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Advances in Therapy Jun 2024Laser and radiofrequency ablation are two thermal ablation methods currently widely used to treat lower limb venous insufficiency. However, very few studies have been... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
Laser and radiofrequency ablation are two thermal ablation methods currently widely used to treat lower limb venous insufficiency. However, very few studies have been conducted on the use of microwaves, a form of thermal ablation, for the treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) for the treatment of SSV insufficiency.
METHODS
The clinical data of 126 patients (126 lower limbs) with SSV insufficiency (SSV trunk reflux time ≥ 500 ms on lower limb color Doppler ultrasound) treated at the Surgery Department of The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhuji from January 2020 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively; 64 patients underwent EMA and 62 underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). The perioperative marker data [duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, length of thermal ablation, duration of thermal ablation, number of incisions, and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)], complication data [skin ecchymosis, skin burns, surgical site infection, paresthesia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT)], venous clinical severity score (VCSS), chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) before and 1, 3, 12 months after surgery, and SSV trunk occlusion rate at 12 months after surgery were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
No significant differences in the surgery or hospitalization durations were observed between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the length of the SSV that required thermal ablation between the two groups; however, the thermal ablation time was shorter in the EMA group than that in the EVLA group (6.14 ± 1.47 min vs 7.05 ± 1.16 min, P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in the number of incisions, volume of tumescent solution used, or quantity of sclerosing foam used. The NPRS scores of the EMA group at 24 h and 72 h after surgery were significantly greater than those of the EVLA group (4.03 ± 0.98 vs 3.52 ± 1.28, P = 0.013; 3.78 ± 1.06 vs 3.15 ± 1.03, P = 0.001). Moreover, the two groups showed no significant difference in the NPRS score at 1 month (1.14 ± 0.84 vs 1.07 ± 0.75, P = 0.623). The EMA and EVLA group patients experienced similar postoperative complications. The VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score significantly improved at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery. The VCSS and CIVIQ-20 scores were compared between the two groups at 12 months after surgery, and there were no significant differences (1.44 ± 0.63 vs 1.56 ± 0.56, P = 0.261; 24.24 ± 4.96 vs 25.19 ± 5.36, P = 0.304). There was no significant difference in the incidence of SSV trunk occlusion at 12 months after surgery between the two groups (95.31% vs 96.77%, OR 1.475; 95% CI 0.238-9.146, P = 1.000).
CONCLUSION
EMA and EVLA are equally effective treatment methods for SSV insufficiency. EMA is associated with higher NPRS scores in the early postoperative period.
Topics: Humans; Female; Saphenous Vein; Male; Middle Aged; Laser Therapy; Varicose Veins; Microwaves; Retrospective Studies; Venous Insufficiency; Endovascular Procedures; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Aged; Radiofrequency Ablation; Catheter Ablation; Ablation Techniques; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38656739
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02854-5 -
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2024The preference for endovascular techniques in treating varicose veins, particularly in the great saphenous vein (GSV), has increased due to their minimally invasive...
The preference for endovascular techniques in treating varicose veins, particularly in the great saphenous vein (GSV), has increased due to their minimally invasive nature and reduced complications. Post-operative care, especially involving compression therapy, remains crucial to improve outcomes, prevent varicose vein recurrence, and enhance overall recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of eccentric compression therapy compared to alternative post-operative care methods following endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for GSV insufficiency. This prospective randomized clinical trial encompassed 88 EVLT procedures for GSV insufficiency. The participants were divided into two groups, each receiving different postoperative compression methods, and were evaluated over a specified period. The primary outcome was the pain scale after EVLT; meanwhile, the secondary outcome measured in the present study was the rate of GSV occlusion after EVLT. Both groups underwent all EVLT procedures successfully without any complications. At the one-month duplex ultrasound (DUS) follow-up, the sapheno-femoral junction occlusion rates were 97% (43 out of 44) for group A (eccentric compression plus gradual compression stocking) and 95% (42 out of 44) for group B (only gradual compression stocking). Ecchymosis was observed in only 12 patients across both groups, accounting for an overall occurrence of 13.6%. Group A patients reported significantly lower analgesic usage (10%) compared to group B (18%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Analysis of postoperative pain data utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) showed a median value of 5.5 in group B patients, which decreased to 3.1 with the application of eccentric compression. Moreover, there was less ecchymosis in group A observed by one week. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of postoperative compression in varicose vein treatment. It underscores the necessity for more comprehensive, well-designed studies to yield clearer conclusions and provide better guidance for post-procedure care.
PubMed: 38655045
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2024.02 -
Advances in Skin & Wound Care May 2024To explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy and coping mode between powerlessness and quality of life in patients with a venous leg ulcer (VLU).
OBJECTIVE
To explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy and coping mode between powerlessness and quality of life in patients with a venous leg ulcer (VLU).
METHODS
The authors used a convenience sampling method to select 208 patients with a VLU in four tertiary grade A hospitals in Qingdao and Tianjin from June 2021 to August 2022. Instruments included the Powerlessness Assessment Tool, Venous Leg Ulcer Self-efficacy Tool, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and Venous Leg Ulcer Quality of Life Questionnaire. The authors used descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and PROCESS macros for data analysis.
