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Int Angiol 2018 Dec 5;37(6):457-464. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Second Faculty of Medicine with the English Division and the Physiotherapy Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Background: To compare efficacy and safety of segmental and monopolar radiofrequency ablation in the management of lower extremity varicose veins.

Methods: A total of 193 patients were treated with segmental RF ablation (Venefit; N.=97) or monopolar RF ablation (EVRF; N. Read More

Phlebology 2018 Sep 18:268355518800191. Epub 2018 Sep 18.

The Vascular Unit, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester, UK.

Background Thermal ablation, usually performed with tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA), is the preferred method for varicose veins treatment. Tumescent local anaesthesia is always cited; however, little detail of the procedure is presented in publications. This retrospective audit of clinical tumescent local anaesthesia practice aims to provide detailed information on an important aspect of endovenous practice. Read More

Angiol Sosud Khir 2018;24(2):82-91

Municipal Clinical Hospital #40, Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Objective: The study was aimed at comparing clinical and ultrasonographic results during 3 years of postoperative follow up of patients presenting with lower limb varicose veins (LLVV) and subjected to either surgical or thermal-ablation procedures for removal of pathological reflux along the great saphenous vein (GSV) within the femur The study included a total of 185 patients with clinical class C2-3 LLVV in the system of the GSV. The patients were divided into three groups: Group One consisted of 63 patients subjected to short stripping of the GSV trunk + treatment of the perforant veins (66.7%); Group Two comprised 61 patients undergoing endovenous laser coagulation (EVLC) of the GSV trunk + EVLC of the perforant veins (73. Read More

Angiol Sosud Khir 2018;24(1):92-96

Department of Surgical Pathology and Clinical Angiology, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov, Moscow, Russia.

Analysed herein are the results of using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in comprehensive surgical treatment of patients presenting with varicose veins of the lower extremities. The study included a series of ninety-eight 28-to-60-year-old patients (with a total of 105 operations performed) suffering from varicose veins of the lower limbs. Of these, there were 10 men (10. Read More

Ann Vasc Dis 2017 Dec;10(4):398-401

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Soka Municipal Hospital, Soka, Saitama, Japan.

: Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a relatively new technique for treating great saphenous varicose veins, is less invasive compared with stripping surgery. This study examined the mid-term safety and effectiveness of RFA for varicose veins. : We enrolled 104 patients (147 limbs) who underwent RFA for varicose veins of the lower extremities (females, 67; 64. Read More

Vascular 2018 Oct 28;26(5):498-508. Epub 2018 Feb 28.

4 Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.

Purpose Endovascular ablation of the great saphenous vein has been proposed as a less invasive alternative to conventional ligation and stripping of varicose veins. Outcomes of patients treated with the radiofrequency ablation ClosureFast™ system over an eight-year period from a single-center were evaluated. Methods Three-year follow-up data included duplex ultrasound scan, complication rate, and questionnaires to assess patients' QOL, level of pain, and days off work. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 01 24;6(1):31-40. Epub 2017 Aug 24.

Centrum Oosterwal, Alkmaar, The Netherlands.

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency-powered segmental ablation (RPSA) of the incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) are both known for their excellent technical and clinical outcomes for the treatment of varicose veins. RPSA has reduced postprocedural pain and morbidity with shorter recovery time for the patient compared with EVLA using bare-tip fibers. However, new-generation EVLA devices with less traumatic radial-tip fibers (RTFs) operating at longer wavelengths up to 1470 nm also reduce postprocedural pain. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 03 9;6(2):212-219. Epub 2017 Dec 9.

Department of Radiology, Arizona Heart Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz.

Objective: Thermoablation has been replacing conventional surgery in the surgical treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux in patients with lower limb varicose veins; however, thermoablation is expensive. Intravenous electrocoagulation (EC) may, selectively and safely, cause necrosis of the GSV wall, but the clinical results have never been studied. The objective of this study was to compare EC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of GSV insufficiency, considering efficacy, complications, and effect on quality of life. Read More

Ann Ital Chir 2017 ;6:438-442

Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new treatment of recurrent varicose vein after stripping of the great saphenous vein with rigid radiofrequency needles.

Material Of Study: 37 patients enrolled (11 males and 26 females). 10 patients had recurrent varicose veins for the presence of residual reflux in the Saphenous-Femoral Junction (SFJ) stump, whilst 21 patients for the presence of a single or multiple re-chanalized and refluxing perforator veins, and 6 had mixed rechanalization due to perforator veins and refluxing saphenous stump. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2017 Dec 14;54(6):760-770. Epub 2017 Oct 14.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Objectives: The most frequently used treatment options for great saphenous vein incompetence are high ligation with stripping (HL+S), endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA), mainly consisting of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation, and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the long-term efficacy of these different treatment modalities.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed. Read More

Phlebology 2018 Jun 20;33(5):298-302. Epub 2017 Mar 20.

