Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Comparative Study
. 2015 Apr;30(3):204-9.
doi: 10.1177/0268355513514047. Epub 2013 Dec 4.

Endovenous saphenous vein ablation in patients with acute isolated superficial-vein thrombosis

Wayne S Gradman  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Endovenous saphenous vein ablation in patients with acute isolated superficial-vein thrombosis

Wayne S Gradman. Phlebology. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: The possible benefits of endovenous saphenous ablation (EVSA) as initial treatment in patients presenting with isolated superficial-vein thrombosis (SVT) and saphenous vein reflux include: (1) definitive treatment of the underlying pathology and (2) elimination of the saphenous vein as a path for pulmonary emboli, which (3) may eliminate the need for anticoagulation.

Methods: In a ten-year review of 115 limbs presenting with acute isolated SVT, 72 limbs (71 patients) with saphenous reflux were given a choice of two treatments following an explanation of the risks and benefits of each. Group I limbs (n = 41) were treated with office EVSA using radiofrequency or laser with or without thrombophlebectomy if performed within 45 days of diagnosis. Post-treatment anticoagulants were not given. Group II limbs (n = 31) were treated with compression hose and repeat Duplex within one week, with added anticoagulants if SVT extended into the thigh.

Results: In group I, mean interval from diagnosis to treatment was 13.7 days. One calf deep vein thrombosis was noted. In group II no complications were noted. In late follow-up of group II patients, 12/29 underwent EVSA more than 45 days after initial presentation.

Conclusions: The safety and efficacy of EVSA and thrombophlebectomy appear indistinguishable from conservative measures and may be offered as initial treatment to patients presenting with SVT and saphenous reflux.

Keywords: Saphenous vein ablation; phlebectomy; saphenous reflux; superficial-vein thrombosis; treatment.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Algorithm for managing patients presenting with isolated SVT. EVSA: endovenous saphenous ablation; Group I: electing EVSA; Group II: not electing EVSA; F/U: follow-up; GSV: great saphenous vein; SVT: superficial-vein thrombosis.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Kaplan–Meier estimate of two-year cumulative EVSA in 72 candidate patients presenting with isolated superficial-vein thrombosis. An additional four patients underwent EVSA in years 3–10. SE < 10% through year 10.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Decousus H, Quere I, Presles E, et al. Superficial venous thromboembolism: a large prospective epidemiologic study. Ann Int Med 2010; 152: 218–239. - PubMed
    1. Chengelis DL, Bendick PJ, Glover JL, et al. Progression of superficial venous thrombosis to deep vein thrombosis. J Vasc Surg 1996; 24: 745–749. - PubMed
    1. Verlato F, Zucchetta P, Prandoni P, et al. An unexpectedly high rate of pulmonary embolism in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis of the thigh. J Vasc Surg 1999; 30: 1113–1115. - PubMed
    1. Gillet JL, Perrin M, Cayman R. Superficial venous thrombosis of the lower limbs: prospective analysis in 100 patients [in French]. J Mal Vasc 2001; 26: 16–22. - PubMed
    1. Di Nisio M, Wichers IM, Middeldorp S. Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 3: CD004982–CD004982. - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources