LAUSR

was repeated after treatment in the same noninvasive laboratory with an identical protocol. Clinical datawere collected by retrospective chart review. Results: Forty-two patients (21 EVLA, 21 CE) underwent postprocedure ultrasound examination at a median of 12 months (CE: Q1, 7; Q3, 23) and 14 months (EVLA: Q1, 7; Q3, 19). MT measurements after CE demonstrated a mean reduction in vein diameter of 59% (standard deviation [SD], 5%), 35% (SD, 18%), 48% (SD, 13%), and 59% (SD, 17%) immediately postoperatively, at 0 to 11 months, at 12 to 23 months, and at >24 months, respectively. Absolute MT vein diameter after CE (Fig) demonstrated a reduction over time. After EVLA, the MT vein segment was no longer visualized in 59% of successful cases. Average reduction in MT diameter was 52% (SD, 6.5%) immediately after EVLA and 63% (SD, 12%) in successful patients after >1 month. There was no statistically significant difference in anatomic success rates (Table) after CE (95%) and EVLA (90%; P 1⁄4 1.0). Conclusions: Overall, anatomic success was similar between the two procedures. However, we observed notable differences in duplex ultrasound findings postoperatively. After EVLA, the vein is smaller and often undetectable months after closure. In the CE group, our initial results suggest an immediate reduction in vein diameter. It then dilates, probably as vasospasm resolves, followed by a decline in vein diameter during the following months. This correlates to observations in animal models and other clinical settings. However, this decline is mild and slower than anticipated. Longer term follow-up will be required to determine late findings on duplex ultrasound imaging years after CE of the GSV.