Surgical Correction of Main Stem Reflux in the Superficial Venous System: Does It Improve the Blood Flow of Incompetent Perforating Veins?

Fifty-seven limbs (33 patients) with chronic venous ulceration were selected for this study. The criterion for selection was the presence of isolated superficial venous reflux. Long saphenous vein reflux alone was observed in 39 (68.4%) limbs, short saphenous vein reflux alone in 4 (7.0%) limbs, and both long and short saphenous vein reflux in 14 (24.6%) limbs. Surgical correction of the refluxing saphenous system has allowed 46 (80.7%) ulcers to heal. The healing rates for all the ulcerated legs that had long saphenous vein reflux, short saphenous vein reflux, or a combination of the two were 85.4%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Incompetent perforating veins (IPVs) were observed in 51 (89.5%) limbs; 74.5% of them regained their competence postoperatively (189 preoperatively vs. 59 postoperatively; p < 0.001), with a significant reduction in their mean diameter (p < 0.001). IPVs remained in 13 (25.5%) limbs: 3 limbs with persistent reflux in the tributaries of the saphenous system, 1 limb with a fixed ankle joint, and nine limbs with no evidence of macrovascular venous disease. In patients with a competent deep venous system, reflux in perforating veins is often abolished after eradication of saphenous reflux.     

Perforator vein incompetence in chronic venous disease: a multivariate regression analysis model

OBJECTIVES: In the presence of superficial and deep vein insufficiency the effects, if any, of concurrent incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) on clinical status are masked. On the basis of multivariate regression analysis, this study examines the significance of perforator vein incompetence across the clinical classes of CEAP (C-class CEAP ) in relation to the superficial and deep systems, and assesses the role of factors implicated in the presence and number of IPVs in chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: The study included 525 limbs in 360 patients, ages 17 to 96 years, referred for investigation of CVD. The protocol entailed history taking, physical examination, and duplex scanning (reflux > 0.5 s), with emphasis on IPVs. Exclusion criteria included peripheral vascular disease, unrelated edema, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and recent (< 1 year) deep vein thrombosis (DVT). RESULTS: Limbs were stratified as C 0 , 84; C 1 , 25; C 2 , 231; C 3 , 66; C 4 , 48; C 5 , 23; and C 6 , 48. C-class CEAP was separately regressed with age ( P < .001), sex ( P < .25), contralateral CVD ( P < .2), CVD recurrence ( P = .022), previous DVT ( P < .001), superficial vein reflux ( P < .001); deep vein reflux ( P < .001), perforator vein reflux ( P < .001), and number of IPVs ( P < .001). In an optimized multivariate regression analysis of C class CEAP with all significant variables combined, age ( P < .001), previous DVT ( P = .017), superficial vein reflux ( P < .001), deep vein reflux ( P < .001), and number of IPVs ( P = .008) emerged as predictors of CVD severity (CEAP), based on the equation C class CEAP = -0.2807 + 0.028013 Age + 0.58530 Previous DVT + 0.3450 Superficial vein reflux + 0.17781 Deep Reflux + 0.14537 IPVs ( R 2 = 37.4%; P < .001).Perforator incompetence was predicted by superficial vein reflux ( P < .001) and deep vein reflux ( P = .044), age ( P = .019), CVD recurrence ( P = .038), and sex ( P = .018), as follows: Perforator incompetence = -0.2532 + 0.006457 Age + 0.41366 Superficial reflux + 0.06766 Deep reflux + 0.2450 CVD recurrence - 0.21310 Sex ( R 2 = 33.3%; P < .001). Number of IPVs per limb was best associated with superficial reflux ( P < .001) and deep reflux ( P = .023), linked as IPVs = - 0.11789 + 0.41323 Superficial reflux + 0.07646 Deep reflux ( R 2 = 26.1%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Perforator incompetence proved to be a significant factor for determination of CVD severity according to C-class CEAP , withstanding the conspicuous confounding effects of the superficial and deep venous systems. Perforator incompetence was significantly linked to aging, superficial or deep vein incompetence, recurrence of superficial disease, and sex, whereas the IPV number, regardless of location, depended on the presence of superficial or deep venous reflux.     

