Evidence that venous hypertension causes stasis dermatitis

A clinical model to examine the hypothesis that venous hypertension of the lower leg per se can cause lower leg stasis dermatitis is described. To prove this concept, we retrospectively studied a consecutive series of 38 patients with lower leg dermatitis who underwent phlebological examination at our consultation over a period of four years. Among those patients who had an insufficiency of the superficial veins only, without insufficiency of the deep veins, 22 had undergone patch testing to common allergens in phlebology. We found 10 patients with a stasis dermatitis of the lower leg and an incompetent great saphenous vein, six of whom had no detectable contact sensitization at all and another four exclusively to phlebologically irrelevant substances, e.g. nickel, cobalt, chromate or epoxid resin. All these 10 patients showed long saphenous vein incompetence from the groin to the medial aspect of the leg. All were operated by classical flush ligation and saphenectomy. Lower leg dermatitis healed in all 10 patients within 8-12 weeks and no recurrence was observed (1 year follow-up). These results support clinical experience that venous hypertension alone indeed can cause lower leg dermatitis.     

Venous pressure gradients in the lower extremity and the hemodynamic consequences

Pressure differences play an important role in the hemodynamics of both arterial and venous circulation. Venous ambulatory pressure gradient of about 35 mm Hg arises during the activity of the calf muscle venous pump between the veins in the thigh and the lower leg; this is the initiator launching venous reflux in varicose vein patients. The hemodynamic consequence of venous reflux is interference with the physiological decrease in venous pressure in the lower leg and foot and the occurrence of ambulatory venous hypertension, the degree of which depends on the magnitude of refluxing blood. Pressure difference occurring between the femoral vein and the remnant of great saphenous vein after high ligation or crossectomy during calf pump activity may be the activator of the process leading to the building of new venous communicating channels, the consequence of which is recurrent reflux. Neovascularization is apparently triggered by this hemodynamic factor, not by the surgical procedure itself, because neovascularization does not occur after harvesting of the great saphenous vein in the groin in people without varicose veins. Venous pressure potentials developing in the lower leg during the calf pump activity force the blood to flow from deep into superficial veins during muscle contraction and in the opposite direction during muscle relaxation. An untoward event caused by venous pressure difference is presented - spontaneous bypassing of a competent valve in the saphenous remnant after crossectomy, which converted a favourable hemodynamic situation into a harmful one. Possible explanation of this undesirable event is offered.     

The role of circumflex femoral veins in the saphenofemoral junction incompetence: a case report

A 31 year-old female patient, an opera singer, came for a consultation, mainly for aesthetic problems of the lower limbs. An asymptomatic bilateral P-point pelvic shunt was demonstrated by the EchoDoppler, while no nutcracker syndrome was detected. The examination demonstrated a medial circumflex femoral vein (MCFV), going into the common femoral vein and then into the great saphenous vein (GSV). The Valsalva manoeuvre showed the GSV terminal valve incompetence. A dilated MCFV vein at the level of the saphenofemoral junction was the source of the reflux through the GSV, while the external iliac vein was competent. GSV reflux with Valsalva was present only in the lying position. Flow in the MCFV was directed toward the CFV during and after the Valsalva. The examination shows clearly that a GSV reflux can sometimes occur in absence of iliac reflux. Circumflex femoral veins (medial and lateral) are anatomical variations, but common findings during ordinary EchoColourDoppler investigations of the venous system of the lower limbs.     

Unilateral Double Great Saphenous Vein: A Clinically Significant Case Report

Great saphenous vein (GSV) is the longest vein in the body originating from the dorsum of the foot at medial malleolus to the level of groin skin crease. It is one among the clinically significant superficial veins of the lower limb. Double or duplication of GSV is considered to be one of its rarest variant forms, which might be often mistaken with the accessory saphenous vein. The overall incidence of duplicated GSV is reported to be 1%. We report herein, a unilateral duplication of GSV with its morphological and clinical perspectives. The major clinical complication that is often encountered from its duplication is recurrent incompetence of the GSV, which predisposes varicosity. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of venous anatomy is important for clinicians and sonographers.     

