Michael Kockaert

Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial of conventional surgery, endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in patients with great saphenous varicose veins

A variety of techniques exist for the treatment of patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) varicosities. Few data exist on the long‐term outcomes of these interventions.

Randomized clinical trial of endovenous laser ablation versus steam ablation (LAST trial) for great saphenous varicose veins

The aim was to compare endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and endovenous steam ablation (EVSA) for great saphenous varicose veins in a non‐inferiority study.

Duplication of the Great Saphenous Vein: A Definition Problem and Implications for Therapy

BACKGROUND In the literature there is a range from 1% to 20 % of duplication (up to 20%) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) reported, because there is a lack of an accurate definition of the GSV and objective parameters for an anatomical identification. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of true duplications of the GSV. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature, a retrospective analysis of duplex examinations, and a prospective study of duplex examinations to investigate the frequency of true duplications of the GSV. RESULTS In the literature review, a great variety of definitions is used for duplication of the GSV. Before the consensus of the Union International de Phlébologie (UIP) in 2006, Only in a small number of studies, the definition of the GSV in the saphenous compartment between the fascial blades is mentioned. CONCLUSION Phlebographic studies have been the criterion standard for the identification of venous anatomy. Now, duplex is regarded as the criterion standard for accurate detection of the veins. True duplication of the GSV is less common than the previous literature has suggested, namely 1.6% to 2%. It is recommended that the duplicated GSV should be treated to avoid an important risk of recurrence of venous insufficiency.

How we started performing endovenous thermal ablation procedures: a personal history.

This story is a personal journey of two Dutch dermatologists pioneering in the field of endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins, illustrating how innovations find their way in medicine and, in particular, in surgical specialties. After the introduction of these thermal ablative procedures in 2001, we have fully embraced these minimally invasive techniques, and in the process, we have increased our understanding on its mechanism of action and confirmed the clinical relevance of treating varicose veins with endovenous laser ablation. In 2013, thermal ablation is considered a standard of care by physicians as well as patients with varicose veins.