Modification of protocol with one extra drop of endovascular cyanoacrylate improved closure rates in incompetent great saphenous veins

Abstract

Introduction

Great saphenous vein diameter (GSV) of >8 mm was predictor of recanalization following Venaseal cyanoacrylate treatment. The aim of this study was to report our modified protocol with a single extra-drop for treatment for GSV>8 mm, and comparative duplex results in closure rates.

Methods

Patients in our single-centre registry treated with Venaseal were followed up by serial duplex examinations at week 1 and month(s)- 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and then annually. The primary endpoint was successful obliteration of the GSV, secondary endpoints were closure distance from Saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), presence of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) or deep vein thrombosis.

Results

A total of 243 legs in 123 consecutive patients with duplex-proven SFJ/GSV incompetence were included in this study between September 2014 and October 2020. The median duplex follow-up period of this cohort of patients was 24 (range 0.2–58) months. Comparing closure rates in GSV diameter ≥8 mm treated with normal protocol, the ‘extra-drop protocol’ significantly improved closure rates (p = .034). However, the closure rates of ≥8 mm GSV treated with ‘extra-drop protocol’ was still not as good as GSV <8 mm (p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the stump distance between the three groups and no difference in the occurrence of EGIT. There were no deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our experience showed that VenaSeal cyanoacrylate worked best in GSV<8 mm diameter. Even in GSV diameter of ≥8 mm which has a higher recanalization rate on follow-up duplex, our modified extra-drop protocol significantly improved the closure rates, and did not predispose to development of EGIT.