Varicose veins, a common condition affecting millions, often require medical intervention. A recent study conducted by a team of experts including H. Hong Keo, Jonas Knoechel, Nicolas Diehm, Christoph Kalka, Daniel Staub, Roman Gaehwiler, and Heiko Uthoff, aims to shed light on the safety of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for truncal varicose veins. The study, published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, explores the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after EVLA, with and without pharmacologic prophylaxis.
Investigating VTE Incidence
From October 2019 to March 2020, the research team retrospectively analyzed data from the VEINOVA (vein occlusion with various techniques) registry. A total of 223 consecutive patients, encompassing 227 saphenous veins, were included in the analysis. These patients underwent EVLA with and without postoperative thromboprophylaxis.
Thromboprophylaxis vs. No Thromboprophylaxis
Thromboprophylaxis was administered to 132 patients (59.2%), while 91 patients (40.8%) did not receive it after EVLA. The study’s findings at the 1-week follow-up showed no thrombotic events in either group. However, at the 4-week follow-up, one case of EHIT class 2 (1.1%) and one case of pulmonary embolism (1.1%) occurred in the group without thromboprophylaxis. In the thromboprophylaxis group, one deep vein thrombosis (0.8%) event was reported.
Safety and Future Considerations
The study concludes that endovenous ablation of truncal varicose veins appears to be safe, with a low incidence of thrombotic events, whether or not pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is administered. However, the authors emphasize the need for additional data before a final recommendation regarding the best thromboprophylaxis treatment option can be made.
This research by H. Hong Keo, Jonas Knoechel, Nicolas Diehm, Christoph Kalka, Daniel Staub, Roman Gaehwiler, and Heiko Uthoff provides crucial insights into the safety of EVLA and its implications for varicose vein treatment.
For a comprehensive review of the study, access the publication here.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the field of phlebology by visiting the official website of the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders here.