Saphenous surgery does not correct perforator incompetence in the presence of deep venous reflux

Purpose: To determine which patients require subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) in addition to saphenous surgery to correct pathologic outward flow within incompetent medial calf perforating veins (IPVs). Methods: Sixty-two limbs of 47 patients undergoing sapheno-femoral ligation, stripping of the long saphenous vein in the thigh, and multiple phlebectomies (n = 51), sapheno-popliteal ligation and multiple phlebectomies (n = 10), or both (n = 1) were examined with color flow duplex ultrasound scan immediately before and a median of 14 weeks (range, 6 to 26 weeks) after the operations. Indications for surgery were varicose veins (n = 47, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic grades C_2&3), skin changes (n = 5, C₄), and ulceration (n = 10, C₅). Results: Surgery resulted in a significant reduction in the total number of limbs in which IPVs were imaged (40/62 or 65% preoperatively vs 23/62 or 37% postoperatively, P <.01, χ² test), a significant reduction in the proportion of perforators imaged that were incompetent (68/130 or 52% preoperatively vs 34/120 or 28% postoperatively, P <.01, χ² test), and a reduction in median IPV diameter (4 mm, with a range of 1 to 11 mm preoperatively, vs 3, with a range of 1 to 8 mm postoperatively, P <.01, Mann-Whitney U test). IPVs remained in 8 of 41 (20%) limbs in which main stem reflux was abolished, compared with 15 of 21 (72%) limbs in which superficial or deep reflux remained (P <.01, χ² test). Conclusion: Eradication of main stem saphenous reflux corrects IPV reflux in most cases in which reflux is confined to the superficial system. However, in patients with superficial reflux that persists postoperatively, or when there is coexistent deep venous reflux, saphenous surgery alone fails to correct IPVs reflux. In these circumstances, the only way of reliably correcting pathologic outward flow in medial calf perforating veins is to perform SEPS. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:834-8.)     

Role of superficial venous surgery in patients with combined superficial and segmental deep venous reflux.

OBJECTIVES: superficial venous surgery heals chronic venous ulceration (CVU) in the majority of patients with isolated superficial venous reflux (SVR). This study examines the role of superficial venous surgery in patients with combined SVR and segmental deep venous reflux (DVR). METHODS: combined SVR and segmental DVR was diagnosed by venous duplex in 53 limbs in 49 patients (24 men and 25 women of median age 66, range 27-90, years). Fourteen limbs had varicose veins (CEAP class 2-4) and 39 (74%) had active CVU (CEAP class 6). Duplex ultrasound was performed before and three months after local anaesthetic superficial venous surgery. Perforator vein surgery, skin grafting and compression bandaging or hosiery were not used. RESULTS: forty-two limbs with long saphenous vein (LSV) reflux underwent sapheno-femoral disconnection, 10 with short saphenous vein (SSV) reflux underwent sapheno-popliteal disconnection and one limb with LSV and SSV reflux had sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal disconnection. Segmental DVR was confined to the superficial femoral vein (SFV) in 16 limbs, below knee popliteal vein (BKPV) in 25 and gastrocnemius vein (GV) in 12 limbs. Overall, duplex demonstrated post-operative resolution of segmental DVR in 26 of 53 (49%) limbs. Resolution of segmental SFV reflux occurred in 12 of 16 (75%) limbs compared with 14 of 37 (38%) limbs with segmental BKPV or GV reflux (p=0.018). Segmental DVR resolved in 19 of 39 (49%) limbs with CVU and ulcer healing occurred in 30 of 39 (77%) limbs at 12 months with a median time to healing of 61 (range 14-352) days. Segmental DVR resolved in 14 of 30 (47%) limbs with a healed ulcer: 7 of 9 (78%) limbs with SFV and 7 of 21 (33%) with BKPV or GV reflux (p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: these data demonstrate that in patients with combined SVR and segmental DVR, superficial venous surgery alone corrects DVR in almost 50% of limbs and is associated with ulcer healing in 77% of limbs at 12 months. These findings suggest an extended role for superficial venous surgery in the management of patients with complicated venous disease.     

Venous ulceration and continuous flow in the long saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of continuous flow in the long saphenous vein in limbs with venous ulceration. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of 1608 consecutive limbs undergoing colour duplex scanning for venous disease over a 43 month period. RESULTS: Continuous flow in the long saphenous vein is seen in 8% of limbs with venous ulceration and in 37% of limbs with deep venous obstruction. Sixty-six per cent of ulcerated limbs with continuous flow in the long saphenous vein had deep venous obstruction, 27% had deep venous reflux with cellulitis and 7% had lymphoedema in addition to venous ulceration. CONCLUSION: Continuous flow in the long saphenous vein in patients with venous ulceration should alert the clinician to the possibility of deep venous obstruction. Such limbs should be treated by compression bandaging with extreme caution.     

Prevalence of varicose veins and venous anatomy in patients without truncal saphenous reflux.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and distribution of primary venous reflux in the lower limbs in patients without truncal saphenous reflux. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand and seven hundred and twelve patients with suspected venous disease were examined by duplex ultrasonography. Seven hundred and thirty-five patients had primary varicose veins with competent saphenous trunks. Limbs with truncal saphenous reflux, deep vein reflux or obstruction, previous injection sclerotherapy or vein surgery, arterial disease and inflammation of non-venous origin were excluded from further consideration. The CEAP classification system was used for clinical staging. Systematic duplex ultrasound examination was undertaken to assess the distribution of incompetent saphenous tributaries. RESULTS: The prevalence of primary reflux with competent saphenous trunks was 43%. Reflux of GSV calf tributaries was the most common. The majority of the limbs (96%) belonged to chronic venous disease classes C1 and C2 of the CEAP classification. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial venous reflux causing varicose veins in the presence competent saphenous trunks is very prevalent in this series in contrast to other studies, presumably reflecting differing patient populations. Our data clearly show that varicose veins may occur in any vein and do not depend on truncal saphenous incompetence. Careful duplex ultrasound evaluation allows the pattern of venous reflux to be established in this group of patient ensuring appropriate management of varices.     

How often is deep venous reflux eliminated after saphenous vein ablation?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Deep venous reflux resolution after great saphenous vein surgery has been reported, but the studies evaluated mainly patients with deep segmental reflux. We prospectively analyzed the effects of greater saphenous vein ablation on coexisting primary deep axial venous reflux compared with segmental venous reflux.Patients and methods Between February 1997 and June 2001, patients with primary deep venous reflux scheduled for greater saphenous vein surgery were included in the study. Limbs of patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, trauma, and orthopedic or venous surgery were excluded. After surgery, duplex scanning was repeated and patients were examined for persistent deep venous reflux. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (38 limbs) were followed up with duplex scanning. Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 38 months. Preoperative axial deep reflux was present in 17 extremities, and segmental reflux was present in 21. The total number of incompetent segments was 59. Overall reflux abolishment rate was similar in extremities with axial and segmental reflux (30% vs 36%; P >.05). When segments were analyzed individually, abolishment of superficial femoral vein reflux was observed more often in extremities with segmental reflux than those with axial reflux (odds ratio, 4). In the extremities where deep reflux was not abolished with greater saphenous vein ablation, degree of reflux did not change significantly (P >.1). Duplex scanning was performed more than once during follow-up in 9 patients. In 3 of these patients reflux resolved by the second follow-up evaluation, and in 2 reflux was decreased at the second and third follow-up evaluations. CONCLUSION: In patients with concomitant deep and superficial venous reflux, saphenous vein ablation results in resolution of deep reflux in about a third of patients. Superficial femoral vein reflux is seldom corrected in limbs with axial reflux compared with those limbs with segmental reflux. To appreciate the effects of greater saphenous vein ablation, longer follow-up may be needed.     

Ambulatory venous pressure revisited

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a method for measuring the deep venous pressure changes in the lower extremity and compare it with those obtained in the dorsal foot vein. METHODS: After cannulation of the posterior tibial vein, a catheter with a pressure transducer in its tip was inserted and placed at the knee joint level. The dorsal foot vein was also cannulated. Pressures were recorded simultaneously at both sites during toe stands and repeated with the probe in the upper, middle, and lower calf. RESULTS: The study was performed in 45 patients with signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Duplex Doppler scanning and ascending and descending venography performed before pressure measurements revealed saphenous vein incompetence in 11 lower extremities, incompetent perforators in 11 extremities (eight were combined with saphenous incompetence), and marked compression of popliteal vein with plantar flexion in 28 extremities. No significant deep axial reflux was observed on duplex Doppler examination or descending venography. No morphologic outflow obstruction was detected. The mean deep pressure at the knee joint level fell during toe stands, -15% +/- 27 (SD), and the mean dorsal foot vein pressure drop was even more marked, -75% +/- 22 (SD). Although the exercise pressure in the dorsal foot vein decreased in all patients (range, 13-90% drop), the popliteal vein pressure increased (4-72%) in nine limbs, decreased only marginally if at all in 15 limbs (0-15%), and fell more markedly in 21 extremities (22-65%). Deep vein recovery time was considerably shorter overall as compared with the findings by the dorsal vein measurement. In the comparison of limbs with and without superficial reflux, the recovery times in the deep system were significantly shorter in limbs with superficial incompetence. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory dorsal foot venous pressure is not always accurate in detecting changes in the pressure of the tibial and popliteal veins. Although dorsal foot venous pressure may be normal, deep venous pressure may decrease to a lesser degree or even increase.     