Recurrent varices after internal saphenectomy. Physiopathological hypothesis and clinical approach

BACKGROUND: This paper analyses the causes and describes the best care of recurrent varicose veins after internal saphenectomy. METHODS: A series of 19 patients who had previously undergone internal saphenectomy were selected for surgery due to recurrent varices in the lower limbs. Clinical examination and colour duplex sonography were used as the preoperative diagnostic tools in all patients. No patients underwent phlebography. In 17 cases the main source of reflux was an incontinent saphenous stump at the level of the saphenofemoral junction with varicose cross-groin collaterals. In 2 cases recurrence was caused by incontinence of the upper thigh perforating vein. In 1 of these patients the recurrence also involved the district of the small saphenous vein. Groin neovascularisation was detected in 1 patient. RESULTS: All patients underwent groin re-dissections using transversal incisions: in 9 cases, access to the saphenofemoral junction was obtained under or at the same level as the inguinal fold, and in 10 cases using a suprainguinal route. The vertical inguinal incision was never employed. Incompetent perforating veins (thigh or leg) were ligated or sectioned in 11 patients. Ligations and exeresis of communicating veins were executed in all patients. Müller's phlebectomies were performed intra- or postoperatively on collateral varices in practically all cases. Postoperative ambulatory sclerotherapy was necessary in 6 cases. CONCLUSIONS: A correct surgical approach is only assured by diagnostic accuracy coupled with a precise hemodynamic evaluation. Correct management of the postoperative follow-up of varicose vein surgery is also important.     

Duplex imaging analysis of the long saphenous vein reflux: basis for strategy of endovenous obliteration treatment.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize greater saphenous vein (GSV) reflux in order to better define indications for appropriate endovascular obliteration treatment. METHODS: Color-flow duplex imaging was used prospectively to categorize 133 lower limbs of 102 consecutive outpatients, presenting with chronic superficial vein disease associated with GSV incompetence. Sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) and tributaries morphology and hemodynamics, and GSV main trunk reflux extent were assessed. RESULTS: GSV reflux was related to terminal valve incompetence in 70 (52.3%) limbs, to sub-terminal valve incompetence in 37 (27.8%), and to segmental incompetence of the GSV trunk in 26 (19.6%). Reflux originated from common femoral vein (CFV) and/or SFJ tributaries and/or GSV collaterals, including multiple origins combinations. CFV was the reflux origin in 77 (57.9%). GSV reflux arose from SFJ or trunk tributaries in 69 (51.9%) and 32 (24%), limbs respectively. Circumflex and superficial epigastric veins were involved in 65.2% and 50.7% respectively of the SFJ tributaries. GSV reflux extended down to the mid-third of the calf or below in only 45 cases (33.7%). The age of the patients was not correlated with reflux origin. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary analysis suggests that in 2/3 of the cases, endovenous obliteration treatment should extent from the thigh to just below the knee. Furthermore, in order to preserve GSV competent valves and collateral veins drainage, treatment should start just below the main SFJ tributary when the terminal valve is still competent, and just below the main branches connection when only the GSV trunk is incompetent.     

Hemodynamics of the sapheno-femoral junction. Patterns of reflux and their clinical implications.

AIM: The detection of reflux elicited by the compression/release test with the PW Doppler sample at the level of the sapheno-femoral arch might not be sufficient by itself to diagnose the incompetence of the whole sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ). The aim of this study was to further refine the diagnosis by positioning the PW Doppler sample at different levels of SFJ and eliciting reflux both by squeezing and with the Valsalva manoeuvre. In addition, the relationship of the findings with the vein diameter was taken into consideration. METHODS: By using a high resolution duplex scanner, 1 294 great saphenous veins (GSV) found to be incompetent by the compression/release test at duplex investigation of the saphenous arch, were also tested at the same level by the Valsalva manoeuvre. Subsequently, the tests were repeated by positioning the PW Doppler sample at the femoral side of the terminal valve, at the saphenous arch tributaries, and at the pre-terminal valve level. Furthermore, the GSV diameter in the standing position was measured at 15 cm from the groin in all patients, and correlated with the hemodynamic patterns found at the junction level. RESULTS: Comparing to compression/release test at the level of the saphenous arch, the Valsalva manoeuvre was negative in 259 (20%) lower limbs and positive in 1 035 (80%). Among the 1 294 GSV found to be incompetent at compression/release test at the level of the saphenous arch, only 710 (55%) lower limbs showed incompetence of the terminal valve. A total of 124 patients (10%), presenting with a competent terminal valve but with a positive Valsalva manoeuvre in the arch, showed a downward flow from a pelvic tributary of the GSV. Finally, a significant statistical correlation between the presence of a competent terminal valve and a GSV diameter <5 mm has been found (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data show that the detection of reflux elicited by compression/release test at the level of the saphenous arch is insufficient to diagnose the incompetence of the terminal valve. Our results, together with the correlation between the saphenous trunk diameter at the thigh and the competence or the incompetence of the terminal valve, present significant clinical implications when sapheno-femoral surgical disconnection is contemplated.     

