Endovenous therapies of varicose veins: Indications, procedures, efficacy and safety

Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia

Volumn 145, Issue 2, 2010, Pages 161-174

  Biemans, A A M ^a   Van Den Bos, R R ^a   Nijsten, T ^a  

^a ERASMUS MEDICAL CENTER   (Netherlands)

Author keywords

Laser therapy; Varicose veins; Venous insufficiency

Indexed keywords

LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HEPARIN;

ALLERGIC REACTION; BURN; CATHETER; CHRONIC VEIN INSUFFICIENCY; CLASSIC LIQUID SCLEROTHERAPY; CLINICAL TRIAL; COMPARATIVE STUDY; COST EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS; DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS; ECCHYMOSIS; EMBOLISM; ENDOSCOPIC SCLEROTHERAPY; ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION; FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY; HUMAN; HYPERPIGMENTATION; INJECTION SITE INDURATION; INJECTION SITE PAIN; LASER SURGERY; NEUROLOGIC DISEASE; PATIENT SATISFACTION; PERIPHERAL NERVE INJURY; POSTOPERATIVE PAIN; QUALITY OF LIFE; RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION; REVIEW; SAPHENOUS VEIN; SCLEROTHERAPY; SCOTOMA; SKIN NECROSIS; SKIN PIGMENTATION; SOCIOECONOMICS; SURGICAL TECHNIQUE; THROMBOPHLEBITIS; TREATMENT INDICATION; ULCER; ULTRASOUND GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY; VARICOSIS;

EID: 77954507673     PISSN: 03920488     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: None     Document Type: Review

References (95)

