General Session: Superficial Venous Disease and Malformations
Ethanol Sclerotherapy for Vascular Malformations
A masterclass demonstrated ethanol ablation of venous and lymphatic malformations across the body, from hepatic and rectal lesions to a reconstructed subclavian vein in a patient with pulmonary hypertension, emphasizing correct terminology, mr imaging follow up, and durable results years after treatment. A challenging case then debated whether a patient with recurrent DVT and iliac vein stenting could safely stop lifelong anticoagulation.
Guidelines and Advanced Disease Management
An analysis comparing SVS AVF AVLS and European varicose vein guidelines found high overall quality but notable differences in recommendation strength and evidence grading. Combined endovenous laser and foam sclerotherapy achieved strong closure and quality of life gains in patients with advanced CEAP C4 to C6 disease.
Complications, Devices, and Global Techniques
Additional talks identified risk factors for retained coagulum after polidocanol foam and characterized hypersensitivity reactions after cyanoacrylate closure. A novel bioabsorbable clip for percutaneous vein closure and the CHIVA hemodynamic technique widely used in China were presented as vein preserving alternatives to ablation.