Deep axial reflux, an important contributor to skin changes or ulcer in chronic venous disease

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this cross-sectional study to investigate the distribution of venous reflux and effect of axial reflux in superficial and deep veins and to determine the clinical value of quantifying peak reverse flow velocity and reflux time in limbs with chronic venous disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred one legs (127 with skin changes, 274 without skin changes) in 272 patients were examined with duplex ultrasound scanning, and peak reverse flow velocity and reflux time were measured. Both parameters were graded on a scale of 0 to 4. The sum of reverse flow scores was calculated from seven venous segments, three in superficial veins (great saphenous vein at saphenofemoral junction, great saphenous vein below knee, small saphenous vein) and four in deep veins (common femoral vein, femoral vein, deep femoral vein, popliteal vein). Axial reflux was defined as reflux in the great saphenous vein above and below the knee or in the femoral vein to the popliteal vein below the knee. Reflux parameters and presence or absence of axial reflux in superficial or deep veins were correlated with prevalence of skin changes or ulcer (CEAP class 4-6). RESULTS: The most common anatomic presentation was incompetence in all three systems (superficial, deep, perforator; 46%) or in superficial or perforator veins (28%). Isolated reflux in one system only was rare (15%; superficial, 28 legs; deep, 14 legs; perforator, 18 legs). Deep venous incompetence was present in 244 legs (61%). If common femoral vein reflux was excluded, prevalence of deep venous incompetence was 52%. The cause, according to findings at duplex ultrasound scanning, was primary in 302 legs (75%) and secondary in 99 legs (25%). Presence of axial deep venous reflux increased significantly with prevalence of skin changes or ulcer (C4-C6; odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-4.67). Of 110 extremities with incompetent popliteal vein, 81 legs had even femoral vein reflux, with significantly more skin changes or ulcer, compared with 29 legs with popliteal reflux alone (P =.025). Legs with skin changes or ulcer had significantly higher total peak reverse flow velocity (P =.006), but the difference for total reflux time did not reach significance (P =.084) compared with legs without skin changes. In contrast, presence of axial reflux in superficial veins did not increase prevalence of skin changes (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.44-1.2). Incompetent perforator veins were observed as often in patients with no skin changes (C0-C3, 215 of 274, 78%) as in patients with skin changes (C4-C6, 106 of 127, 83%; P =.25). CONCLUSION: Continuous axial deep venous reflux is a major contributor to increased prevalence of skin changes or ulcer in patients with chronic venous disease compared with segmental deep venous reflux above or below the knee only. The total peak reverse flow velocity score is significantly higher in patients with skin changes or ulcer. It is questionable whether peak reverse flow velocity and reflux time can be used to quantify venous reflux; however, if they are used, peak reverse flow velocity seems to reflect venous malfunction more appropriately.     

Mid-term recurrence rate of incompetent perforating veins after combined superficial vein surgery and subfascial endoscopic perforating vein surgery

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the mid-term (mean, 3.7 years) clinical results and the results of duplex Doppler sonographic examinations of subfascial endoscopic perforating vein surgery (SEPS) in patients with mild to severe chronic venous insufficiency (clinical class 2-6) and assessed the factors associated with the recurrence of insufficient perforating veins (IPVs). METHODS: Eighty patients with mild to severe chronic venous insufficiency undergoing SEPS were evaluated, and duplex findings, as well as clinical severity and disability scores before and after the operation, were compared. Patients with prior deep vein thrombosis (<6 months) or prior SEPS were excluded from this study. RESULTS: There were 27 men and 53 women with a median age of 59.8 years (range, 34.3-80.0 years). The distribution of clinical classes (CEAP) was as follows: class 2, 13.1% (12 limbs); class 3, 22.8% (21 limbs); class 4, 19.6% (18 limbs); class 5, 21.7% (20 limbs); and class 6, 22.8% (21 limbs). The etiology of venous insufficiency was primary valvular incompetence in 83 limbs (90.2%) and secondary disease in 9 limbs (9.8%). Concomitant superficial vein surgery was performed in 89 limbs (95.7%). Twenty (95%) leg ulcers healed spontaneously within 12 weeks after operation, whereas one patient required additional split-thickness skin grafting. Eighteen patients had previous surgery of the great and/or short saphenous vein before SEPS. During a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, recurrence of 22 IPVs was observed in 20 (21.7%) of 92 limbs, and recurrent leg ulcers were observed in 2 (9.5%) of 21 limbs. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to predict factors influencing the recurrence of IPVs (recurrent superficial varicosis, secondary disease, active or healed leg ulcer [C5/6], compression treatment, and previous operation). On multivariate analysis, previous surgery (P = .014) was identified as the only significant factor for the recurrence of IPVs. CONCLUSIONS: SEPS is a safe and highly effective treatment for IPVs. Within a median follow-up period of 3.7 years, only 2 of 21 venous ulcers recurred, both in patients with secondary disease. Nevertheless, we observed recurrence of IPVs in 21.7% of the operated limbs. On multivariate analysis, patients who had undergone previous surgery were found to have a significantly higher rate of recurrence.     