1. Rabe E, Pannier-Fischer F, Bromen K, Schuldt K, Stang A, Poncar C et al. Bonner Venenstudie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie - Epidemiologische Untersuchung zur Frage der Häufigkeit und Ausprägung von chronischen Venenkrankheiten in der städtischen und ländlichen Wohnbevölkerung. Phlebologie 2003;32:1-14.
2. Callam MJ. Epidemiology of varicose veins. Br J Surg 1994;81:167-73.
3. Margolis DJ, Bilker W, Santanna J, Baumgarten M. Venous leg ulcer: incidence and prevalence in the elderly. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:381-6.
4. Kurz X, Kahn SR, Abenhaim L, Clement D, Norgren L, Baccaglini U et al. Chronic venous disorders of the leg: epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis and management. Summary of an evidence-based report of the VEINES task force. Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Studies. Int Angio. 1999;1:83-102.
5. van Rij AM, Jiang P, Solomon C, Christie RA, Hill GB. Recurrence after varicose vein surgery: a prospective long-term clinical study with duplex ultrasound scanning and air plethysmography. J Vasc Surg 2003;38:935-43.
6. Fischer R, Linde N, Duff C, Jeanneret C, Chandler JG, Seeber P. Late recurrent saphenofemoral junction reflux after ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein. J Vasc Surg 2001;34:236-40.
7. Perrin MR, Labropoulos N, Leon LR Jr. Presentation of the patient with recurrent varices after surgery (REVAS). J Vasc Surg 2006;43:327-34.
8. Dwerryhouse S, Davies B, Harradine K, Earnshaw JJ. Stripping the long saphenous vein reduces the rate of reoperation for recurrent varicose veins: five-year results of a randomized trial. J Vasc Surg 1999;29:589-92.
9. Sharif MA, Soong CV, Lau LL, Corvan R, Lee B, Hannon RJ. Endovenous laser treatment for long saphenous vein incompetence. Br J Surg 2006;93:831-5.
10. Stirling M, Shortell CK. Endovascular treatment of varicose veins. Semin Vasc Surg 2006;19:109-15.
11. Orbach EJ. Sclerotherapy of varicose veins - utilization of an intravenous air-block. Am J Surg 1944;LXVI:362-6.
12. Wollmann JC. The history of sclerosing foams. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:694-703.
13. Rabe E, Pannier-Fischer F, Gerlach H, Breu FX, Guggenbichler S, Zabel M. Guidelines for sclerotherapy of varicose veins. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:687-93.
14. Yamaki T, Nozaki M, Iwasaka S. Comparative study of duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy and duplex-guided liquid sclerotherapy for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:718-22.
15. Frullini A. New technique in producing sclerosing foam in a disposable syringe. Dermatol Surg 2000;26:705-6.
16. Tessari L, Cavezzi A, Frullini A. Preliminary experience with a new sclerosing foam in the treatment of varicose veins. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:58-60. (Pubitemid 32107620)
17. Tan VK, Tan SG. Technique and early results of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of the long saphenous vein for treatment of varicose veins. Singapore Med J 2009;50:284-7.
18. Frullini A, Cavezzi A. Sclerosing foam in the treatment of varicose veins and telangiectases: history and analysis of safety and complications. Dermatol Surg 2002;28:11-5.
19. Darke SG, Baker SJ. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins. Br J Surg 2006;93:969-74.
20. Pascarella L, Bergan JJ, Mekenas LV. Severe chronic venous insufficiency treated by foamed sclerosant. Ann Vasc Surg 2006;20:83-91. (Pubitemid 43029863)
21. Myers KA, Jolley D, Clough A, Kirwan J. Outcome of ultrasound-guided scleromerapy for varicose veins: medium-term results assessed by ultrasound surveillance. Eur J Endovasc Surg 2007; 33:116-21.
22. Chapman-Smith P, Browne A. Prospective five-year study of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of great saphenous vein reflux. Phlebology 2009;24:183-8.
23. Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP. Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins in a subgroup with diameters at the junction of 10 mm or greater compared with a subgroup of less than 10 mm. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:1386-90.
24. Masuda EM, Kessler DM, Lurie F, Puggioni A, Kistner RL, Eklof B. The effect of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of incompetent perforator veins on venous clinical severity and disability scores. J Vasc Surg 2006;43:551-6.
25. Nitecki S, Bass A. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Isr Med Assoc J 2007;9:72-5.
26. Cabrera J, Cabrera J, Garcia-Olmedo MA, Redondo P. Treatment of venous malformations with sclerosant in microfoam form. Arch Dermatol 2003;1391:1409-16.
