Scientific Session: Superficial Venous Treatment Evidence

Ablation Safety and Cost Comparison

Direct oral anticoagulants appeared safe through radiofrequency and laser ablation with comparable closure and bleeding rates, while a three technique comparison found similar recurrence across radiofrequency, cyanoacrylate, and stripping, with stripping cheaper upfront and radiofrequency cheaper overall at follow up.

Thrombotic Complications and Screening Value

A multicenter review of over a thousand ablations found low rates of significant thrombus extension regardless of technique, and a cost analysis concluded routine duplex screening after non-thermal ablation is not cost effective, favoring risk stratification with the Caprini score.

Compression and Ulcer Healing

A randomized trial found compression stockings after foam sclerotherapy reduced patient reported pain without a significant change in occlusion, and a separate cohort found earlier laser ablation shortened venous leg ulcer healing time and lowered recurrence.

Emerging Tools and Classification

Pediatric upper extremity thrombosis data supported current anticoagulation and catheter removal guidelines, an AI model matched physician agreement on CEAP clinical class, and a new consensus system was proposed to unify prior classifications for grading post-ablation thrombus extension.