A Nondraining Saphenous System Is a Factor of Poor Prognosis for Long-Term Results in Surgery of Great Saphenous Vein Recurrences

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the evolution of superficial venous disease after the suppression of every principal or accessory saphenous trunk. METHODS: To achieve this aim, the long-term results of complete ablation of saphenous trunks and varicose veins during redo surgery for recurrent great saphenous veins have been assessed. Of 170 extremities (137 patients), 4.9 years of follow-up data based on physical and ultrasound examinations were obtained for 119 extremities (100 patients). RESULTS: No varicose veins could be observed for 27.7% of extremities. For 45.3% diffuse varicose veins without reflux between the deep and superficial system could be observed. For 26.8% varicose veins and a new reflux had developed between the deep and superficial venous system. After 5 years, recurrent varicose veins were significantly associated, before operation, with the absence of insufficient residual saphenous trunk and with the presence of diffuse varicose veins (p=0.015) and, during redo surgery, with a higher number of phlebectomy incisions (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of superficial venous drainage (complete removal of varicose veins and saphenous trunk) leads to appearance of rerecurrences in the surgery of great saphenous vein recurrences, 72.3% of the cases show still new varices at the 5-year follow-up. This poor prognosis probably suggests the presence of a nondraining superficial venous system.     

Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery in patients with post-thrombotic venous insufficiency--is it justified?

Previous results following subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery were reported to be worse in post-thrombotic syndrome than in limbs with primary valvular incompetence. This report comprises a larger patient cohort with longer follow-up. The goal of this study was to determine if subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery is justified in patients with post-thrombotic venous insufficiency. The clinical data of 91 consecutive patients who underwent subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery with or without superficial reflux ablation over a 7-year period from May 1993 to June 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-four females and 37 males (median age, 53 years; range, 20-77) underwent 103 subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery procedures. Forty-two limbs were classified as C6 (active ulcer), 34 as C5 (healed ulcer), and 24 as C4 (lipodermatosclerosis). Thirty procedures were performed in post-thrombotic limbs. Concomitant superficial reflux ablation was performed in 74 limbs (72%); saphenous vein stripping had been previously performed in 29 (28%). Deep venous incompetence was present in 89% of limbs; 13% had venous outflow obstruction on plethysmography. Cumulative ulcer healing in post-thrombotic limbs was not significantly different from limbs with primary valvular incompetence; 30-, 60-, and 90-day healing rates were 44%, 72%, and 72% vs 39%, 70%, and 87%, respectively (p = 0.35). On univariate analysis, the presence of ulcer greater than 2 cm in diameter was associated with delayed ulcer healing (p = 0.02). Cumulative ulcer recurrence in all limbs was 4%, 20%, and 27% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Ulcer recurrence in post-thrombotic limbs was higher than in limbs with primary valvular incompetence at 1, 3, and 5 years; 16%, 47%, and 56% vs 0%, 8%, and 15%, respectively (p = 0.001). Recurrent ulcers were small, superficial, and easier to heal. Clinical improvement was significant even in post-thrombotic limbs; median clinical score decreased from 9.5 to 3 (p = 0.001), and median outcome score was +2 (mean 1.9; range, -1 to 3). Median clinical score in patients with primary valvular incompetence improved from 6 to 1.5 (p = 0.0001). Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery with superficial reflux ablation promoted ulcer healing, improved clinical outcome, and resulted in a low long-term ulcer recurrence rate in limbs with primary valvular incompetence. Despite good clinical outcome in post-thrombotic limbs, ulcer recurrence was high. These results imply that the role of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery with superficial reflux ablation in patients with post-thrombotic limbs continues to be controversial.     

Correlation of duplex ultrasound scanning-derived valve closure time and clinical classification in patients with small saphenous vein reflux: Is lesser saphenous vein truly lesser?

OBJECTIVE: We recently identified small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux as a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) undergoing perforator vein ligation. In this study we examined the role of SSV reflux in patients across the spectrum of CVI. METHODS: From March 15, 1997, to December 24, 2002, clinical and duplex ultrasound (US) scanning data from all valve closure time studies performed in our vascular laboratory were prospectively recorded. Valve closure time in the deep and superficial leg veins was assessed with the rapid cuff deflation technique; reflux time greater than 0.5 seconds was considered abnormal. SSV reflux was correlated with the CEAP classification system and eventual surgical procedure. Data were analyzed with Pearson chi(2) analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 722 limbs in 422 patients, 265 (63%) female patients and 157 (37%) male patients, with a mean age of 48 +/- 12.8 years (range, 16-85 years). In the entire cohort the cause was congenital (Ec) in 5 patients, primary (Ep) in 606 patients, and secondary (Es) in 112 patients. SSV reflux was present in 206 limbs (28.5%) evaluated. Among limbs with SSV reflux, Ec = 4 (2%), Ep = 162 (79%), and Es = 40 (19%). SSV reflux did not correlate with gender, side, or age. The prevalence of SSV reflux increases with increasing severity of clinical class: C1-C3, 25.8% versus C4-C6, 36.1% (P =.006). SSV reflux is highly associated with deep venous reflux, 35.2% of femoral vein reflux (P =.015), 35.8% of femoral vein plus popliteal vein reflux (P =.001), and 40.5% of isolated popliteal vein reflux (P <.001). Great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux was identified in 483 (67%) limbs studied with valve closure time, whereas SSV reflux was present in 206 (28%) limbs. In this cohort, 127 GSV or SSV surgical procedures were performed subsequent to valve closure time examination. Among these operations 107 (84%) were GSV procedures, and only 20 (16%) were SSV procedures. CONCLUSION: SSV reflux is most common in patients demonstrating severe sequelae of CVI, such as lipodermatosclerosis or ulceration. The increasing prevalence of SSV reflux in more severe clinical classes and the strong association of SSV reflux and deep venous reflux suggest that SSV may have a significant role in CVI. Our data further show that, in our institution, a GSV with reflux is more than twice as likely to be surgically corrected as an SSV with reflux. It is time for the SSV to assume greater importance in the treatment of lower extremity venous disease. Future improvements in surgical techniques for access and visualization of the SSV may facilitate this method.     