27. Breu FX, Guggenbichler, Wollmann JC. 2nd European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy, 28-30 April 2006, Tegernsee, Germany. Vasa 2008;37 Supplement 71:1-32.
28. Smith PC. Chronic venous disease treated by ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2006;32:577-83.
29. Ceulen RP, Bullens-Goessens YI, Pi-Van De Venne SJ, Nelemans PJ, Veraart JC, Sommer A. Outcomes and side effects of duplex-guided sclerotherapy in the treatment of great saphenous veins with 1% versus 3% polidocanol foam: results of a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. Dermatol Surg 2007;33:276-81.
30. Rabe E, Otto J, Schliephake D, Pannier F. Efficacy and Safety of Great Saphenous Vein Sclerotherapy Using Standardised Polidocanol Foam (ESAF): A Randomised Controlled Multicentre Clinical Trial. Eur J Endovasc Vasc Surg 2008;35:238-45.
31. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Di Renzo A, Brandolini R, Coen L, Acerbi G et al. Foam-sclerotherapy, surgery, scleromerapy, and combined treatment for varicose veins: a 10-year, prospective, randomized, controlled, trial (VEDICO trial). Angiology 2003;54:307-315.
32. Cavezzi A, Frullini A, Ricci S, Tessari L. Treatment of varicose veins by foam sclerotherapy: two clinical series. Phlebology 2002;17:13-8.
33. Darvall KAL, Bate GR, Silverman SH, Adam SJ and Bradbury AW. Medium-term results of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for small saphenous varicose veins. Br J Surg 2009;96:1268-73.
34. Jia X, Mowatt G, Ho V, et al. Systematic review of the safety and efficacy of foam sclerotherapy for venous disease of the lower limbs. Br J Surg 2007;94:925-36.
35. Guex JJ, Allaert FA, Gillet JL, Chleir F. Immediate and midterm complications of sclerotherapy: Report of a prospective multicenter registry of 12,173 sclerotherapy sessions. Dermatol Surg 2005;31:123-8.
36. Navarro L, Min RJ, Bone C. Endovenous laser: a new minimally invasive method of treatment for varicose veins - preliminary observations using an 810 nm diode laser. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:117-22.
37. Min RJ, Zimmet SE, Isaacs MN, Forrestal MD. Endovenous laser treatment of the incompetent greater saphenous vein. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2001;12:1167-71.
38. Disselhoff BCVM, Rem AI, Verdaasdonk RM, der Kinderen DJ, Moll FL. Endovenous laser ablation: an experimental study on the mechanism of action. Phlebology 2008;23:69-76.
39. Fan C-M, Anderson RR (2008) Endovenous laser ablation: mechanism of action. Phlebology 23:206-13.
40. Weiss RA. Comparison of endovenous radiofrequency versus 810 nm diode laser occlusion of large veins in an animal model. Dermatol Surg 2002;28:56-61.
41. Proebstle TM, Lehr HA, Kargl A, Espinola-Klein C, Rother W, Bethge S et al. Endovenous treatment of the greater saphenous vein with a 940-nm diode laser thrombotic occlusion after endoluminal thermal damage by laser-generated steam bubbles. J Vasc Surg 2002;35:729-36.
42. Mordon SR, Wassmer B, Zemmouri J. Mathematical modeling of 980-nm and 1320-nm endovenous laser treatment. Lasers Surg Med 2007;39:256-65.
43. Meissner OA, Schmedt C-G, Hunger K, Hetterich H, Sroka R, Rieber J et al. Endovascular optical coherence tomography ex vivo: venous wall anatomy and tissue alterations after endovenous therapy. Eur Radiol 2007;17:2384-93.
44. Proebstle TM, Lehr HA, Kargl A, Espinola-Klein C, Rother W, Bethge S et al. Endovenous treatment of the greater saphenous vein with a 940 nm diode laser: thrombotic occlusion after endoluminal thermal damage by laser-generated steam bubbles. J Vasc Surg 2002;35:729-36.
45. van den Bos RR, Kockaert MA, Neumann HAM, Bremmer RH, Nijsten T, van Gemert MJC. Heat conduction from the exceedingly hot fiber tip contributes to the endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins. Lasers Med Sci 2009;24:247-51.
46. Proebstle TM, Herdemann S. Early results and feasibility of incompetent perforator vein ablation by endovenous laser treatment. Dermatol Surg 2007;33:162-8.
47. Bush RG, Hammond K. Treatment of incompetent vein of Giacomini (thigh extension branch). Ann Vasc Surg 2007;21:245-8.
48. Goldman MP, Mauricio M, Rao J. Intravascular 1320-nm laser closure of the great saphenous vein: a 6- to 12-month follow-up study. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:1380-5.
49. Mundy L, Merlin TL, Fitridge RA, Hiller JE. Systematic review of endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. Br J Surg 2005;92:1189-94.
50. Pannier F, Rabe E. Endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation of saphenous varicose veins. J Cardiovasc Surg 2006;47:3-8.
51. Nootheti PK, Cadag KM, Goldman MP. Review of intravascular approaches to the treatment of varicose veins. Dermatol Surg 2007;33:1149-57.
