Minimally invasive surgical management of superficial vein thrombosis

Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is a common vascular pathology that may progress to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), posing a potential threat to patients’ lives. Although current clinical guidelines emphasize conservative management, modern minimally invasive surgical techniques, including endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), are increasingly used and may offer improved outcomes in selected patients. We report the case of a female patient presenting with acute SVT of varicose tributaries of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Duplex ultrasound revealed thrombosis of a dilated tributary with valve incompetence of the GSV. The patient underwent EVLA of the GSV using a 1940-nm radial fiber combined with phlebocentesis of the thrombosed tributary. Early postoperative duplex imaging confirmed complete obliteration of the GSV with preserved patency of deep veins. Clinically, rapid regression of pain, hyperemia, and edema was observed, and the patient recovered without complications. This case highlights the potential benefits of minimally invasive treatment in SVT associated with varicose veins, particularly in the presence of reflux and when thrombotic masses extend near the saphenofemoral junction. EVLA may accelerate symptom resolution, reduce inflammation, and decrease recurrence risk compared with conventional treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and define optimal patient selection criteria.