CHIVA - A prospective study of a vein sparing technique for the management of varicose vein disease.

BACKGROUND: Varicose vein disease (VVD) affects approximately one third of adults. Cure Conservatrice et Hémodynamique de l'Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire (CHIVA) is a minimally invasive, vein sparing technique that is emerging as an alternative to ablative techniques for treating VVD.

METHODS: This prospective study assessed the rate of recurrence of venous reflux with CHIVA. We evaluated 150 primary procedures with clinical and duplex ultrasound examinations pre and post operatively. Patients were followed at <3 months and >1-year post-op. Recurrence was defined as reflux in the diseased vessel at the saphenofemoral junction on duplex examination.

RESULTS: There was no documented recurrence at the early follow up. To date, 58 legs have completed the late follow up and reflux was found in 5 legs resulting in a recurrence rate of 8.6%; 95% CI (2.4%, 19%).

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that CHIVA appears to offer a promising alternative for the treatment of VVD.