Venous reflux and venous distensibility in varicose and healthy veins.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse venous diameter changes and venous reflux parameters, assessed during a standardised Valsalva manoeuvre in healthy subjects and in patients with varicose veins. METHODS: Measurements were carried out in 444 vein segments, (96 legs of 48 healthy volunteers, 52 legs of 35 patients with varicose veins). The common femoral vein (CVF), the femoral vein (FV) and the great saphenous vein (GSV) were investigated. The parameters of reflux and the relative venous diameter change (VD diff %) were measured simultaneously during a standardised Valsalva manoeuvre. RESULTS: Venous diameter changes during Valsalva manoeuvre (VD diff) were significantly greater in the GSV and in the deep veins of varicose patients compared to healthy subjects. The median (Interquartile range) of VD max in the CFV was: 13.1 (3.5) mm and 11.2 (3.4) mm (p=0.0002, Mann-Whitney - U test), in the FV 7.8 (2.7) mm and 6.9 (2.0) mm (p=0.01, Mann-Whitney), in the GSV: 7.3 (3.7) mm and 4.2 (1.1) mm (p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney) for the varicose and healthy veins respectively. Good correlation was seen for the retrograde peak reflux velocity (PRV) and VD diff % in varicose veins (r=0.71 (0.57 - 0.81) p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSION: Relative venous diameter--changes during a standardised Valsalva manoeuvre are significantly larger in the deep and superficial veins of varicose vein patients compared with healthy veins, the increased distensibility correlates with venous reflux parameters in varicose vein patients.     

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.)     

Development of reflux in the perforator veins in limbs with primary venous disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns by which perforator vein (PV) reflux develops in patients with primary chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: Patients with CVD who had at least two examinations with duplex ultrasonography before any treatment were included in this study. These were patients who were offered an operation at their first visit, but for various reasons treatment was postponed. All affected limbs were classified by the CEAP classification system. A detailed map of normal and refluxing sites was drawn on an anatomic chart by using several landmarks of the skin, muscle, and bone. Reflux was induced by distal limb compression followed by sudden release by using rapid-inflation pneumatic cuffs and dorsiplantar flexion. All new reflux sites were documented. The PV reflux was divided into ascending type, descending type (re-entry flow), and those that developed in new locations, which did not have reflux in any system at that level. RESULTS: The total number of patients studied was 127 (158 limbs). There were 29 limbs (18%) in 26 patients with reflux development in the PV. In total, 38 new incompetent PVs were identified. The median time for the examination was 25 months (range, 9-52 months). Reflux in a previously normal PV at a re-entry site was detected in 15, in an ascending manner from an extension of superficial vein reflux in 18, and in a new, previously intact location in 5. At the new sites, reflux in the superficial veins connected to the incompetent PVs was always present. PVs connected to the great saphenous vein system were most common (n = 27), followed by those connected to short saphenous (n = 8) and nonsaphenous (n = 3) veins. Worsening in the clinical class was observed in 11 limbs: 5 from class 2 to 3, 2 from class 2 to 4, 2 from class 3 to 4, and 2 from class 4 to 6. The worsening could not be attributed to the PV reflux alone, because other veins became incompetent as well. CONCLUSIONS: Reflux in PVs develops in ascending fashion through the superficial veins, at re-entry points, and at new sites. Worsening of CVD is observed with new PV reflux, but many other factors play a major role, and therefore a causative association is difficult to prove.     

Endovenous and surgical extirpation of lower-extremity varicose veins

Lower-extremity varicose veins are a very prevalent problem in the United States and represent a common referral for treatment. Therapeutic options for patients with lower-extremity superficial venous insufficiency have expanded in recent years, thanks to technological advances. Correction of both primary and secondary varicose veins can now be accomplished with endovenous and other minimally invasive techniques that allow for increased periprocedural patient comfort, as well as allowing more-rapid resumption of work or leisure activities with lower complication profiles. This article describes the first author's preferences and practice incorporating newer techniques for treatment of superficial venous reflux and varicose veins in an outpatient venous practice.     

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.     

Most incompetent calf perforating veins are found in association with superficial venous reflux.