Prevalence, anatomic patterns, valvular competence, and clinical significance of the Giacomini vein

OBJECTIVE: Coursing the posterior thigh as a tributary or trunk projection of the small saphenous vein (SSV), the Giacomini vein's clinical significance in chronic venous disease (CVD) remains undetermined. This cross-sectional controlled study examined the prevalence, anatomy, competency status, and clinical significance of the Giacomini vein across the clinical spectrum of CVD in relation to the SSV termination. METHODS: One hundred eighty-nine consecutive subjects (301 limbs) with suspected CVD (109 men, 80 women; age, 18-87 years [median, 61 years]) underwent examination, clinical class (CEAP) stratification, and duplex ultrasound determination of the sites and extent of reflux >0.5 sec) and Giacomini vein's anatomy. RESULTS: A Giacomini vein was found in 70.4% of limbs (212 of 301; 95% confidence interval, 65%-75.6%). Extent, pattern, and sites of reflux in all named superficial and deep veins were evenly distributed in limbs with and without a Giacomini vein; perforator vein incompetence in thigh and calf was also balanced (all, P > .2). Giacomini vein had no effect ( P > .2) on SSV termination anatomy, displaying a similar prevalence in classes C(0-6) . In 212 limbs, either as a tributary or trunk projection of the SSV, the Giacomini vein ascended subfascially (n = 210) to the lower (8%; n = 17), middle (47.6%; n = 101), or upper (44.3%; n = 94) thigh, and terminated at the deep system (45.3%; n = 96) and/or perforated the fascia (64.2%; n = 136), to join the superficial system. Giacomini vein morphology was not affected by the SSV termination anatomy and CEAP clinical class. Incompetence was detected less often (P < .001) in the Giacomini vein (4.7%; n = 10 of 212) than in the saphenous trunks cumulatively (53.3%; n = 113 of 212). Yet the odds ratio of Giacomini incompetence was 11.94 (7 of 33 over 3 of 169) in the presence of SSV reflux, and 11.67 (6 of 23 over 4 of 179) when both the great saphenous vein (proximal, proximal plus distal) and SSV were incompetent. CONCLUSION: Found in more than two thirds of limbs, the Giacomini vein has a complex anatomy that is linked vastly to the deep or superficial veins of the posteromedial thigh, but is unaffected by the anatomy of SSV termination and CEAP clinical class. Its presence proved insignificant to the extent, pattern, sites, and clinical severity of venous incompetence, yet the Giacomini vein was far less often susceptible to reflux than the saphenous trunks were. Routine Giacomini vein investigation is not justified in view of these findings. Investigation could be considered selectively in limbs with SSV incompetence, with or without great saphenous vein incompetence, supported by the high odds of concomitant Giacomini vein reflux.     

Hemodynamic assessment of femoropopliteal venous reflux in patients with primary varicose veins

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the anatomic distribution and extent of deep venous reflux in patients with primary varicose veins (PVVs) and to investigate its influence on venous hemodynamics.Methods: Femoropopliteal venous reflux was examined using duplex color Doppler ultrasonography in 356 limbs with PVVs in 240 patients. Photoplethysmography (PPG) was performed using above-knee and below-knee tourniquets to determine the contributions of deep and superficial venous insufficiency.Results: Of 356 limbs with PVVs, 61 (17.1%) had femoropopliteal venous reflux, 42 (11.8%) had superficial femoral venous reflux alone, and 57 (16.0%) had popliteal venous reflux alone. Femoropopliteal venous reflux was associated significantly with clinical symptoms and shortened the half venous refilling time measured by PPG, especially in the presence of incompetent perforating veins. These findings were obtained regardless of the presence of long saphenous vein reflux.Conclusions: Femoropopliteal venous reflux associated with PVVs plays an important role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of venous stasis and influences venous hemodynamics in the presence of incompetent perforating veins and short saphenous vein. (J Vasc Surg 1997 26:260-4.)     

