Patient injuries in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency registered in Finland between 2004 and 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the unintended incidents that led to patient injuries (PIs) in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI). Methods: PI claims filed with the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre between 2004 and 2017 involving SVI were reviewed. Factors contributing to PI were identified and classified. Results: Eighteen (13.2%) of 136 compensated PIs in the specialty of vascular surgery were related to SVI. Only 4.7% of 383 SVI claims were compensated. The incidence of PIs was 9.9 per 100 000 patients. Fifteen patients had open surgery (83.3%) and three (16.7%) endovenous treatment. Two (11.1%) patients had necrotising fasciitis, four (22.1%) had deep vein injuries and two (11.1%) had a permanent nerve injury. Two (11.1%) patients had retained endovenous material that required surgical removal. Conclusions: PIs were identifiable during all stages of care, perioperative injuries related to open surgery being the most common.