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The British Journal of Surgery Jan 2023Standardization of access to treatment and compliance with clinical guidelines are important to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to people with varicose veins....
BACKGROUND
Standardization of access to treatment and compliance with clinical guidelines are important to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to people with varicose veins. In the National Health Service (NHS) in England, commissioning of care for people with varicose veins is performed by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and clinical guidelines have been developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE CG168). The Evidence-Based Intervention (EBI) programme was introduced in the NHS with the aim of improving care quality and supporting implementation of NICE CG168. The aim of this study was to assess access to varicose vein treatments in the NHS and the impact of EBI.
METHODS
CCG policies for the delivery of varicose vein treatments in the NHS in England were obtained from 2017 (before EBI introduction) and 2019 (after EBI introduction) and categorized by two independent reviewers into levels of compliance with NICE CG168. Hospital Episode Statistics data were compared with the NICE commissioning model predictions. A quality-adjusted life-year was valued at £20 000 (Euro 23 000 15 November 2022).
RESULTS
Despite the introduction of the EBI programme, CCG compliance with NICE CG168 fell from 34.0 per cent (64 of 191) to 29.0 per cent (55 of 191). Some 33.0 per cent of CCG policies (63 of 191) became less compliant and only 7.3 per cent (14 of 191) changed to become fully compliant. Overall, 66.5 per cent of CCGs (127 of 191) provided less than the recommended intervention rate before EBI and this increased to 73.3 per cent (140 of191) after EBI. The overall proportion of patients estimated to require treatment annually who received treatment fell from 44.0 to 37.0 per cent. The associated estimated loss in net health benefit was between £164 and 174 million (Euro 188 million and 199 million 15 November 2022) over 3 years. A compliant policy was associated with a higher intervention rate; however, commissioning policy was associated with only 16.8 per cent of the variation in intervention rate (R2 = 0.168, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Many local varicose vein commissioning policies in the NHS are not compliant with NICE CG168. More than half of patients who should be offered varicose vein treatment are not receiving it, and there is widespread geographical variation. The EBI programme has not been associated with any improvement in commissioning or access to varicose vein treatment.
Topics: Humans; State Medicine; England; Varicose Veins; Surveys and Questionnaires; Quality of Health Care
PubMed: 36448204
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac392 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jan 2021Initial phase III clinical studies with polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) demonstrated its safety and efficacy in the treatment of superficial venous reflux. In... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
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.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; New Jersey; New York; Polidocanol; Prospective Studies; Saphenous Vein; Sclerosing Solutions; Sclerotherapy; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Venous Insufficiency
PubMed: 32353594
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.04.015 -
International Wound Journal Nov 2023Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs because of structural or functional disturbances to the venous system of the lower limbs. Signs and symptoms include leg pain,... (Review)
Review
Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs because of structural or functional disturbances to the venous system of the lower limbs. Signs and symptoms include leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes, with venous ulceration ultimately occurring in severe disease. To assess the prevalence of CVD among health care workers, a scoping review of existing publications exploring the prevalence of CVD among health care workers was conducted in July 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. A total of 15 papers met the inclusion criteria and these formed the basis of the review. Among health care workers, the mean prevalence of CVD was 58.5% and the mean prevalence for varicose veins was 22.1%. There is an increased prevalence of CVD in health care workers when compared with the general population. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis and the use of preventative measures to protect health care workers from CVD and varicose vein development.
Topics: Humans; Venous Insufficiency; Prevalence; Varicose Veins; Varicose Ulcer; Chronic Disease; Health Personnel
PubMed: 37139850
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14222 -
Vascular Pharmacology Aug 2022We examined quantitative (in terms of mtDNA/nuclear DNA) and structural (in terms of common deletions in the MT-ND4 gene region) characteristics of mitochondrial DNA...
OBJECTIVE
We examined quantitative (in terms of mtDNA/nuclear DNA) and structural (in terms of common deletions in the MT-ND4 gene region) characteristics of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in varicose veins (VVs) and venous wall layers by comparing mitochondrial genome parameters, as well as mitochondrial function (in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential (MtMP)), in varicose vein (VV) vs. non-varicose vein (NV) tissue samples.
METHODS
We analyzed paired great saphenous vein samples (VV vs. NV segments from each patient left after venous surgery) harvested from patients with VVs. Relative mtDNA level and the proportion of no-deletion mtDNA were determined by a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR), confirming the latter with a more sensitive method - droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Mitochondria's functional state in VVs was assessed using fluorescent (dependent on MtMP) live-staining of mitochondria in venous tissues.