1 The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, UK.

Background In previous in vitro and ex vivo studies, we have shown increased thermal spread can be achieved with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy when using a low power and slower, discontinuous pullback. We aimed to determine the clinical success rate of radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy using this optimised protocol for the treatment of superficial venous reflux in truncal veins. Methods Sixty-three patients were treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy using the optimised protocol and were followed up after one year (mean 16. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2017 Sep 8;54(3):357-362. Epub 2017 Jul 8.

The Whiteley Clinic, Stirling House, Stirling Road, Guildford, UK.

Objectives: Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) of varicose veins was introduced in the late 1990s with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using the VNUS Closure device. The results of the original VNUS Closure device for the abolition of truncal venous reflux at 15 years are reported.

Methods: A prospective audit of a group of patients treated with VNUS Closure 15 years previously was carried out, using clinical assessment and duplex ultrasound. Read More

Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2017 Nov 6;99(8):624-630. Epub 2017 Jul 6.

South Devon and Exeter Vascular Service, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, UK.

INTRODUCTION There is evidence of effectiveness for a range of different treatment modalities for varicose veins but limited information about factors that influence treatment choice for individual patients. METHODS A postal survey was sent to 438 UK members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. RESULTS Overall, 251 responses were received (response rate 57%). Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 07;5(4):507-513

Department of Surgery, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md. Electronic address:

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the technique and to report the results of double prepuncture used during complex radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in cases of treating multiple incompetent veins or encountering focal obstruction to catheter advancement.

Methods: A double prepuncture technique was applied in patients requiring endovascular ablation of multiple veins and patients with great saphenous vein cannulation failure. We treated 13 limbs in 12 patients during a 24-month period with RFA in which the double prepuncture technique was used. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 05;5(3):332-338

Division of Vascular Surgery, Spectrum Health Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Objective: Endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) is a known complication of endothermal venous ablation procedures. EHIT can lead to deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, which cause significant disability and, rarely, death. Other studies have evaluated risk factors for EHIT. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 05;5(3):312-320.e2

Section of Vascular Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich. Electronic address:

Objective: The Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry (VQI VVR) represents a new Patient Safety Organization database launched in January 2015 as a collaborative effort between the American Venous Forum and the Society for Vascular Surgery. This study was undertaken to identify real-world trends among treatment choices and outcomes of varicose vein patients.

Methods: Registry data prospectively captured anatomic, procedural, and outcome data for patients with C2 or more severe disease undergoing intervention for venous varicosities from January to November 2015. Read More

Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol 2017 Aug 2;26(4):200-206. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

a The Whiteley Clinic , Guildford , Surrey , UK.

Aims: To investigate the thermal spread achieved in porcine liver when using an optimised radiofrequency ablation protocol and correlate findings with the effects seen in ex vivo great saphenous vein (GSV), in order to justify clinical use with the new treatment protocol.

Material And Methods: Porcine liver and GSV sections were treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFiTT) using the following settings: 20 W at 1 s/cm (linear endovenous energy density; LEED 20 J/cm), 18 W at 1 s/cm (LEED 18 J/cm), 18 W at 3 s/cm (LEED 54 J/cm), 6 W interrupted pull-back 6 s stationary every 0.5 cm (LEED 72 J/cm). Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 01 26;5(1):134-137. Epub 2016 Sep 26.

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

Objective: The objective of this review was to create an evidence summary of the available literature comparing saphenous vein ablation and concomitant phlebectomy vs ablation with staged phlebectomy.

Methods: A review of the literature for ambulatory patients treated for venous insufficiency with saphenous ablation and phlebectomy was conducted. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PubMed with the keywords phlebectomy, endovenous ablation, staged procedures, vein stripping, superficial venous disease, and powered phlebectomy. Read More

Phlebology 2017 Aug 13;32(7):448-452. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

4 Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

The American College of Phlebology Guidelines Committee performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the clinical impact and treatment of incompetent accessory saphenous veins. Using an accepted process for guideline developments, we developed a consensus opinion that patients with symptomatic incompetence of the accessory great saphenous veins (anterior and posterior accessory saphenous veins) be treated with endovenous thermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency) or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy to eliminate symptomatology (Recommendation Grade 1C). Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2016 Oct 28;50(7):475-483. Epub 2016 Sep 28.

First Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Second Faculty of Medicine with the English Division and the Physiotherapy Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Introduction: Thermal ablation techniques have gradually replaced Babcock procedure in varicose vein treatment.

Aim: A comparative quantitative-qualitative analysis of complications and failure of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a 5-year follow-up.

Materials And Methods: One hundred ten adult participants with varicose veins clinical grade C to C, treated for isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency in a single lower extremity in 2009 to 2010, were enrolled and subdivided into EVLA (n = 56) and RFA (n = 54) groups. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2016 10 8;4(4):407-15. Epub 2016 Aug 8.

The Morrison Vein Institute, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Objective: Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) was shown in the recently published VenaSeal Sapheon Closure System vs Radiofrequency Ablation for Incompetent Great Saphenous Veins (VeClose) randomized clinical study to be an effective and noninferior option (in terms of both safety and effectiveness) to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins. The objectives of this analysis were to report the efficacy and safety outcomes of the VeClose roll-in (training) group treated with CAC by physicians who had received device use training but had no prior treatment experience with the technique and to compare the outcomes with those from the randomized RFA and CAC groups.

Methods: The first two subjects at each participating site (n = 20) were roll-in cases (ie, not randomized but instead treated with CAC) to ensure the physician's familiarity with the procedure. Read More

Diagn Interv Imaging 2017 Jan 30;98(1):29-36. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Koc University Hospital, Department of Interventional Radiology, Istanbul, Turkey.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the occlusion rate of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) and small saphenous veins (SSVs) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and individualize variables associated with recanalization.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of 311 veins (256 GSVs and 55 SSVs) in 211 patients [177 women, 34 men; mean age, 45 years±12 (SD) (range: 18-75 years)] with incompetent GSVs and/or SSVs who were treated using new-generation RFA catheters was performed. The clinical results, occlusion rates, and variables associated with recanalization for the incompetent GSVs and SSVs were analyzed. Read More

Phlebology 2017 Mar 9;32(2):89-98. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

1 Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.

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. Read More

Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) 2015 Jul-Sep;13(51):234-7

Department of Surgery, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.

Background Radiofrequency ablation of varicose vein have gained popularity compared to conventional surgery due to comparable long term results in addition to definite immediate superiorities. This modality has been started in Nepal since August 2003 and the study on short term fate of ablated vein segment confirms the anatomical benefit in addition to the clinical benefit. Objective To analyze short term fate of segment of great saphenous vein that has been treated by Radiofrequency ablation in terms of occlusion of saphenofemoral junction and absence of recanalisation on Doppler ultrasonography finding done at 3-6 months postoperative period. Read More

Ann Ital Chir 2016 ;87:166-71

Aim: Less invasive techniques such as foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation have recently been introduced as a valid alternative to surgery for the treatment of varicose veins (VVs). We retrospectively reviewed our experience in the treatment of VVs with particular attention to how our therapeutic approach has changed over the last years.

Material Of Study: Data of all patients consecutively treated from September 1st 2013 to July 31st 2015 for both primitive and recurrent VVs were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2016 Aug 16;52(2):234-41. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Objective/background: The objective was to identify predictors to develop and validate a prognostic model of recanalization of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients treated with endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).

Methods: The search strategy of Siribumrungwong was updated between August 2011 and August 2014 using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane register to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which patients presenting with GSV reflux were treated with radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation. Leg level data (n = 1226) of 15/23 selected RCTs were pooled. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015 Oct 29;3(4):358-363. Epub 2014 Oct 29.

Institute for Experimental Medicine, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Objective: It has not yet been clarified whether it is possible to decrease the percentage of recurrences after radiofrequency (RF) ablation by way of increasing the number of RF ablation cycles. The aim of this study was to assess the morphologic changes in excised vein fragments after different durations of RF ablation exposure.

Methods: In the first part of the study, we performed a morphologic analysis of eight cases of great saphenous vein (GSV) recanalization 6 months after RF ablation. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015 Jul 6;3(3):265-9. Epub 2014 Dec 6.

Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Private Clinic Proebstle, Phlebology Division, Mannheim, Germany.

Objective: Endothermal ablation has become a commonly used technology for occlusion of refluxing great saphenous veins (GSVs). However, the risk for primarily untreated accessory saphenous veins (ASVs) to develop reflux during follow-up has not yet been defined. Here, the prevalence and risk of ASV reflux is explored. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2016 Jan 11;4(1):97-105. Epub 2015 Apr 11.

CardioVascular Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass.