The nonsaphenous vein of the popliteal fossa: prevalence, patterns of reflux, hemodynamic quantification, and clinical significance

BACKGROUND: A large tortuous vein coursing over the posterior aspect of the knee and the upper calf may give rise to a constellation of varicose veins unrelated to the great (GSV) or small (SSV) saphenous veins. Designated the popliteal fossa vein (PFV), it perforates the deep popliteal fascia and empties into the deep system. We examined the prevalence, anatomic reflux patterns, hemodynamic role, and clinical significance of the PFV. METHODS: We examined 543 patients (818 limbs) with venous disease, aged 14 to 94 years (median, 55 years). The study consisted of group A, comprising limbs with a PFV, and group B, formed by the remaining limbs. The history, clinical examination, and venous duplex scan findings were analyzed retrospectively. Venous clinical severity and venous segmental disease scores of group A were compared with those of an equal number of CEAP-, sex-, and age-matched control limbs. In situ venous hemodynamics of the PFV obtained with duplex scan are reported. RESULTS: A PFV was found in 24 (2.93%) of 818 limbs (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8%-4.1%); 24 (4.4%) of 543 subjects (95% CI, 2.7%-6.2%), 12 men and 12 women aged 23 to 82 years (median, 54 years) had a PFV. CEAP clinical classes in limbs with a PFV were as follows: C2, 15 limbs; C3, 5 limbs; C4, 2 limbs; C5, 1 limb; and C6, 1 limb. Proximal and distal (92%), superficial (100%), perforator (87.5%), and complex-pattern (41.7%) reflux occurred more often in group A (P < .01). Incompetence in the GSV (75%), posterior arch, and posteromedial and saphenous tributaries was also more frequent in group A (P < .05). SSV reflux in group A (29%) matched that in group B. The PFV terminated at the deep system (96% in the popliteal vein) above the SSV (median distance, 1.5 cm; 95% CI, 0.5-2 cm). The odds ratio for a PFV in limbs with prior SSV disconnection was 5.68. Deep reflux was evenly distributed in group A (41.7%) and group B (27%). The prevalence of incompetent perforators was 283% (95% CI, 194%-373%) in group A and 96% (95% CI, 95%-98%) in group B (P < .001). PFV tributaries were distributed at the popliteal area (100%); the posterior (87.5%), medial (62.5%), and lateral (37.5%) upper calf; and the posterior distal thigh (17%), often projecting to the posterior GSV arch (50%). The (median) peak velocity of reflux in the PFV was 82.6 cm/s, the mean velocity was 17.7 cm/s, the duration was 2.4 seconds, the volume flow was 231.5 mL/min, and the expelled volume was 9.3 mL. The median diameter of the PFV at the crossing of the fascia was 0.527 cm. Venous clinical severity (range, 2-17; median, 5.5) and venous segmental disease (range, 0.5-8; median, 2.75) scores in limbs with a PFV exceeded (P 相似文献   

The impact of isolated lesser saphenous vein system incompetence on clinical signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns of isolated lesser saphenous vein (LSV) system incompetence and correlate the distribution and extent of such reflux with symptoms and signs of chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: During a 3-year period, 2254 limbs in 1682 patients with signs and symptoms of CVD were evaluated with color flow duplex scanning. Extremities with isolated reflux in the LSV system were selected for this study. Limbs with perforating venous reflux connected to this system only were also included. Limbs that had marked reflux in the greater saphenous or deep vein, that had a documented history of deep venous thrombosis, and that previously underwent surgery or sclerotherapy were excluded. The clinical severity of the limbs was graded with the CEAP classification system. RESULTS: There were 226 limbs in 200 patients with reflux in the LSV system; 61% were female patients with a mean age of 49 years (range, 18-82 years). There were 174 patients (87%) with unilateral and 26 with bilateral disease, and 41% of the limbs belonged in CVD class 2, 26% in class 3, 12% in class 4, 3.5% in class 5, and 3% in class 6. Classes 0 and 1 were present in 14.5% of the limbs. Symptoms were present in 139 limbs (61.5%). Some degree of ache or burning sensation was the most frequent symptom (41%), followed by itching (32%), heaviness (29%), cramps (24%), and restless limbs (18%). Reflux in the main trunk of the LSV was the most prevalent (177 limbs [78%]), followed by the saphenopopliteal junction (146 limbs [64.6%]), the vein of Giacomini (39 limbs [17%]) and the gastrocnemial vein (23 limbs [10%]). Reflux involving both the saphenopopliteal junction and the LSV was seen in 50% of limbs, but almost any other combination of reflux was present, which indicated the complexity of this system. Perforator vein incompetence was detected in 56 limbs (25%). We found 83 perforator veins, resulting in a mean of 1.5 veins per limb. Both the number of incompetent perforator veins and the extent of superficial reflux correlated with clinical severity. Four main types of termination of the LSV were identified with at least nine variations. The LSV was duplicated for at least half of its length in five limbs (2.2%). Nonsaphenous reflux was detected in seven limbs (3.1%). Superficial vein thrombosis in the LSV system was found in eight limbs (3.5%), and in the gastrocnemial vein it was found in four (1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated LSV system incompetence can cause the entire range of signs and symptoms of CVD. Clinical deterioration is associated with a longer extent of reflux and perforator incompetence. Classes 2 to 4 are the most frequent clinical presentations, whereas classes 5 and 6 are uncommon. The complex anatomy of this system and the great variation in the patterns of reflux warrant the use of color flow duplex scanning before planning treatment.     