PURPOSE: The indications for surgical perforator interruption remain undefined. Previous work has demonstrated an association between clinical status and the number of incompetent perforating veins (IPVs). Other studies have demonstrated that correction of IPV physiology results from abolition of saphenous system reflux. The purpose of this study was to identify which, if any, patterns of venous reflux and obstruction are particularly associated with IPV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty patients and subjects (103 men, 127 women, 308 limbs) with varying grades of venous disease were examined both clinically and with duplex ultrasound scan. The odds ratios (ORs) for the presence of IPVs were calculated for different anatomical distributions of main-stem venous reflux and obstruction. The base group are those with no main-stem venous disease. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between the proportions of limbs demonstrating IPVs and patient age or sex. The ORs for the presence of IPVs in association with other venous disease are as follows (age/sex adjusted): long saphenous vein reflux, OR = 1.86, range = 1.32-2.63; short saphenous vein reflux, OR = 1.36, range = 1.02-1.82; deep system venous reflux, OR = 1.61, range = 1.2-2.15; superficial system reflux, OR = 3.17, range = 1.87-5.4; and deep system obstruction, OR = 1.09, range = 0.51-2.33. The ORs for combinations of venous disorders were calculated. Combinations of disease produced higher odds for the presence of IPVs than those above, the highest being long saphenous vein, short saphenous vein, and deep reflux combined, OR = 6.85 (95% CI, 2.97-15.83; P =.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the presence of IPVs is associated with venous ulceration, the highest ORs for the presence of IPVs were found in patients with superficial disease alone or in combination with deep reflux. Many of these may be corrected by saphenous surgery alone.     

慢性下肢静脉性溃疡的临床治疗分析

目的:探讨慢性下肢静脉性溃疡的临床治疗与疗效。方法:回顾性分析2014年3月—2015年9月收治的48例慢性下肢静脉性溃疡患者的临床资料,治疗上包括对基础病因的治疗、药物治疗、物理治疗、大隐静脉高位结扎加点式抽剥术、溃疡周围环扎术,对溃疡面积较大的(≥48.0 cm~2)患者联合行游离皮瓣植皮术;溃疡愈合后长期穿医用弹力袜以促进静脉回流。结果:经治疗溃疡面一期痊愈12例(25.0%),其中5例溃疡面积较大的植皮患者皮瓣全部存活;溃疡愈合面积达70%以上27例(56.3%),另外9例(18.7%)溃疡愈合面积亦达50%以上。平均住院时间17.8 d,残余溃疡面门诊定期清洁换药。随访3~12个月,溃疡全部愈合,平均愈合时间1.5个月。结论:在治疗原发基础病因的基础上,选择多种治疗手段相结合的复合式手术治疗慢性下肢静脉性溃疡效果满意,溃疡愈合快,复发率低。     

Physiological reflux and venous diameter change in the proximal lower limb veins during a standardised Valsalva manoeuvre.

OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to provide normal values for venous diameter at rest, and venous diameter and physiologic venous reflux during a standardised Valsalva manoeuvre. The impact of the patient's sex, body mass index (BMI), and family history was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: eighty legs of 40 healthy volunteers were investigated in a supine position. The median age was 28 years (range 20-66 years). The common femoral vein (CFV), the proximal superficial femoral vein (SFV) and the proximal long saphenous vein (LSV) were investigated by duplex sonography. The following parameters were assessed: resting diameter (VDrest) and maximum diameter (VDmax) as well as reflux time (tr) during the Valsalva manoeuvre. The Valsalva manoeuvre was elicited by a forceful expiration into a tube system. The standard values used were a pressure of 30 mmHg, established within 0.5 seconds (s) and maintained over a time period of at least 3 s. RESULTS: mean VDrest and VDmax were 8.3+/-2.2 and 11.1+/-2.8 mm in the CFV, 5.9+/-1. 3 and 7.2+/-1.6 mm in the SFV and 3.5+/-0.9 and 4.3+/-1.4 mm in the LSV. Mean values for tr were 0.61+/-0.63 s in the CFV, 0.25+/-0.26 s in the SFV and 0.28+/-0.40 s in the LSV. A BMI >22.5 kg/m2 was associated with statistically significant larger values for VDrest and tr. If adjusted for BMI, tr in the SFV and the LSV did not differ by sex. For healthy subjects with first-degree relatives suffering from varicose veins (n=19), mean VDrest in the SFV as well as VD in the LSV was significantly larger (p=0.02, 0.05, respectively). Coefficients of variation for repeated measurements (VDrest, VDmax, tr) in the same segment varied between 3.3% and 16. 4% for the three investigated sites. CONCLUSIONS: normal values for VDrest and VDmax as well as reflux time during a standardised Valsalva manouevre were assessed in the proximal lower limb veins. The influences of BMI, sex and family history were investigated. The described standardised Valsalva manoeuvre led to highly reproducible results and can be recommended for further research projects or as a routine procedure for the assessment of venous reflux.     