RESULTS
The powerlessness score was significantly negatively associated with self-efficacy and confrontation coping mode scores and positively associated with patients' quality-of-life scores. In addition, self-efficacy and confrontation coping modes separately and sequentially mediated the relationship between powerlessness and quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS
Self-efficacy and confrontation coping mode play important mediating roles between powerlessness and quality of life in patients with VLUs. By decreasing patients' sense of powerlessness, boosting their self-efficacy, and encouraging them to adopt confrontation coping mode, health professionals can improve patients' quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Adaptation, Psychological; Female; Male; Self Efficacy; Middle Aged; Varicose Ulcer; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; China; Power, Psychological; Adult
PubMed: 38648244
DOI: 10.1097/ASW.0000000000000142 -
European Review For Medical and... Apr 2024Several clinical studies have shown that hyaluronic acid collagenase is well-tolerated and very effective in managing chronic venous ulcers. The aim of the present study...
The combination of hyaluronic acid and collagenase in the treatment of skin ulcers: an open, multicenter clinical study assessing safety and tolerability of Bionect Start®.
OBJECTIVE
Several clinical studies have shown that hyaluronic acid collagenase is well-tolerated and very effective in managing chronic venous ulcers. The aim of the present study is to confirm the safety and tolerability of daily application in patients suffering from cutaneous ulcers of different etiologies. The efficacy of the treatment and its impact on patients' quality of life are also assessed.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of skin ulcer with devitalized/fibrinous/slough tissue that could delay the healing process were enrolled in the study. The hyaluronic acid/collagenase ointment was applied topically until wound closure or total debridement of non-viable tissue was achieved, however, with a limit of 30 days. Monitoring was performed weekly, either through outpatient visits or telephone surveys. Assessments included adverse events, local irritation reactions, pain at dressing changes, and wound bed status. Patients were also requested to complete a quality-of-life questionnaire.
RESULTS
The study involved 96 patients with a mean age of 71 years. The patients suffered mainly from traumatic (21.9%), venous (15.6%), or pressure ulcers (12.5%); in 26% of cases, ulcers had mixed etiology. In approximately 32% of patients, the ulcer had been present for more than 6 months, and 18.1% of subjects had previously undergone surgical wound debridement.
CONCLUSIONS
Daily application of hyaluronic acid-collagenase achieved the following results: i) absence of adverse events related to the use of the product; ii) significant reduction in the degree of localized irritation and pain at dressing changes; iii) significant support to wound bed preparation; iv) trend towards improvement in the quality of life and health status of the patients.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Collagenases; Hyaluronic Acid; Pain; Quality of Life; Ulcer; Varicose Ulcer
PubMed: 38639526
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202404_35920 -
Urologia Apr 2024Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility...
INTRODUCTION
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy.
METHODS
This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software.
RESULTS
Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement.
DISCUSSION
There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.
PubMed: 38634553
DOI: 10.1177/03915603241247290 -
Annals of Vascular Diseases Mar 2024Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins. A recent paper reported serious adverse events (AEs) associated with...
Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins. A recent paper reported serious adverse events (AEs) associated with this use. This triggered an urgent survey to determine the incidence of AEs in Japan. The CAC-AE survey was sent to all 1,030 institutions authorized for CAC treatments. Cases performed between January 2020 and October 2023 were surveyed. Data on serious AEs and mortality were collected. There were 623 surveys returned. There were 16 cases of proximal deep vein thrombosis, 3 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), and 0 cases of stroke. Deep vein occlusion due to cyanoacrylate extension was observed in 1 case. Vein resection due to infection was observed in 4 cases. There were 299 cases of localized phlebitis and/or allergic reactions requiring steroid administration. Systemic allergic reactions requiring steroid administration were observed in 66 cases. There was no anaphylaxis associated with cyanoacrylate. There was one postoperative death from PE. This report's intent is to provide real world data on serious AEs following CAC from Japan given current concern over these events. An extensive report investigation of individual complications with analysis including causality will be provided following a full investigation separately.
PubMed: 38628936
DOI: 10.3400/avd.oa.23-00106 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Predictive factors of clot propagation in patients with superficial venous thrombosis towards deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this systematic review is to identify all clinically relevant cross-sectional and prognostic factors for predicting thrombotic complications in patients with SVT.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched until 3 March 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Original research studies with patients with SVT, DVT and/or PE as the outcome and presenting cross-sectional or prognostic predictive factors.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS
The CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling (CHARMS) checklist for prognostic factor studies was used for systematic extraction of study characteristics. Per identified predictive factor, relevant estimates of univariable and multivariable predictor-outcome associations were extracted, such as ORs and HRs. Estimates of association for the most frequently reported predictors were summarised in forest plots, and meta-analyses with heterogeneity were presented. The Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used for risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) for assessing the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were included (n=10 111 patients). The most reported predictive factors were high age, male sex, history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), absence of varicose veins and cancer. Pooled effect estimates were heterogenous and ranged from OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.75 to 5.59) for the cross-sectional predictor cancer to OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.53) for the prognostic predictor high age. The level of evidence was rated very low to low. Most studies were scored high or moderate risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the pooled estimates of the predictors high age, male sex, history of VTE, cancer and absence of varicose veins showed predictive potential in isolation, variability in study designs, lack of multivariable adjustment and high risk of bias prevent firm conclusions. High-quality, multivariable studies are necessary to be able to identify individual SVT risk profiles.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021262819.