52. Min RJ, Khilnani N, Zimmet SE. Endovenous laser treatment of saphenous vein reflux: long-term results. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2003;14:991-6.
53. Agus GB, Mancini S, Magi G; IEWG. The first 1000 cases of Italian Endovenous-laser Working Group (IEWG). Rationale, and long-term outcomes for the 1999-2003 period. Int Angiol 2006;25:209-15.
54. Ravi R, Rodriguez-Lopez JA, Trayler EA, Barrett DA, Ramaiah V, Diethrich EB. Endovenous ablation of incompetent saphenous veins: a large single-center experience. J Endovasc Ther 2006;13:244-8.
55. Sadick NS, Wasser S. Combined endovascular laser plus ambulatory phlebectomy for the treatment of superficial venous incompentence: A 4-year perspective. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2007;9:9-13. (Pubitemid 46581985)
56. Myers KA, Jolley D. Outcome of endovenous laser therapy for saphenous reflux and varicose veins: medium-term results assessed by ultrasound surveillance. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2009;37:239-45.
57. Ravi R, Trayler EA, Barrett DA, Diethrich EB. Endovenous thermal ablation of superficial venous insufficiency of me lower extremity: single-center experience with 3000 limbs treated in a 7-year period. J Endovasc Ther 2009;16:500-5.
58. van den Bos RR, Neumann HAM, de Roos K-P, Nijsten T. Endovenous laser ablation induced complications: review of the literature and new cases. Dermatol Surg 2009;35:1206-14.
59. Puggioni A, Kalra M, Carmo M, Mozes G, Gloviczki P. Endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein: analysis of early efficacy and complications. J Vasc Surg 2005;42:488-93.
60. Timperman PE. Arteriovenous fistula after endovenous laser treatment of the short saphenous vein. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2004;15:625-7.
61. Goldman MP. Closure of the greater saphenous vein with endoluminal radiofrequency thermal heating of the vein wall in combination with ambulatory phlebectomy: preliminary 6-month follow-up. Dermatol Surg 2000;26:452-6.
62. Chandler JG, Pichot O, Sessa C, Schuller-Petroviç S, Osse FJ, Bergan JJ. Defining the role of extended saphenofemoral junction ligation: a prospective comparative study. J Vasc Surg 2000;32:941-53.
63. Manfrini S, Gasbarro V, Danielsson G, Norgren L, Chandler JG, Lennox AF et al. Endovenous management of saphenous vein reflux. Endovenous Reflux Management Study Group. J Vasc Surg 2000;32:330-42.
64. Goldman MP, Amiry S. Closure of the greater saphenous vein with endoluminal radiofrequency thermal heating of the vein wall in combination with ambulatory phlebectomy: 50 patients with more than 6-month follow-up. Dermatol Surg 2002;28:29-31. (Pubitemid 34101577)
65. Sybrandy JE, Wittens CH. Initial experiences in endovenous treatment of saphenous vein reflux. J Vasc Surg 2002;36:1207-12.
66. Zikorus AW, Mirizzi MS. Evaluation of setpoint temperature and pullback speed on vein adventitial temperature during endovenous radiofrequency energy delivery in an in-vitro model. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2004;38:167-74.
67. VNUS ClosureFASTTM Radiofrequency Catheter [Internet]. Available from www.closurefast.com [cited 2010, Mar 4].
68. Schmedt CG, Sroka R, Steckmeier S, Meissner OA, Babaryka G, Hunger K et al. Investigation on radiofrequency and laser (980 nm) effects after endoluminal treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency in an ex-vivo model. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2006;32:318-25.
69. Weiss RA, Weiss MA. Controlled radiofrequency endovenous occlusion using a unique radiofrequency catheter under duplex guidance to eliminate saphenous varicose vein reflux: a 2-year follow-up. Dermatol Surg 2002;28:38-42.
70. Proebstle TM, Vago B, Alm J, Göckeritz O, Lebard C, Pichot O. Treatment of the incompetent great saphenous vein by endovenous radiofrequency powered segmental thermal ablation: first clinical experience. J Vasc Surg 2008;47:151-6.
71. Merchant RF, Pichot O, Myers KA. Four-year follow-up on endovascular radiofrequency obliteration of great saphenous reflux. Dermatol Surg 2005;31:129-34.
72. Hingorani AP, Ascher E, Markevich N, Schutzer RW, Kallakuri S, Hou A et al. Deep venous thrombosis after radiofrequency ablation of greater saphenous vein: a word of caution. J Vasc Surg 2004;40:500-4.
73. Merchant RF, DePalma RG, Kabnick LS. Endovascular obliteration of saphenous reflux: a multicenter study. J Vasc Surg 2002;35:1190-6.
74. Gale SS, Dosick SM, Seiwert AJ, Comerota AJ. Regarding "Deep venous thrombosis after radiofrequency ablation of greater saphenous vein". J Vasc Surg 2005;41:374.
75. Almeida JI, Raines JK. Radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation in the treatment of varicose veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2006;20:547-52.