Definition of histopathologic changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease

A series of 71 patients with multiple measured biopsies of the gastroesophageal junctional region permitting assessment of the presence and length of different glandular epithelial types is presented. All but nine of 53 patients in whom a 24-hour pH study was performed had abnormal reflux, suggesting that endoscopic recognition of an abnormal columnar mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction sufficient to precipitate multiple-level biopsies indicates a high probability of abnormal reflux. All patients had cardiac mucosa (CM) or oxyntocardiac mucosa (OCM). CM was present in 68 of 71 patients. The prevalence of intestinal metaplasia increased with increasing CM+OCM length, and was present in all 22 patients with a CM+OCM length >2 cm and in 20 of 49 patients with a CM+OCM length <2 cm. Patients with a CM+OCM length >2 cm had a markedly higher acid exposure than patients with a CM+OCM length <2 cm. The findings suggest that the presence of CM and OCM in the junctional region are predictive of abnormal acid exposure, and that increasing OCM+CM length correlates strongly with the amount of acid exposure. The histologic finding of CM and OCM represents a sensitive histologic criterion for gastroesophageal reflux rather than normal epithelia. These diagnostic criteria represent the first useful histologic definitions for assessing the presence and severity of reflux.     

Deep venous thrombosis and superficial venous reflux

OBJECTIVE: Although superficial venous reflux is an important determinant of post-thrombotic skin changes, the origin of this reflux is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and etiologic mechanisms of superficial venous reflux after acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: Patients with a documented acute lower extremity DVT were asked to return for serial venous duplex ultrasound examinations at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, every 3 months for the first year, and every year thereafter. Reflux in the greater saphenous vein (GSV) and lesser saphenous vein (LSV) was assessed by standing distal pneumatic cuff deflation. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients with a DVT in 69 lower extremities were followed up for a mean of 48 (SD +/- 32) months. Initial thrombosis of the GSV was noted in 15 limbs (21.7%). At 8 years, the cumulative incidence of GSV reflux was 77.1% (SE +/- 0.11) in DVT limbs with GSV involvement, 28.9% (+/- 0.09%) in DVT limbs without GSV thrombosis, and 14.8% (+/- 0.05) in uninvolved contralateral limbs (P <.0001). For LSV reflux, the cumulative incidence in DVT limbs was 23.1% (+/- 0.06%) in comparison with 10% (+/- 0.06%) in uninvolved limbs (P =.06). In comparison with uninvolved contralateral limbs, the relative risk of GSV reflux for DVT limbs with and without GSV thrombosis was 8.7 (P <.001) and 1.4 (P =.5), respectively. The relative risk of LSV reflux in thrombosed extremities compared with uninvolved extremities was 3.2 (P =.07). Despite these observations, the fraction of observed GSV reflux that could be attributable to superficial thrombosis was only 49%. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial venous thrombosis frequently accompanies DVT and is associated with development of superficial reflux in most limbs. However, a substantial proportion of observed reflux is not directly associated with thrombosis and develops at a rate equivalent to that in uninvolved limbs.     

The venous ulcer and the superficial venous reflux

The management of venous ulcers must take into account the many aspects of the pathology and, overall, the hemodynamic patterns of reflux and the clinical pictures correlated. The most frequent model is represented by a superficial venous reflux that may be successfully treated by surgery with a very high percentage of ulcer healing. Compared to compression therapy, surgery allows a minor percentage of recurrence. Sclerotherapy may represent a valid alternative. The meaning and the treatment of incompetent perforating veins is controversial, but the poor results of conservative treatment justify the disconnection of large perforators in addition to ablation of saphenous reflux.     

