Relationship between body figure and stump length in cyanoacrylate closure of varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of incompetent saphenous veins after treatment is associated with remnant reflux to the branches close to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junctions, which originate from the residual patent stump after saphenous vein treatment. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting residual stump length after cyanoacrylate closure.

METHODS: This retrospective study used prospectively collected data of patients who underwent cyanoacrylate closure. Postoperative Duplex scanning was performed to evaluate occlusion of the target vein, stump length, and the presence of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis. The clinical outcomes and patient characteristics were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Seventy procedures for incompetent saphenous veins were performed in 67 limbs of 47 patients. The average patient age was 43 (range, 43-89) years; 34 (72%) were female patients. Target vein occlusion was achieved in all patients and endovenous glue-induced thrombosis occurred in 1.5 % of patients. The mean stump length was 18.3 mm. Total occlusion from the junction was observed in 13 vessels (19%). Particularly, higher total occlusion rate was found in treatments of the small saphenous vein compared with those of the great saphenous vein (GSV). In 6 GSV treatments, longer stumps (>45 mm) remained. Those with a stump >45 mm were all female patients, with significantly shorter height and higher Body Mass Index compared with those with stump lengths <45 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: Body figure should be considered when performing cyanoacrylate closure to treat insufficient saphenous varicose veins. However, further investigations are to be warranted.