Background: Recurrence of varicose veins after surgery (REVAS) for saphenous incompetence has been well described after ligation and stripping (L&S) but not after the now most frequently performed method of saphenous ablation, endovenous ablation (EVA). The purpose of this study was to define the overall incidence of REVAS as well as both the sites of reflux and the causes of REVAS through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for EVA. These studies have the advantage of prospectively collected data and a uniform duplex follow-up. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2016 Jan;4(1):51-6

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Objective: Perforator vein closure for the treatment of advanced chronic venous insufficiency has been shown to be effective using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The objective of the study was to compare these three modalities and attempt to identify factors that might predict treatment failure.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively managed database of perforator vein treatments performed at a three centers within a single institution from February 2013 to July 2014. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2016 Jan 11;4(1):36-43. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Texas Vascular Associates, Dallas, Tex.

Objective: We hypothesized that the incidence of endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) depends on the laser wavelength used in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the saphenous veins.

Methods: We identified patients undergoing EVLA in our office from 2005 to 2014 with an 810-nm (hemoglobin-specific) or 1470-nm (water-specific) laser. We reviewed the records for age, sex, body mass index, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, and Pathophysiologic (CEAP) class, vein diameter, vein(s) treated, adjunctive phlebectomy, energy delivered, laser pullback times, and EHIT (closure level ≥3) development. Read More

Phlebology 2016 Mar;31(1 Suppl):88-98

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

Objective: Relationships between duplex findings and data on health-related quality of life (QoL) to assess long-term results of treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are not well known. The goal of this review was to correlate duplex findings and QoL assessments in clinical studies with long-term follow-up.

Methods: A review of the English language literature on PUBMED revealed 17 clinical studies, including 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 6 prospective, and 2 retrospective studies that included patients with at least 5-year follow-up after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), and traditional superficial venous surgery. Read More

Phlebology 2017 Feb 9;32(1):43-48. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

7 Hamilton Vein Center, Austin, USA.

Background Several studies have shown comparable early efficacy of mechanochemical ablation to endothermal techniques. The goal of this report was to show if early efficacy is maintained at 24 months. Methods This was a two-year analysis on the efficacy of mechanochemical ablation in patients with symptomatic C2 or more advanced chronic venous disease. Read More

Diagn Interv Radiol 2016 Jan-Feb;22(1):59-64

Department of Radiology, Maltepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of the endovenous ambulatory selective varicose vein ablation under local anesthesia (eASVAL) method in a selected group of pa-tients with varicose disease and present the short-term results of one-year ultrasonographic follow-up.

Methods: Three hundred and ninety-five consecutive patients with varicose veins who had been treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were retrospectively reviewed over a period of two years. From this group, 41 patients who were treated using the eASVAL technique and had the great saphenous vein (GSV) preserved were included in the study. Read More

Phlebology 2016 May 6;31(4):296-8. Epub 2015 Oct 6.

Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland Gefaesspraxis am See, Hirslanden Clinic St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland

Stroke is a very rare but potential fatal complication of endovenous thermal treatment in patients with a right-to-left shunt. To our best knowledge, there are only two reports in the literature of stroke after endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins, one after endovenous laser ablation and one after radiofrequency ablation and phlebectomy, both treated conservatively. This report describes a successful lysis in a patient with an ischemic stroke associated with bilateral endovenous heat-induced thrombosis class I after endovenous laser ablation of both great saphenous vein and extensive miniphlebectomy in a patient with an unknown patent foramen ovale. Read More

Phlebology 2016 Oct 15;31(9):618-24. Epub 2015 Sep 15.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Background: Patients with painful varicose veins and venous insufficiency can be treated by eliminating axial reflux only or by eliminating axial reflux plus phlebectomy with transilluminated powered phlebectomy. This study was undertaken with the aim of determining and improving signs and symptoms of venous disease (measured by venous clinical severity score) and complications (by routine surveillance ultrasound and long-term post-operative follow up) for each treatment strategy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data from 979 limbs undergoing procedures for significant varicose veins and venous insufficiency from March 2008 until June 2014 performed at a single tertiary referral hospital. Read More

Phlebology 2016 Feb 30;31(1):5-14. Epub 2015 Jun 30.

Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK

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. Read More

Phlebology 2016 Apr 28;31(3):222-4. Epub 2015 Apr 28.

Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France Service de Médecine Vasculaire HTA, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.

We describe here the successful scheduled treatment of varicose veins by radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation in a 43-year-old patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her venous disease started at the age of 16 years, 1 year prior to her first major Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-related event which led to the diagnosis of her genetic condition. Surgical stripping was contra-indicated because of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at the age of 18 years. Read More

Can J Surg 2015 Apr;58(2):85-6

The Division of Vascular Surgery, Trillium Health Partners, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ont.