Perforating veins and venous insufficiency]

As communicating link between the deep and the superficial venous system the perforating veins are of special importance. With the introduction of the subfascial videoendoscopic dissection of the perforating veins the interest in anatomic and topographic aspects of the surgical treatment of insufficient perforators has increased. Different pathophysiological conditions can cause insufficient perforating veins. We can distinguish between a primary form and a secondary form caused by an advanced varicosis of the main superficial veins. A third entity consists in an insufficiency created by a postthrombotic alterations of the deep venous system. Primary insufficient perforators should be treated surgically. In the case of a secondary insufficiency the indication is dependent on the extent of the pathological findings. If there is an obstruction of the deep venous system which causes the insufficiency of a perforator the vein should not be divided. The videoendoscopic subfascial dissection of the insufficient perforating veins has several advantages compared with direct percutaneous exposure. The technique is easy to learn, however it requires profound knowledge about the compartmental spaces and the topographic anatomy of the perforating veins in the lower leg.     

Patterns of saphenous reflux in women with primary varicose veins

OBJECTIVE: Varicose veins have been linked to great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux and in particular, with reflux at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). Early stages of disease, however, may be associated with limited, localized reflux in segments of the GSV and/or small saphenous vein (SSV). Ultrasound mapping of saphenous veins was performed to determine patterns of GSV and SSV reflux in women with simple, primary varicose veins. METHODS: Ultrasound mapping was performed prospectively in 590 extremities of 326 women with varicose veins (CEAP C 2 class) but without edema, skin changes, or ulcers (C 3 to C 6 ). Average age was 42 +/- 13 (SD) years (range, 8 to 87). Patterns of GSV and SSV reflux, obtained in the upright position, were classified as I: perijunctional, originating from the SFJ or saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) tributaries into the GSV or SSV; II: proximal, from the SFJ or SPJ to a tributary or perforating vein above the level of the malleoli; III: distal, from a tributary or perforating vein to the paramalleolar GSV or SSV; IV: segmental, from a tributary or perforating vein to another tributary or perforating vein above the malleoli; V; multisegmental, if two or more distinct refluxing segments were detected; and VI: diffused, involving the entire GSV or SSV from the SFJ or SPJ to the malleoli. RESULTS: Reflux was detected in 472 extremities (80%): 100 (17%) had reflux in both the GSV and SSV, 353 (60%) had GSV reflux only, and 19 (3%) had SSV reflux only, for a total prevalence of 77% at the GSV and 20% at the SSV. The most common pattern of GSV reflux was segmental (types IV and V) in 342 (58%) of 590; either one segment in 213 (36%) or more than one segment with competent SFJ in 99 (17%), or incompetent SFJ in 30 (5%), followed by distal GSV reflux (type III) in 65 (11%), proximal GSV reflux (type II) in 32 (5%), diffused throughout the entire GSV (type VI) in 10 (2%), and perijunctional (type I) in 4 (<1%). GSV refluxing segments were noted in the SFJ in 72 (12%) and in the thigh in 220 (37%), and leg (or both) in 345 (58%). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of reflux justifies ultrasound mapping of the saphenous veins in women with primary varicose veins. Correction of SFJ reflux, however, may be needed in 相似文献   

Study of the venous reflux progression

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) often ask whether elective vein surgery could be delayed without consequences. Because the natural history of CVD is not well known, this study was designed to determine its progression in such patients. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen limbs in 90 patients who had at least 2 exams with duplex ultrasound (DU) scanning prior to vein surgery at a university medical center were studied. These were patients who were offered an operation but for various reasons were treated at a later stage. Patients were classified by the CEAP system. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49 years (range, 23 to 81 years). A second DU scan was performed 1 to 43 months after the initial exam (median, 19 months). Eighty-five limbs (73.3%) were unchanged. Thirteen limbs (11.2%) had progression of clinical stage, and seven had progression on DU scanning as well. Seven limbs progressed from C2 to C3, four limbs from C3 to C4, and two limbs from C4 to C6. Thirty-four limbs had a documented change on repeat DU scanning. In 3 of these limbs, reflux was missed on the initial exam; therefore, 31 limbs had progression of disease. The great saphenous vein and tributaries were the most often anatomic sites affected by a change, followed by perforators. Seventeen limbs (14.7%) had extension of pre-existing reflux, and 14 (12.1%) had reflux in a new segment. In 11 of these limbs, a change in the initial plan for treatment was required. Symptomatic or DU changes were noted 6 months or later in 95% of limbs and 74.2% of limbs with disease progression were diagnosed at 12 months or later. All but one of the 13 symptomatic limbs developed symptoms at least a year later. CONCLUSION: Nearly one third of patients with venous reflux had progression. Anatomic extension is frequent with disease progression but not a pre-requisite. Progression was found in most limbs 6 months after the initial study. Patients undergoing treatment for their veins may need another DU exam if this time interval is exceeded.     

