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Exploring Seasonal Variability In Endovenous Ablation Outcomes For Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Kristine So, MD, Ahsan Zil-E-Ali, MBBS MPH, Faisal Aziz, MD MBA.
PennState, Hershey, PA, USA.
OBJECTIVES: This study explores the seasonal trends of endovenous great saphenous vein (GSV) interventions and procedural outcomes. While seasonal variations in arterial emergencies have been documented, less is known about the impact of the time of year on venous procedures. This study examines the seasonal trends of GSV interventions and their outcomes.
METHODS: The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS-VQI) varicose vein registry was queried between 2014 and 2021. Patients with C2 or worse disease and at least 1 year of follow-up after unilateral thermal or laser ablation for GSV reflux were included. Patients were grouped into Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) definitions. Patient characteristics were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test, and mean improvement in Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) were assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 9,837 patients were analyzed, with an average age of 56.05 ± 13.95 years. The population was predominantly female (67.2%), and C3 venous disease was the most prevalent across all seasons. Most procedures were performed in winter, while the fewest were done in summer (Winter: 842 vs Summer: 724; p = 0.026). The greatest improvement in VCSS was seen in spring (7.72±3.64), while the least improvement occurred in winter (7.16±3.60; p < 0.001). Similarly, PRO
improvement was highest in summer (9.48±7.87) and lowest in winter (8.86±8.24; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Despite the highest number of procedures being performed in winter, the greatest improvements in VCSS and PRO were seen in spring and summer, with the lowest in winter. This suggests that seasonal variations may impact the outcomes of GSV interventions. These factors should be considered when discussing surgical planning with patients, and further investigation into the causes of these seasonal trends is needed.
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