Calf Pump Activity Influencing Venous Hemodynamics in the Lower Extremity

Calf muscle pump is the motive force enhancing return of venous blood from the lower extremity to the heart. It causes displacement of venous blood in both vertical and horizontal directions, generates ambulatory pressure gradient between thigh and lower leg veins, and bidirectional streaming within calf perforators. Ambulatory pressure gradient triggers venous reflux in incompetent veins, which induces ambulatory venous hypertension in the lower leg and foot. Bidirectional flow in calf perforators enables quick pressure equalization between deep and superficial veins of the lower leg; the outward (into the superficial veins) oriented component of the bidirectional flow taking place during calf muscle contraction is no pathological reflux but a physiological centripetal flow streaming via great saphenous vein into the femoral vein. Calf perforators are communicating channels between both systems making them conjoined vessels; they are not involved in the generation of pathological hemodynamic situations, nor do they cause ambulatory venous hypertension. The real cause why recurrences develop has not as yet been cleared. Pressure gradient arising during calf pump activity between the femoral vein and the saphenous remnant after abolition of saphenous reflux triggers biophysical and biochemical events, which might induce recurrence. Thus, abolition of saphenous reflux removes the hemodynamic disturbance, but at the same time it generates precondition for reflux recurrence and for the comeback of the previous pathological situation; this chain of events has been called hemodynamic paradox.     

Predictive values in the progression of chronic venous insufficiency associated with superficial venous incompetence

The purpose of this study was to define predictive values in the progression of chronic venous insufficiency in patients with isolated superficial venous incompetence using duplex ultrasound and air plethysmography (APG). Five hundred eight legs in 371 patients with isolated superficial venous incompetence were included in this study. A color duplex scanner with a 5- to 10-MHz linear transducer was used to assess the distribution and the extent of venous reflux as well as the duration of reflux and the retrograde peak velocity at the saphenofemoral junction, greater saphenous vein in the thigh, and the saphenopopliteal junction. Venous reflux was considered to be present if the duration of reflux was greater than 0.5 s. The extent of greater saphenous vein is divided into 3 types. Type I: reflux from the groin to the ankle. Type II: reflux from the groin to the below-knee level. Type III: reflux from the groin to the above-knee level. Values obtained by APG were the venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual venous fraction (RVF). Between-group differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon's nonparametric rank sum test. Type I limbs had highest incidence of advanced chronic venous symptoms. Based on the duplex-derived duration of reflux and retrograde peak velocity in Type I limbs, there were three major groups: limbs with a retrograde peak velocity greater than 30 cm/s and a duration of reflux less than 3 s (group A), limbs with a retrograde peak velocity greater than 30 cm/s and a duration of reflux greater than 3 s (group B) and limbs with a retrograde peak velocity of less than 30 cm/s and a duration of reflux greater than 3 s (group C). Most of the class 2 and class 3 limbs belonged to Group C, whereas most of the class 4 limbs and all of the class 5 and class 6 limbs belonged to group A and group B. APG-derived VFI had significantly higher values in group A and group B compared with group C (P<0.002). Peak velocity greater than 30 cm/s had a high positive predictive value of 75.0% with a sensitivity of 91.1%. Although duplex-derived duration of reflux is widely used to assess venous reflux, our data suggest that the peak velocity is a better predictor of the progression of chronic venous insufficiency and that it correlates well with the severity of the clinical manifestation in cases with isolated superficial venous insufficiency.Presented in part at the 41st Annual World Congress, International College of Angiology, Sapporo, Japan, July, 1999.     