RESULTS
Total mtDNA level was lower in VV than in NV samples (predominantly in the t. media layer). ddPCR analysis showed lower proportion of no-deletion mtDNA in VVs. Because of the decrease in relative MtMP in VVs, our results suggest a possible reduction of mitochondrial function in VVs.
CONCLUSION
Quantitative and structural changes (copy number and integrity) of mtDNA are plausibly involved in VV pathogenesis. Future clinical studies implementing the mitochondrial targeting may be eventually fostered after auxiliary mechanistic studies.
Topics: DNA, Mitochondrial; Humans; Mitochondria; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Saphenous Vein; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 35690235
DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107021 -
Phlebology Apr 2021To analyze prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy.
METHOD
Clinical retrospective study with patients treated from 2004 to 2014. Charts with incomplete data and follow-up less than 60 days were excluded. Polidocanol foam (Tessari method) was used. The primary outcome was the prevalence of VTE and the secondary were possible risk factors. Chi-square test and Marascuillo prodecure were applied at a significance level of 5%.
RESULTS
2,616 patients were included with 4,712 lower limbs treated. The mean age was 50.7±0.86, in majority female, 83.7%. VTE occurred in 0.49% (pulmonary embolism 0,3%) in a mean time of 44.0±42.2 days. Male gender, personal or family history of phlebitis or DVT and high caliber varicose veins were significantly associated to VTE.
CONCLUSION
incidence of VTE is low, male gender, personal or family history of VTE and caliber of varicose veins greater than 7 mm increased the risk.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Saphenous Vein; Sclerosing Solutions; Sclerotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Varicose Veins; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 33019844
DOI: 10.1177/0268355520957202 -
Current Medical Research and Opinion Nov 2019This review presents modern information on the anatomy of pelvic veins, mechanisms of development of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) and venous pelvic pain (VPP),... (Review)
Review
This review presents modern information on the anatomy of pelvic veins, mechanisms of development of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) and venous pelvic pain (VPP), methods for verifying the venous nature of pelvic pain, as well as opportunities of various surgical interventions on the gonadal veins in treatment of PCS and relief of its most severe symptom, VPP. A comparative analysis of resection and embolization treatment methods and their effects on VPP, as well as rates of postprocedural complications, was carried out. The issues of elimination of specific compression syndromes causing occurrence of VPP, by using open, endoscopic and endovascular techniques are addressed.
Topics: Embolization, Therapeutic; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Pelvic Pain; Pelvis; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 31188059
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2019.1631059 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Feb 2022To assess the types and effectiveness of simulators present for open varicose vein surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the types and effectiveness of simulators present for open varicose vein surgery.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi and comprised studies published from 1st January 2000 to 30th June 2020 related to open varicose vein surgical procedures done on simulators. Databases searched were PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Scopus using appropriate key words. The primary outcome of the review was to assess the effectiveness of different types of simulators used for varicose vein surgery.
RESULTS
Of the 286 articles found, 6(2%) were included. A variety of simulators ranging from animal models, homemade simulators and commercially designed models with high fidelity options had been used. Technical competence was the major domain assessed in most of the studies 5(83.3%), while 1(16.6%) study focussed on self-assessment. Blinding was done in 4(66.6%) studies for assessment purpose, and videorecording of the trainees' performance was done in 5(83.3%) studies. Most studies 4(66.6%) found the use of simulation to be an effective tool in achieving technical competence.
CONCLUSION
The use of simulation in the training of surgical residents for open varicose vein surgery was found to be beneficial, but most studies were heterogeneous in terms of design, simulator types and study participants. This makes it difficult to establish the superiority of any one type of simulator over the rest. Further research is needed to develop and validate simulators in open varicose vein surgery procedures.
Topics: Animals; Clinical Competence; Humans; Pakistan; Simulation Training; Varicose Veins; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 35202370
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.AKU-10 -
Minerva Surgery Apr 2024The aim of this registry supplement study was to evaluate the effects of the oral supplement Pycnogenol on possible skin discolorations or other minor skin changes after...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this registry supplement study was to evaluate the effects of the oral supplement Pycnogenol on possible skin discolorations or other minor skin changes after varicose vein sclerotherapy in comparison with a standard management (SM).
METHODS
One hundred sixty-one subjects completed the study. 84 took Pycnogenol from the day before sclerotherapy for 12 weeks and followed SM. 77 followed SM only and served as controls. 420 injection sites were followed-up in the Pycnogenol group and 431 in the control group. The number of injected veins (using only Aetoxysklerol) was on average 4-8 veins/patient. No side effects were observed for the SM or for supplementation. Pycnogenol supplementation showed a good tolerability. The two management groups were comparable for age, sex and veins distribution at inclusion.