Venous outflow obstruction: An underestimated contributor to chronic venous disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of iliac venous outflow obstruction in limbs with and without concomitant deep or superficial reflux, we performed a retrospective analysis of data contemporaneously entered into a set time-stamped electronic medical records program. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four hundred forty-seven limbs underwent iliac vein stenting of chronic, nonmalignant obstruction when greater than 50% morphologic stenosis was found at transfemoral venography or intravascular ultrasonography. Group 1 (female-male ratio, 3.4:1; left limb-right limb, 2.7:1; nonthrombotic-thrombotic, 1.8:1) included 187 stented limbs in 176 patients with absence of deep and superficial reflux as identified at erect duplex Doppler scanning. Group 2 (female-male, 1.7:1; left-right, 1.9:1, nonthrombotic-thrombotic limb, 1:2.1) included 260 limbs in 253 patients with combination obstruction and reflux. Reflux was left untreated during the observation period. Clinical outcome (ulcer healing and recurrence rate, degree of pain per visual analog scale, swelling grade) and hemodynamic effects (ambulatory venous pressure, venous refilling time, venous filling index at 90 seconds) of iliac venous stenting were assessed. RESULT: Patients with reflux and obstruction had more severe disease (clinical class 4-6, 53% in group 2 vs 24% in group 1; P <.001). Similarly, rate of active ulcer was low in limbs with obstruction only (3% vs 24%, groups 1 and 2, respectively). Mean clinical follow-up was 13 +/- 12 months (SD) in 86% of limbs. Because of the presence of reflux in group 2, venous pressure was higher, venous filling time was shorter, and venous filling index at 90 seconds increased, compared with group 1. Multisegment scores were 2.6 +/- 1.6 and 0, respectively. Of greater interest, there was no deterioration in venous hemodynamics in group 2 after stenting. There was substantial clinical improvement in both groups after stenting. Approximately half of patients were completely relieved of pain after stenting, and a third were completely relieved of swelling. In addition, 55% of ulcerated limbs healed. CONCLUSION: Iliac venous outflow obstruction appears to have an important role in clinical expression of chronic venous insufficiency, particularly in producing pain, and is easily overlooked, mainly because of diagnostic difficulty. The combination of reflux and obstruction is seen more frequently with severe clinical disease than is obstruction alone. Ulcer prevalence is clearly associated with reflux, with a low incidence in patients with obstruction alone. Removal of iliac vein outflow obstruction does not result in increased axial reflux, with clinical deterioration in limbs with combined reflux and obstruction.     

A colour Doppler ultrasound study of venous reflux in patients with chronic leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the distribution of superficial and deep venous reflux in patients with chronic leg ulcers. MATERIALS: retrospective study of 186 patients with chronic leg ulcers (212 lower limbs). RESULTS: in 127 legs without arterial disease and a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 62 (49%) had superficial, 45 (35%) had superficial and deep, and 14 (11%) had isolated deep venous reflux. In legs with a previous DVT, isolated deep venous reflux was more common (21/55, 38%) but superficial reflux, often in combination with deep reflux, still predominated (56%). CONCLUSIONS: a large part of the venous insufficiency causing venous leg ulcers is superficial and suitable for varicose vein surgery. In patients with chronic leg ulcers most reflux affects the superficial system and is potentially suitable for surgical correction.     

Deep venous reconstructive surgery

Surgical correction of deep venous reflux is a valuable adjunct in treatment of selected patient with lower limb venous ulcer. Deep venous obstruction and superficial reflux is must be corrected first. Sustained venous ulcer healing and reduced ambulatory venous hypertension can be achieved in patients with both primary and secondary deep venous insufficiency. When direct valve repair is possible, valvuloplasty is the best option, but when this is not feasible, other techniques can be used, including femoral vein transposition into the great saphenous vein, vein valve transplant, neovalve construction, or nonautologous artificial venous valve.