Summary
Introduction: Since it’s description the CHIVA strategy was performed with surgical techniques.
After the introduction of endoluminal heat techniques these might be applied also
in the CHIVA context.
Method: 104 patients were investigated before and 3–6 months after the treatment of the great
saphenous vein (GSV) with CHIVA strategy using enoluminal heat techniques to close
the groin segment (VNUS Closure-Fast™ or LASER [1470 nm, Intros radial]). General
data (age, sex, BMI) and phlebological data (QoL as reflected in VCSS, clinics as
C[CEAP], refilling time after muscle pump measured with light reflection rheography,
diameters of GSV at the groin and proximal thigh, as well as diameters of the common
femoral vein) were measured and compared.
Results: Significant reduction of diameters of GSV at proximal thigh from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 3.7
± 1.1 and VFC from 15.2 ± 2.3 to 14.8 ± 2.2 were recorded, as well as reduction of
clinical scores (VCSS from 5.6 ± 3.1 to 2.2 ± 2 and C[CEAP] from 3.2 ± 1 to 2.1 ±
1.1). Refilling time improved from 20.3 ± 11 to 28.8 ± 10.2. Results are comparable
to those achieved after surgical crossectomy and published in other series.
Conclusion: The disconnection of the insufficiency point at the saphenofemoral junction seems
to be possible in the context of CHIVA Strategy applying endoluminal heat technique.
No difference could be found between both techniques, Laser or VNUS Closure-Fast™.
Keywords
CHIVA - endoluminal laser technique - VNUS ClosureFast™ - venous insufficiency - Great
saphenous vein - GSV
