Summary
Introduction: The diameters of great saphenous vein (GSV) and common femoral vein (CFV) seem to
give a hint about the severity of venous illness. A reduction of these diameters 8
weeks after CHIVA of GSV was demonstrated earlier (3), the longterm effect has not
been published so far. As the GSV persists in situ and drains the leg blood through
distal perforators into the deep vein, an overload oft he CFV after CHIVA has been
postulated. The aim of this study is to discover long time effects of CHIVA on diameters
of CFV.
Methods: 43 Patients included in the first trial was explored 5 years after CHIVA of GSV or
SSV. Diameters were measured in standing position: CFV diameter immediately after
the confluence with the GSV and GSV diameter 15 cm distally to the groin. Clinic class
(CEAP) and refilling time were compared to preoperative values and values after 8
weeks.
Results: 43 patients (mean age 52.7 years) were explored 5.36 years after CHIVA operation
of their saphenous veins. Diameter of CFV was reduced from preoperative 15.39 ± 2.93
mm (15.11 ± 2.73 after 8 weeks) to 14.18 ± 2.56 mm (p<0.05). In case of treatment
of GSV the diameter of CFV changed from preoperative 16.07 ± 2.65mm through 15.29
±0.41 mm after 8 weeks to 14.30 ± 2.81 mm (p<0.001). The diameter of GSV was reduced
from 7.13 ± 2.05 mm pre-operative (4.98 ± 1.49 mm after 8 weeks) to 4.38 ± 1.44 mm
after 5 years (p<0.001). The C class was reduced from 2.77 ± 0.81 preoperatively to
1.72 ± 1.10 after 5 years (p = 0.007). Refilling time was prolonged from preoperatively
15.24 ± 6.18s to 21.61 ± 9.2s after 5 years (p = 0.022).
Conclusion: As already shown in the short term results, CHIVA reduced the caliber of the CFV
and GSV as well as the C Class of CEAP and improved the refilling time. These results
were also stable after 5 years.
English version available at: www.phlebologieonline.de
Keywords
Varicose veins - CHIVA - vein diameter - long term results