Topics: Humans; Male; Venous Thromboembolism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Venous Thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Neoplasms; Varicose Veins; Anticoagulants
PubMed: 38626964
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074818 -
Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery Jul 2024We present a rare case involving a 54-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis who developed a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm that was initially misidentified...
We present a rare case involving a 54-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis who developed a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm that was initially misidentified as a pancreatic pseudocyst. Subsequent imaging revealed an enlarged mass and retroperitoneal perforation. Despite initial hesitation, the patient eventually underwent radical surgery that enabled the successful removal of the mass, which was near the inferior vena cava. Pathological examination confirmed varicose veins, and the final diagnosis was lumbar vein aneurysm in the retroperitoneum. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no symptoms or recurrence observed on 6-month follow-up imaging. We investigated a potential link between pancreatitis and recurrent bleeding due to weakened venous walls. The findings from this case underscore the rarity of venous aneurysms and the diagnostic and treatment challenges due to the limited number of cases; furthermore, they emphasize that surgery should be carefully considered based on the lesion location and associated risks.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Vena Cava, Inferior; Lumbar Vertebrae; Aneurysm; Veins; Pancreatitis
PubMed: 38622753
DOI: 10.1111/ases.13311 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Apr 2024Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of people in industrialized countries.
BACKGROUND
Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of people in industrialized countries.
METHODS
The study aimed at detecting apoptotic cells and histopathological changes in varicose vein walls. Patients (N.=41) with varicose veins and 30 control group patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 50 years). Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay, elastin and collagen IV expression by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural changes by transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS
The results show that the number of apoptotic cells in the layers of varicose veins increased, in particular in a group of patients aged over 50 years. In the varicose veins as compared to control veins the elastic fibers were found to be thinner, more fragmented and disorderly arranged. Elastin and collagen IV expression was found to decline in the intima and the media of varicose veins in both age groups. Electron microscopy demonstrated hypertrophy and degeneration of smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cells with ultrastructural feature of apoptosis were noted. In the disorganized and expanded extracellular matrix membrane-bound vesicles, ghost bodies with different size and electron density were observed. Ghost bodies seem to bud off from smooth muscle cells and are likely to be involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as they are seen in close contact with collagen fibers.
CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates increase of apoptotic cells in the wall of varicose veins along with vein wall structural abnormalities including alterations of smooth muscle cells and decline of elastin and collagen IV expression.
Topics: Humans; Saphenous Vein; Apoptosis; Middle Aged; Elastin; Varicose Veins; Female; Adult; Male; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Aged; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Case-Control Studies; Collagen Type IV; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Immunohistochemistry; Venous Insufficiency; Young Adult; Age Factors; Elastic Tissue
PubMed: 38619205
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.24.05107-1 -
Zeitschrift Fur Evidenz, Fortbildung... May 2024Facing increasing economization in the health care sector, clinicians have to adapt not only to the ever-growing economic challenges, but also to a patient-oriented...
Facing increasing economization in the health care sector, clinicians have to adapt not only to the ever-growing economic challenges, but also to a patient-oriented health care. Treatment costs are the most important variable for optimizing success when facing scarce human resources, increasing material- and infrastructure costs in general, as well as low revenue flexibility due to flat rates per case in Germany, the so-called Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG). University hospitals treat many patients with particularly serious illnesses. Therefore, their share of complex and expensive treatments, such as liver cirrhosis, is significantly higher. The resulting costs are not adequately reflected in the DRG flat rate per case, which is based on an average calculation across all hospitals, which increases this economic pressure. Thus, the aim of this manuscript is to review cost and revenue structures of the management of varices in patients with cirrhosis at a university center with a focus on hepatology. For this monocentric study, the data of 851 patients, treated at the Gastroenterology Department of a University Hospital between 2016 and 2020, were evaluated retrospectively and anonymously. Medical services (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, laboratory diagnostics) were analyzed within the framework of activity-based-costing. As part of the cost unit accounting, the individual steps of the treatment pathways of the 851 patients were monetarily evaluated with corresponding applicable service catalogs and compared with the revenue shares of the cost center and cost element matrix of the German (G-) DRG system. This study examines whether university-based high-performance medicine is efficient and cost-covering within the framework of the G-DRG system. We demonstrate a dramatic underfunding of the management of varicose veins in cirrhosis in our university center. It is therefore generally questionable whether and to what extent an adequate care for this patient collective is reflected in the G-DRG system.
Topics: Humans; Germany; Liver Cirrhosis; Hospitals, University; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Male; Female; National Health Programs; Diagnosis-Related Groups; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Gastroenterology; Adult
PubMed: 38616470
DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2024.03.003