RESULTS
After 12 weeks, skin discoloration assessed by a skin staining score was generally significantly lower and less frequent (P<0.05) with Pycnogenol with a score of 0.4±0.2 compared to controls (with a score of 2.1±0.4). In addition, the number of stains per treated vein was significantly lower in the Pycnogenol group than the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Varicose vein sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure almost without complications. Pycnogenol intake appears to improve healing and prevent skin discolorations after injection of the sclerosing agent. To verify this effect of Pycnogenol, more studies for a longer period are needed.
Topics: Humans; Sclerotherapy; Hyperpigmentation; Flavonoids; Varicose Veins; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38592434
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5691.23.10035-9 -
Cardiovascular Journal of AfricaVenous insufficiency caused by varicose veins, especially in the lower extremities, is widespread and can cause severe complications. Anaesthesia is essential for any...
INTRODUCTION
Venous insufficiency caused by varicose veins, especially in the lower extremities, is widespread and can cause severe complications. Anaesthesia is essential for any surgical approaches in varicose vein surgery. This study evaluated the effect of single-dose epidural anaesthesia on postoperative pain scores and length of hospitalisation after varicose vein surgery, comparing it with general anaesthesia.
METHODS
The study was conducted on a total of 100 patients, aged 18 years and older, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III, undergoing unilateral lower-extremity stripping due to varicose veins within a six-month period at the Prof Dr Cemil Taşçioğlu City Hospital Anesthesiology and Reanimation Service. Fifty patients with single-dose epidural anaesthesia were consecutively included in the EA group. For comparison, 50 patients who were operated on under general anesthesia were included in the GA group.
RESULTS
The groups showed statistically significant differences between the 30th-minute and first-, second-, fourth- and sixth-hour visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ( = 0.001; < 0.01). Patients with epidural anaesthesia had lower 30th-minute VAS scores compared to those administered general anaesthesia. There were statistically significant differences identified between the groups for the additional analgesia requirements of patients ( = 0.001; < 0.01). Subjects with epidural anaesthesia had lower additional analgesic requirements than those administered general anaesthesia.
CONCLUSION
Epidural anaesthesia provided adequate anaesthesia with more effective postoperative analgesia compared to patients operated on under general anaesthesia and receiving multimodal analgesia for postoperative analgesia.
Topics: Anesthesia, Epidural; Anesthesia, General; Hospitals; Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Discharge; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 34851351
DOI: 10.5830/CVJA-2021-061 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Sep 2022Bleeding is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of varicose veins. There is paucity of literature about patients with varicose veins that present with...
BACKGROUND
Bleeding is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of varicose veins. There is paucity of literature about patients with varicose veins that present with bleeding and the effectiveness of vein ablation as therapy to prevent recurrent bleeding. This study compares patients treated with vein ablation for bleeding varicose veins with patients treated for venous symptoms other than bleeding. We hypothesize that vein ablation is safe and effective in preventing recurrence of bleeding from varicose veins.
METHODS
A retrospective single-centre review of consecutive patients undergoing vein ablation using radiofrequency in an outpatient office was performed. Patients presenting with bleeding were identified. A random (3:1) group of patients undergoing vein ablation for other venous symptoms and no bleeding was selected as a comparative group (control). The medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics and outcomes. A telephone survey inquiring about intensity of symptoms on a numeric rating scale of 0 to 10 prior and after treatment as well as recurrence of bleeding was also conducted. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
The incidence of patients with bleeding varicose veins was 3.6% (13/362) of all patients undergoing vein ablation at our center. A total of 26 ablations and 60 ablations were performed in patients with bleeding (n = 13) and controls (n = 39), respectively. There was no difference in age and race, but there was a trend for bleeding to occur more commonly in male patients (61.5% vs 33.3%; P = .073). Patients with bleeding from varicose veins were more likely to have congestive heart failure (P = .013) and present with more advanced venous disease based on CEAP classification (P = .005) compared with the control group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in vein closure (P = .246) or complications (P = .299) after vein ablation. With mean follow-up of 2.26 ± 1.17 years, 85% of patients (n = 11) remained free from bleeding episodes. One patient with recurrent bleeding required additional vein ablation and the second patient had a concomitant ulcer that was treated with compression therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Bleeding from varicose veins is rare and more common in patients with congestive heart failure. Bleeding affects patients with higher CEAP scores. Vein ablation is a safe and effective treatment to prevent the recurrence of bleeding.
Topics: Endovascular Procedures; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 35561970
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.03.015