Treadmill Pilot Study (Invasive Pressure Measurements in PTS)

Rationale: PTA & stenting in iliofemoral and iliocaval venous obstruction has been proven to be an effective method of treatment with good clinical results. However, no proper investigations have been made to objectify the reduction in (ambulatory) venous hypertension caused by this type of obstruction. Normal ambulatory venous pressure is below 20mmHg, though studies have already shown a linear relationship between the incidence of ulcers and an ambulatory intravenous pressure of more than 30mmHg. We believe that by measuring the (ambulatory) venous pressure before and after stenting, we will gain more knowledge on the hemodynamics of venous disease and its treatment and we will obtain information that might identify patients at risk of stent occlusion or the forming of an ulcer in an early stage. Identifying these patients will most certainly influence preventive treatment in the future.

Objective: To map the changes in intravenous pressure in post-thrombotic iliofemoral venous obstruction and evaluate the effect of PTA & stenting with possible identification of a predictive parameter for success of treatment.

Study design: Prospective, observational study (healthy and diseased limb in one patient).

Study population: Patients with an iliofemoral venous obstruction, objectified on duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance venography, and the indication for stenting of the obstructed tract(s).

Intervention: All patients will undergo stenting of the obstructed venous tract. Patients receive the same therapy as they would have received not participating in this study; therefore this study has no influence on the treatment patients receive.

Main study parameters/endpoints: Primary outcome is the change in (ambulatory) venous pressure after stenting for deep venous obstructive disease. Other important endpoints are the absolute values for intravenous pressure, pain free walking distance and maximum walking distance. Additional outcome measurements are stent patency, CEAP score, Villalta score, venous clinical severity score, and generic and disease specific quality of life scores. Finally, transverse surface area, diameter and circumference of the common femoral vein will be measured.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Patients have to make three visits. Each visit will take approximately two hours. During each test day, patients will undergo intravenous pressure measurements in both dorsal foot veins, both common femoral veins and a vein in the left upper arm, which are measured via a venflon needle or microsheath (placed under ultrasound guidance) connected to a pressure transducer; a treadmill test lasting maximally 26 minutes; an air plethysmography, which they need to undergo anyway; and a duplex ultrasound to assess the common femoral vein. This is a very low risk study, since all diagnostic tools that are used or also used in usual clinical practice and given the low risk on mild complications. Patients can experience pain due to the insertion and removal of the venflons/microsheaths, due to compression of the groin after removal of the microsheaths and due to walking on a treadmill (because of venous claudication).

Amendment:

iv in the arm vein as a control is not performed anymore. An abdominbal wall collateral is cannulated instead, if present.

Inclusion criteria

• Indication for stenting (possibly with endophlebectomy and AV-fistula), minimally 18 years of age, life expectancy of at least 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

• Younger than 18 years of age, life expectancy of less than 6 months, venous obstruction in the contralateral limb, peripheral arterial disease, pregnancy.