A New Position for Photoplethysmography Assessment of Lower Leg Venous Function-Technical Notes

A new position for photoplethysmographic (PPG) assessment of lower leg venous function is described and tested. This study aids in the selection of patients for more limited stripping operation. PPG measurements were carried out in the usual sitting position and in the supine body position on limbs with primary varicose veins. Competence of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) and incompetent perforators were evaluated by venography. Limbs with a competent GSV in the lower leg had a longer 50% venous refill time (VRT/2) in the supine body position than in the sitting position (7.6 +/- 0.6 seconds vs 5.0 +/- 0.4 seconds, p < 0.01). Limbs without incompetent perforators had a longer VRT/2 in the supine body position than in the sitting position (8.0 +/- 1.1 seconds vs 5.1 +/- 0.3 seconds, p < 0.05). PPG measurement in the supine body position gave a better separation of VRT/2s on GSV competence in the lower leg and incompetent perforators. The supine body position is recommended for assessing lower leg venous function.     

No-touch大隐静脉技术应用于冠脉旁路移植术中疗效的Meta分析

目的 通过Meta分析的方法评价No-touch大隐静脉技术与传统技术行冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)的疗效差异.方法 计算机检索中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方数据库(WanFang Data)、维普(VIP)、PubMed、Cochrane Library临床试验注册数据库、E...     

Frequency of deep venous thrombosis in asymptomatic patients with coronary artery bypass grafts.

The frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has not been established. Therefore to estimate the frequency of clinically silent DVT, we performed ultrasound examinations of the leg veins in 29 asymptomatic CABG patients before hospital discharge. We used high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography with color Doppler imaging. Fourteen (48.3%, 95% confidence interval 30.1 to 66.4%) had 20 documented leg vein thromboses, and all but one patient had DVT limited to the calf veins. Of the 20 thrombi 10 (50.0%) were present in the leg ipsilateral and 10 (50.0%) in the leg contralateral to the saphenous vein harvest site. None of the DVTs were suspected clinically. DVT was not associated with any local sign attributed to saphenous vein harvest such as pitting edema, incisional drainage, or local tenderness or with any putative risk factor for DVT such as cigarette use, distant history of malignancy, or varicose veins. Follow-up of these patients 5 to 11 months after CABG surgery showed no clinical evidence of DVT or pulmonary embolism. Our findings indicate that asymptomatic DVT of the calf occurs with surprisingly high frequency, 44.8% after CABG surgery. Future studies in patients undergoing CABG surgery should address the natural history of asymptomatic DVT, determine its clinical importance, and develop optimal strategies for prophylaxis and treatment.     

A new position for photoplethysmography assessment of lower leg venous function—Technical notes

A new position for photoplethysmographic (PPG) assessment of lower leg venous function is described and tested. This study aids in the selection of patients for more limited stripping operation. PPG measurements were carried out in the usual sitting position and in the supine body position on limbs with primary varicose veins. Competence of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) and incompetent perforators were evaluated by venography. Limbs with a competent GSV in the lower leg had a longer 50% venous refill time (VRT/2) in the supine body position than in the sitting position (7.6±0.6 seconds vs. 5.0±0.4 seconds,p<0.01). Limbs without incompetent perforators had a longer VRT/2 in the supine body position than in the sitting position (8.0±1.1 seconds vs. 5.1±0.3 seconds,p<0.05). PPG measurement in the supine body position gave a better separation of VRT/2s on GSV competence in the lower leg and incompetent perforators. The supine body position is recommended for assessing lower leg venous function.     

The venous reflux

Venous reflux is the most common cause of venous hemodynamic disorders. In this paper 2 issues are discussed: how and where does reflux arise and what are the hemodynamic consequences of retrograde flow. Pressure gradient and incompetent vein connecting both poles of the gradient are the prerequisite for venous reflux to arise. Ambulatory pressure gradient occurs during the activity of the calf muscle venous pump between deep veins of the thigh and the lower leg. Thus the incompetent reflux-carrying vein must connect the popliteal, femoral, profunda femoris, or iliac vein with 1 of the deep veins of the lower leg. Reflux can be considered as shunting of blood from thigh veins into the lower leg veins. The most frequently found incompetent veins are the long and short saphenous veins and perforators communicating with deep veins of the thigh. On the other hand, calf perforators emptying into the deep veins of the lower leg, where the lower pole of the pressure gradient is located, cannot be the feeding source of reflux. A physiological bidirectional flow takes place in calf perforators connecting superficial and deep veins of the lower leg and making them conjoined vessels. Venous reflux produces ambulatory venous hypertension. The quantity of reflux volume and not the localization of retrograde flow in superficial or deep veins is the most important hemodynamic factor. Reflux in superficial veins, when large enough, can cause the most serious symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency including leg ulcers. Plethysmographic findings have shown that incompetence of the femoral and calf perforating veins is hemodynamically unimportant. Large incompetent calf perforators are not the cause of venous abnormality but are the consequence of saphenous retrograde flow.     

