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Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the COMPASS technique in the management of greater saphenous varicosities with saphenofemoral incompetence. Design: Prospective open trial (2-6 year follow-up). Patients: One hundred and eighty-six limbs with refluxing greater saphenous vein (5.4–25.4 mm) and incompetent saphenofemoral junction (6.1–31.3 mm). Main outcome measure: Obliteration, recanalisation, residual veins, neovascularisation, venous dysfunction score. Results: Greater saphenous varicosity is commonly a disease of individuals in their forties, with morbid clinical presentations. Three stages of the COMPASS technique achieved 100% and 98% obliteration of the saphenofemoral junction and greater saphenous vein respectively. There was significant improvement in the venous dysfunction score. Residual refluxing veins were easily managed by sequential treatment. The results are sustained in the 3.4 SD 1.7 year follow up. There was no serious adverse experience reported. Conclusion: The COMPASS technique is safe and highly efficacious in the management of extensive large vein varicose disease.
McDonagh et al. (Fri,) studied this question.