Ligation and Vein Stripping
Ligation and vein stripping (varicose vein surgery) had historically been the primary treatment option for varicose veins, prior to the arrival of minimally-invasive options like VenaCure EVLT(TM). Ligation & stripping can be performed individually or together.
The great saphenous vein is ligated (or tied off) near the groin to control gravitational flow of blood backward into the legs. Ligation alone can preserve the vein for subsequent harvesting in case of arterial bypass. However, ligation alone has proven unsatisfactory for preventing the occurrence of reflux, so it is often supplemented by vein stripping.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, may involve a hospital stay, and involves pain, scarring, and lost days from work. A summary comparison of VenaCure EVLT(TM) vs. Ligation & Vein Stripping is shown below:
VenaCure EVLT(TM) vs. Surgery
|
|
|
VenaCure EVLT(TM) |
Surgery
(Ligation & Stripping) |
Treatment Location
(Primary) |
Office |
Hospital |
| Anesthesia |
Local |
General Anesthesia |
| Success Rate |
93-98%1,2 |
77-82%3,4 |
| Recovery |
|
| Return to normal activity |
1-2 days |
3.9 days5 |
| Side Effects |
|
| Bruising/Swelling |
Mild to Moderate (<35%)1,6,8 |
Significant (>50%)5 |
| Pain/Tenderness |
Mild to Moderate (<25%)6,8 |
Moderate (28%)5 |
| Numbness |
0.08%1,7 |
14%5 |
| Scarring |
None |
At least 2 incisions
(at groin and knee) |
Patient Satisfaction
(would recommend to a friend) |
99.8%1 |
N/A |
- Min, Khilnani, Zimmet. Endovenous Laser Treatment of Saphenous Vein Reflux: Long-Term Results. J Vasc Interv Radiol; 2003;14:991-996
- Navarro, Salat. Endolaser – a three year follow-up report: Implication on crossectomy and ligation and stripping. 16th Annual Congress
American College of Phlebology, Nov 2002
- Sarin, Scurr, Smith. Assessment of stripping the long saphenous vein in the treatment of primary varicose veins. Br J Surg 1992;79:889-893
- Dwerryhouse, Davies, Harradine, Earnshaw. Stripping the long saphenous vein reduces the rate of reoperation for recurrent varicose veins:
five-year results of a randomized trial. J Vasc Surg 1999;29:589-592
- Lurie, F, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure procedure) versus ligation and stripping in a
selected patient population (EVOLVeS Study), J Vasc Surg 2003; 38(2):207-14.
- Puggioni A, Kalra M, Carmo M, Mozes G, Gloviczki P. Endovenous Laser Therapy and Radiofrequency Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein:
Analysis of Early Efficacy and Complications J Vasc Surg 2005;42:488-93
- Almeida JI, Raines J. Radiofrequency Ablation and Laser Ablation in the Treatment of Varicose Veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2006; 20:547-552
- Zimmet SE. Pain, Bruising and Short-Term Efficacy after Endovenous Treatment of the Greater Saphenous Vein: The Effect of Operative
Technique and Postoperative Care. 16th Annual Congress American College of Phlebology. Nov 2002
PP/1393A Issue 1 10/07 Copyright Diomed Inc. One Dundee Park Suite 5/6 Andover, MA All rights reserved
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