Indication for short stripping of the great saphenous vein. Results and indications]

BACKGROUND: The aim of surgical therapy of varicose veins is the elimination of reflux from the deep to superficial system at the saphenous crosse and perforant vessel and conservation of the superficial venous system due to possible surgical procedures for arterial revascularization. This latter condition leads to an extension of indications for short stripping procedures, although the venous distal segment may undergo hypoplastic degeneration not compatible for revascularization purposes. Another important reason is the minor incidence of neurologic complication due to saphenous nerve lesion which may occur during long saphenous stripping. METHODS: From January 1994 to June 1999, we considered 233 patients (182 women, 51 men); 180 cases underwent long saphenous stripping procedures, whereas 53 a short stripping of GSV. The incidence of neurologic complications of the saphenous nerve were recorded in 11.6% of the patients treated with the standard procedure, whereas no such complication was observed in all cases treated with the short stripping procedure. RESULTS: ECD follow-up performed for a period of three months from the surgical procedure revealed the patency of the residual saphenous vein, with a minimum diameter of 3 mm, in 28 patients (56.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Our opinion is to extend the indication for short stripping of the saphenous vein to all cases where the distal saphenous trunk is not involved, when the ECD shows a pathological ostial reflux, a truncular reflux limited to the thigh, which may be associated with incontinence of the perforant vein of Dodd.     

Ambulatory pressure gradient in the veins of the lower extremity

BACKGROUND: Neovascularization is an important cause of venous reflux recurrence after high ligation of the long saphenous vein. The pathogenesis of this phenomenon is so far obscure. It is possible that a hemodynamic factor--a pressure gradient between the femoral vein and the residual long saphenous vein--could be the trigger initiating the process of neovascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Venous pressure measurements on eight patients with primary varicose veins were performed in the erect position in the insufficient long saphenous vein on the thigh. Mean pressures in the quiet standing position and ambulatory pressures were considered. By interrupting the saphenous reflux either distally or proximally to the point of measurement the pressure conditions either in the femoral or in the crural veins were simulated. RESULTS: With the tourniquet placed distally to the point of measurement, the venous pressure in the upper interrupted segment of the long saphenous vein (equivalent to the pressure in the femoral vein) remained uninfluenced during ambulation. In contrast, by interrupting the reflux proximally to the point of measurement, a marked decrease of the ambulatory pressure in the lower part of the long saphenous vein (equivalent to the pressure in the crural veins) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: A pressure difference occurs between the veins of the thigh and the lower leg during the activation of the muscle venous pump. This fact may explain the tendency of recurrencies of varicose veins after high ligation of the long saphenous vein as well as the initiation of reflux.     

Arrhythmia prophylaxis after coronary artery bypass grafting: regimens of magnesium sulfate administration

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmias are common after open heart surgery and may be related to hypomagnesaemia due to cardiopulmonary bypass. Although perioperative prophylactic Mg2+ administration may prevent arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), clear indications as well as the timing of Mg2+ substitution and dose regimen need to be clarified. Aim of this study was to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effects of Mg2+ infusion in patients who underwent elective CABG. METHOD: Ninety-seven patients who underwent elective CABG were divided in four Groups. In Group A 1 g of magnesium sulfate was added to the pump prime, Group B received 1 g in the pump prime plus 5 mmol/L in the cardioplegic solution, Group C received 5 mmol/L in the cardioplegic solution, and Group D was a placebo control Group. Groups A, B, and C also received 24 h continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate at 10 mmol/L. Three-channel electrocardiogram (II-V5-V6) continuous monitoring was performed 12 hours preoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively. Blood samples were taken for subsequent Serum magnesium measurements, at five different time points before, during and after CBP. RESULTS: In all Groups serum Mg2+ levels were reduced during CPB (Time 2) and statistically significant differences from pre-anaesthesia levels (Time 1) were noted (p <0.05). In Groups A, B, and C Serum Mg2+ levels increased progressively from Time 3 to Time 5; in Group D serum Mg2+ levels were still much lower at Time 5. Significant differences (p<0.05) were noted for Groups B and C vs Groups A and D in atrial ectopics, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmic events. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Mg2+ sulfate administration regimens used in Group B and C reduce postoperative arrhythmic events in patients undergoing CABG.     

