Classification of proximal endovenous closure levels and treatment algorithm
Abstract
Endovenous closure is a common method to treat saphenous vein incompetence. Despite attempts to prevent it, some patients have extension of thrombus above the ideal site of closure immediately below the epigastric vein. We have developed a classification system for the level of saphenous vein closure to guide further therapy after endovenous treatment. A six-tier classification system was developed, based on thrombus proximity to the epigastric or femoral vein, and an algorithm for treatment, based on level of closure was applied to all patients. Five hundred consecutive patients underwent radio-frequency ablation of the saphenous vein; it was successfully closed in 498 (99.6%) patients. Thirteen patients (2.6%) experienced thrombus bulging into the femoral vein or adherent to its wall, which was treated with anticoagulation. All of these patients had thrombus retraction to the level of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) in an average of 16 days with concurrent anticoagulation. No femoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurred in the series. There was a significantly higher rate of proximal thrombus extension in those patients with a history of DVT and those with a great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter of >8 mm (P < .02). A classif...Continue Reading
References
Light-assisted stab phlebectomy: report of a technique for removal of lower extremity varicose veins
Citations
Value of delayed duplex ultrasound assessment after endothermal ablation of the great saphenous vein
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