76. Van den Bos RR, Kockaert MA, Neumann HAM, Nijsten T. Endovenous therapies of lower extremity varicosities: a meta-analysis. J Vasc Surg 2009;49:230-9
77. Hobbs JT. Surgery and sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins. A random trial. Arch Surg 1974;109:793-6.
78. Rutgers PH, Kitslaar PJ. Randomized trial of stripping versus high ligation combined with sclerotherapy in the treatment of the incompetent greater saphenous vein. Am J Surg 1994;168:311-5.
79. Bountouroglou DG, Azzam M, Kakkos SK, Pathmarajah M, Young P, Geroulakos G. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy combined with sapheno-femoral ligation compared to surgical treatment of varicose veins: early results of a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2006;31:93-100. (Pubitemid 43024990)
80. Darvall KA, Bate GR, Adam DJ, Bradbury AW. Recovery after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy compared with conventional surgery for varicose veins. Br J Surg 2009;96:1262-7.
81. De Medeiros CA, Luccas GC. Comparison of endovenous treatment with an 810 nm laser versus conventional stripping of the great saphenous vein in patients with primary varicose veins. Dermatol Surg 2005;31:1685-94.
82. Mekako AI, Hatfield J, Bryce J, Lee D, McCollum PT, Chetter I. A non-randomised controlled trial of endovenous laser therapy and surgery in the treatment of varicose veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2006;20:451-7.
83. Rasmussen LH, Bjoern L, Lawaetz M, Blemings A, Lawaetz B, Eklof B. Randomized trial comparing endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein with high ligation and stripping in patients with varicose veins: short-term results. J Vasc Surg 2007;46:308-15.
84. Darwood RJ, Theivacumar N, Dellagrammaticas D, Mavor AID, Gough MJ. Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation with surgery for the treatment of primary great saphenous varicose veins. Br J of Surg 2008;95:294-301.
85. Theivacumar NS, Darwood R, Gough MJ. Neovascularisation and recurrence 2 years after varicose vein treatment for sapheno-femoral and great saphenous vein reflux: a comparison of surgery and endovenous laser ablation. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2009;38:203-7.
86. Rautio T, Ohinmaa A, Perala J, Ohtonen P, Heikkinen T, Wiik H et al. Endovenous obliteration versus conventional stripping operation in the treatment of primary varicose veins: a randomized controlled trial with comparison of the costs. J Vasc Surg 2002;35:958-65.
87. Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Göckeritz O, Chopra P, Evans MT, Hoheim DF et al. Radiofrequency endovenous ClosureFAST versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study (RECOVERY study). J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009;20:752-9.
88. Puggioni A, Kalra M, Carmo M, Mozes G, Gloviczki P. Endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein: analysis of early efficacy and complications. J Vasc Surg 2005;42:488-93.
89. Lurie F, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure) versus ligation and vein stripping (EVOLVeS): two-year follow-up. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005;29:67-73. (Pubitemid 39618994)
90. Perala J, Rautio T, Biancari F, Ohtonen P, Wiik H, Heikkinen T et al. Radiofrequency endovenous obliteration versus stripping of the long saphenous vein in the management of primary varicose veins: 3-year outcome of a randomized study. Ann Vasc Surg 2005;19:669-72.
91. Hinchliffe RJ, Ubhi J, Beech A, Ellison J, Braithwaite BD. A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS closure versus surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous varicose veins. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2006;31:212-8.
92. Bohler K, Baldt M, Schuller-Petrovic S, Grunwald C, Sellner W, Watzke H, Wolff K. Varicose vein stripping - a prospective study of the thrombotic risk and the diagnostic significance of preoperative color coded duplex sonography. Thromb Haemost 1995;73:597-600.
93. Morrison C, Dalsing MC. Signs and symptoms of saphenous nerve injury after greater saphenous vein stripping: prevalence, severity, and relevance for modern practice. J Vasc Surg 2003;38:886-90.
94. Holme JB, Skajaa K, Holme K. Incidence of lesions of me saphenous nerve after partial or complete stripping of the long saphenous vein. Acta Chir Scand 1990;156:145-8.
95. De Maeseneer MG, Vandenbroeck CP, Hendriks JM, Lauwers PR, Van Schil PE. Accuracy of duplex evaluation one year after varicose vein surgery to predict recurrence at the sapheno-femoral junction after five years. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005;29:308-12.