Vein mapping prior to endovenous catheter ablation of the great saphenous vein predicts risk of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: We investigate the value of vein mapping for predicting the risk of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) after endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).
METHODS: In all, 355 consecutive vein mappings were retrospectively analyzed. A generalized estimating equations approach to linear logistic regression was used to evaluate the variables.
RESULTS: Among the 312 vein ablation of the GSV, 10 (3.2%) developed EHIT. When comparing the group of patients who developed EHIT versus no EHIT, the mean GSV diameter was 13.05 ± 5.59 mm versus 8.39 ± 3.38 mm (odds ratio [OR]: 1.25, P = .001), the presence of valvular incompetence at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) was 10.71% versus 0.44% (OR: 27.75, P =.001), and 3.09% in RFA versus 3.33% in EVLT (OR: 1.09, P = .89).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with valvular insufficiency of the SFJ and a large proximal GSV diameter had a significantly higher risk of developing heat-induced thrombosis after endovenous catheter ablation.