Comparative study of different venous reflux duplex quantitation parameters.

The objective of this study was to compare different quantitation parameters of venous reflux by duplex scan in different venous disease manifestations. Duplex scan is a new modality to quantify venous reflux. Several studies propose different parameters. In addition, there is controversy about the importance of deep and superficial involvement in different disease manifestations. It is not clear whether there is an increased venous reflux associated with varied clinical stages. Venous conditions were classified in seven stages and their differences for several quantitation variables studied. Most quantitation variables, such as average and peak velocity, average and peak flow, and reflux volume disclosed significantly increased reflux from normal, pain only, and edema group to varicose vein, with or without edema, to lipodermatosclerosis and ulcer groups at every location in the lower extremity. Reflux time was not as consistent as other variables. Totalization of the results of every parameter for the whole extremity points to an increased reflux from pain only to edema and from lipodermatosclerosis to ulcer group. Chronic edema is not usually associated with increased venous reflux. The greater saphenous vein (superficial system) seems to be the main contributor to reflux in all stages of disease. Different quantitation methods of venous reflux are equivalent. Increased deep and superficial reflux and its totalization are associated with a more advanced disease stage. Reflux time may be the least useful variable. Chronic edema is frequently not associated with venous reflux. Greater saphenectomy may be the most useful intervention, even in the presence of deep vein reflux.     

Simultaneous superficial venous surgery and on-table subintimal angioplasty in the treatment of venous leg ulcers with arterial compromise.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of synchronous superficial venous surgery and on-table subintimal angioplasty in the treatment of venous ulcers with arterial compromise. METHODS: Between January 1992 and December 2004, 9 patients (8 women; median age 83 years, range 72-92) underwent the synchronous procedure. No patient had deep venous reflux; 4 patients presented with rest pain and 2 were diabetic. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed to gather data on clinical assessment, ankle-brachial index (ABI), lower limb arterial and venous duplex scans, and treatment variables. RESULTS: Angioplasty was technically successful (median ABI improvement 0.31, range 0.23-0.34) in all procedures, which lasted a median 85 minutes (range 60-160). The procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 7 patients, local in 1, and spinal in 1. Superficial venous surgery was performed first in 8 patients: 6 had great saphenous vein (GSV) ligation without stripping, followed by subintimal angioplasty, and 1 also had small saphenous vein (SSV) ligation. One patient underwent SSV ligation first, followed by angioplasty; another had GSV disconnection and stripping, followed by angioplasty. In 1 patient, angioplasty preceded GSV surgery. One patient required repeat angioplasty 1 week later for re-occlusion. All ulcers healed (median 4 months, range 1-36). Five patients died during a median 32-month follow-up (range 4-82) from unrelated causes; there was 1 ulcer recurrence at 3 years in a patient who declined further investigation and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous superficial venous surgery and on-table subintimal angioplasty is a safe and novel strategy in the management of a select subgroup of patients with venous ulcers and coexistent arterial compromise.     

Evidence for unmyelinated C fibres and inflammatory cells in human varicose saphenous vein

The physiopathology of venous symptoms, such as pain, leg heaviness or swelling sensations, in chronic venous disease (CVD) remains unclear. Localized release of proinflammatory mediators appears to play a key role but the presence of nociceptors sensitive to inflammatory mediators, such as unmyelinated C fibres, needs to be demonstrated. The present study included 10 patients with documented CVD who underwent surgery for saphenectomy. For each patient, five segments of the great saphenous vein were immunostained with anti-S100 protein and anti-CD45 to identify nerve fibres and inflammatory cells, respectively. Light microscopy was completed by electron microscopy. In all patients, S100 immunopositive nerve fibres and CD45 immunopositive cells were observed. Under an electron microscope, advanced signs of wall remodelling were systematically observed. The density of nerve fibres was low and variable from one sample to another. Unmyelinated C fibres were mainly located in the external part of the media and to a lesser extent in the internal part of the adventitia. Inflammatory cells, mainly histiocytes, were scattered in the media. Mast cells were observed in three patients. In conclusion, unmyelinated C fibres and inflammatory cells are present in the varicose saphenous vein wall. Their linked roles in symptoms of CVD should be further explored.