SSV) from March 1, 2010, to September 30, 2011, from 12 of our affiliated vein centers in a primary vein practice. Demographic data, CEAP classification, previous history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), body mass index, vein diameter, reflux time, catheter tip position, EHIT progression, number of stab phlebectomies, and Venous Clinical Severity Score of patients with EHIT were analyzed., Results: Of the 6707 treated limbs, 4906 (73%) had GSV, 145 (2%) had accessory GSV, and 1656 (25%) had SSV ablation. EHIT developed in 201 limbs of 194 patients for an overall incidence of 3%. A nonfatal pulmonary embolism occurred in two patients (0.03%). Patients who developed EHIT were slightly older than those without EHIT (median age, 59 vs 56 years). In patients with EHIT, 34.8% were men, but only 25% were men among those who had no EHIT (P = .002). GSV, accessory GSV, and SSV diameters were larger in EHIT patients (P < .001 for all). Reflux time and catheter tip distance from the saphenous junctions were similar in those with and without EHIT. EHIT resolution occurred in 2 to 4 weeks in most patients, but EHIT worsening occurred in nine (4.5%) that all resolved ≤4 weeks. In the EHIT patients, 68% had multiple concomitant phlebectomies compared with 39.4% of those without EHIT (P < .0001). DVT history made no difference for EHIT development (P = .065). All but two class 1 and one class 2 EHIT patients were managed with observation and aspirin due to DVT history and physician concern. The Venous Clinical Severity Score was obtained only in the last 70 EHIT cases. The mean score was 5.92 preoperatively and improved to 2.08 at the 1-month follow-up., Conclusions: Large vein diameter, male sex, and multiple phlebectomies are risk factors for development of EHIT. We recommend that EHIT class 1 and 2 patients be managed with observation or antiplatelets, or both, but class 3 and 4 patients should be anticoagulated., (Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)