Claudication pain

Q) 70 year old male has pain in right buttock on standing and gets relieved on sitting. What will be the next relevant  test to be ordered in him?

a) Doppler B/l lower limbs

b) MRI spine

c) Echo cardiography

d) Ankle Brachial Index

Endovenous Laser Ablation of varicose veins

Q) Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) of varicose veins is best suited for patients:

A. With needle phobia
B. With thrombophlebitis
C. With excessive tortuosity of the vein
D. With primary varicose veins

Ans d

EVLA is thermal ablation of varicose veins in which laser  fiber is inserted in the lumen and ablation is done from inside. It is a good modality for primary and recurrent varicose veins and work in both long and short segments.

This treatment is not effective in cases where there is needle phobia or the veins are having excessive tortuousity or thrombophlebitis. This procedure is done under ultrasound guidance and  wire is passed from the superficial to the deep veins.

Tumescent local anesthesia also helps

  • A. Needle phobia – EVLA requires multiple needle sticks (tumescent anesthesia), making this option inappropriate.

  • B. Thrombophlebitis – Active inflammation or thrombosis is a relative contraindication to EVLA.

  • C. Excess tortuosity – Makes catheter navigation difficult; EVLA is less suitable.

  • D. Primary varicose veins – Ideal candidates, especially with straight vein anatomy and valvular incompetence.