Factors Influencing the Incidence of Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis (EHIT)

Introduction:Extension of thrombus from the great saphenous vein into the common femoral vein can be an early postprocedural complication of endothermal ablation (ETA).Methods:A retrospective review was performed over a 3-year period. Intraprocedural ultrasound images demonstrating the distance of the catheter tip to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) were available for 519 procedures, and this distance was measured.Results:Twenty-one (4.0%) cases of endovenous heat-induced thrombus (EHIT) were diagnosed. In all, 15 (6.4%) EHITs occurred following endovenous laser ablation and 6 (2.1%) after radiofrequency (P = .02). Distance from catheter tip to SFJ, vein diameter, concomitant treatments, and perioperative anticoagulation were not significant risk factors for EHIT. Of the clinical factors assessed, gender (P = .002), Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic and Pathophysiologic classification 3 to 6 (P = .003), history of prior thrombosis (P = .04), and Caprini thrombosis risk factor assessment score (P = .004) were...