Varicose veins are a common condition that can be treated surgically. Available operative modalities include saphenous venous ligation and stripping, phlebectomy, endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation is the newest of these technologies, and to our knowledge our group was the first to use it in Canada. Read More

Br J Surg 2015 Feb;102(3):212-8

Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.

Background: This was a prospective study of radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation (RFA) for the treatment of incompetent varicose great saphenous veins (GSVs). The present report describes long-term follow-up at 5 years.

Methods: The 5-year follow-up of this multicentre European study included assessment of the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and GSV occlusion and reflux on duplex imaging. Read More

Phlebology 2016 Feb;31(1):16-22

Introduction: The optimal compression regime following ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins is not known. The aim of this study was to document current practice.

Methods: Postal questionnaire sent to 348 consultant members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015 Jan 20;3(1):81-5. Epub 2014 Aug 20.

Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Objective: The use of foam and liquid sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins and underlying venous reflux is widespread. A novel device, the ClariVein Occlusion Catheter (Vascular Insights LLC, Madison, Conn), has been the subject of several clinical trials in humans. We report the initial histologic results obtained with use of the device in a caprine vein model. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015 Jan 15;3(1):54-7. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Division of Vascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Electronic address:

Objective: This study was designed to examine postoperative venous hemodynamic changes at 1 and 6 months after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and phlebectomy for primary great saphenous varicose veins.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 116 limbs from 102 patients who were treated with EVLA from 2011 to 2013 at Samsung Medical Center. Venous hemodynamic changes were evaluated by air plethysmography preoperatively and at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015 Jan 3;3(1):27-34. Epub 2014 Nov 3.

Department of Medical Affairs, BTG International, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Medical Affairs, BTG International, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Objective: This retrospective study assessed varicose vein treatment patterns and associated thrombotic complications in a real-world setting.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with health care claims data from Truven Health, covering more than 40 million insured lives per year and representing all U.S. Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2014 Oct-Nov;48(7-8):482-90. Epub 2014 Dec 8.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.

Objective: To evaluate patient characteristics, practice patterns, and outcomes for patients treated for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common problem treated using open or endovascular methods by physicians from a number of surgical and nonsurgical specialties.

Methods: Patients treated for CVI in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2005-2011) were identified. Read More

Phlebology 2015 Dec 8;30(10):688-92. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia Department of Vascular Surgery, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the ClariVein(®) system of mechanico-chemical ablation of superficial vein incompetence.

Method: ClariVein(®) treatment uses a micropuncture technique and a 4-Fr sheath to allow a catheter to be placed 1.5 cm from the saphenofemoral junction. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2014 Oct 24;2(4):397-402. Epub 2014 May 24.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Background: Intervention on the great saphenous vein (GSV) has traditionally been limited to the above-knee (AK-GSV) segment for fear of saphenous neuralgia in spite of incompetence demonstrated in the below-knee (BK-GSV) segment. Residual symptoms and need for reintervention are reported to result in nearly half the patients if the refluxing BK-GSV is ignored. Experience with endovenous ablation of the BK-GSV at the time of AK-GSV treatment is sparsely reported in the literature. Read More

Phlebology 2015 Feb 12;30(1):17-23. Epub 2014 Sep 12.

The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK Faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK

Objective: To develop a reproducible method of using radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy with adequate thermal spread to ablate the whole vein wall in a truncal vein but avoiding carbonisation, device sticking and high impedance "cut outs" reducing interruptions during endovenous treatments.

Methods: Porcine liver was treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy under glass to allow measurements, observation and video recording. Powers of 6-20 W were used at varying pullback speeds to achieve linear endovenous energy densities of 18-100 J/cm. Read More

N Z Med J 2014 Aug 1;127(1399):43-50. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Auckland Regional Vascular Services, Auckland City Hospital, Private Bag 92 024, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of adopting endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) as the primary treatment modality for varicose veins at Auckland City Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand).

Methods: The outcomes of 354 consecutive EVLT procedures performed between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. Data was collected from a prospectively maintained procedural database and by retrospective chart review. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2015 Jan;74(1):64-8

From the *Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology, New Haven, CT; and †Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Varicose veins have traditionally been treated by surgical intervention. When performed in the lower limb, surgical vein stripping can potentially cause injury to the saphenous, sural, tibial, and peroneal nerves due to anatomic proximity. Newer, minimally invasive procedures, such as endovenous laser ablation and endovenous radiofrequency ablation, are more commonly used today. Read More