Work

Comparing venous wall effects using the empty vein ablation technique with VELEX catheter, endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy in an animal model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe residual intima and the average media thickness persisted after the empty vein ablation (EVA) technique, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and foam sclerotherapy (FS) in a sheep in vivo model. METHODS: ). RESULTS: The average percentage of residual intima layer was 2% (interquartile range [IQR]: 1%-4%) for EVA-POL0.5%-1 minute, 1% (IQR: 0%-3.5%) for EVA-POL0.5%-3 minutes, 2% (IQR: 0%-4%) for EVA-POL1%-1 minute, 0 for EVA-POL1%-3 minutes, 13% (IQR: 13%-15.7%) for FS, 1% (IQR: 0%-3%) for FS-Val, and 1% (IQR: 0%-6%) for EVLA. The average percentage of residual media thickness was 13% (IQR: 8%-15%) for EVA-POL0.5%-1 minute, 6% (IQR: 4%-9%) for EVA-POL0.5%-3 minutes, 13% (IQR: 10%-27%) for EVA-POL1%-1 minute, 6% (IQR: 5%-12%) for EVA-POL1%-3 minutes, 51% (IQR: 40%-62%) for FS, 29% (IQR: 23%-35%) for FS-Val, and 62% (IQR: 41%-75%) for EVLA. CONCLUSIONS: EVA demonstrated better results in vein wall damage compared with EVLA and FS, both in intima and media layers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides crucial insights into the effectiveness of different vein treatment techniques, particularly the empty vein ablation method, in minimizing residual intima and media thickness. By evaluating these outcomes in a sheep model, it highlights how empty vein ablation may lead to more vein wall damage compared with endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy. For clinicians, understanding the comparative efficacy of these treatments is vital for optimizing patient care in managing venous diseases. As the field evolves, these findings could influence clinical decision-making, encouraging the adoption of techniques that promote better long-term outcomes for patients.

Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery Venous and Lymphatic Disorders

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2025.102251