Validation of a new duplex derived haemodynamic effectiveness score, the saphenous treatment score, in quantifying varicose vein treatments

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate a duplex-derived score for varicose vein treatments using numerical values of haemodynamic effectiveness.

Design: The saphenous treatment score (STS) was developed prospectively to compare the effect of endovenous treatments on reflux within saphenous segments.

Patients: Sixty-six patients were randomised to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) to the great saphenous vein (GSV).

Methods: Assessments included the Aberdeen varicose vein severity score (AVVSS), the venous clinical severity score (VCSS), the venous filling index (VFI) and the STS.

Results: A mean STS of 5.70 decreased to 3.30, P < .0005, post-treatment. The median (IQR) AVVSS, VCSS and VFI (ml/sec) decreased from 21.52(15.48) to 18.86(11.27), P = .14, from 6(4) to 3(4), P < .0005 and from 7.1(6.9) to 1.9(.9) P < .0005, respectively. In 15 patients requiring additional UGFS the mean STS values decreased from 5.8 to 4.13 and then to 2.6 P < .0005, respectively. The individual above and below knee mean treatment differences in STS on 38 EVLA and 28 UGFS patients were 1.92 and .87 (EVLA) compared to 1.57 and .29 (UGFS) P = .001, respectively.

Conclusions: The STS has been shown to grade the haemodynamic effects of different treatments as well as ongoing treatments on the GSV.