Surgical management of deep venous reflux

Axial deep venous reflux can be found in the majority of extremities with advanced skin changes and ulceration. It frequently is associated with recurrent disease and tends to progress with time. More than 30 years' experience with deep venous reconstructive surgery, as well as recent advances in diagnostic imaging, makes possible the rational use of such techniques in the management of chronic venous insufficiency. This report reviews the role of deep venous reflux in the natural history and progression of venous disease, the options for surgical correction of deep venous reflux, the current diagnostic abilities and limitations, and the results of surgical interventions.     

Strain gauge plethysmography in the assessment of venous reflux after subfascial closure of perforating veins: a prospective study of twenty patients

Doppler ultrasonography and strain gauge plethysmography were used prospectively to study the hemodynamic changes in 20 patients' (5 men and 15 women) legs operated on by means of subfascial closure for insufficiency of perforating veins. In 10 patients (50%) the valves of the deep veins were incompetent as verified by Doppler ultrasonography, and deep vein thrombosis had previously been diagnosed in seven patients. After subfascial ligature, strain gauge plethysmography showed no changes in arterial flow, venous capacity, or in venous emptying rate. However, both venous reflux flow and reflux volume were significantly lowered (p less than 0.01) after surgery as compared to values before operation. The clinical objective results were good in all cases. In two of four patients with fair subjective results the arterial flow was pathologically high, which probably implies the presence of microscopic arteriovenous fistulas. It is concluded that strain gauge plethysmography can quantitate the change in deep venous reflux after ligation of perforating veins.     

Expression of molecular mediators of apoptosis and their role in the pathogenesis of lower-extremity varicose veins

PURPOSE: In an earlier study, we observed a significant decrease in apoptosis in varicose veins, as compared with healthy veins, indicating that deregulated apoptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of varicosities. In addition, significant differences were noted in the expression and subcellular localization of the cell cycle regulatory protein, cyclin D1 in varix tissues, as compared with controls. Because cell cycle checkpoint controls are linked to the signaling and execution of apoptotic cascades, we examined the expression of bcl-2 family members bax and bcl-x, known molecular mediators of apoptosis, and that of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a downstream substrate of DNA cleavage. METHODS: Twenty varicose vein specimens were retrieved from 20 patients (10 men, 10 women; mean age, 53.6 +/- 4.7 years) undergoing lower-extremity varicose vein excision. Healthy greater saphenous vein segments (n = 27) were obtained from 27 patients (14 men, 13 women; mean age, 59.5 +/- 2.4 years) undergoing infrainguinal arterial bypass grafting surgery. All tissues were distal portions. As per CEAP classification for chronic lower-extremity venous disease, most of the patients were in class 2 for clinical signs (n = 11); some patients were in class 3 (n = 4) or class 4 (n = 4), and only one patient was in class 5. Five 5-microm thick sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were used as a means of immunohistochemically localizing the expression of bax, bcl-x, and PARP, and 10 random high-power fields per section were evaluated by two independent reviewers blinded to the clinical findings. Statistical analyses were conducted by means of chi(2), analysis of variance, Student and Fisher exact t tests with StatView software. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity to pro-apoptotic bax was significantly higher in the normal veins (P <.001). Cytoplasmic expression of bcl-x was prominent in the cells of the vasa vasorum in both varicose and healthy veins. PARP expression was diminished in the varicose vein group, with 2.8 +/- 0.7 (P =.01) and 1.4 +/- 0.5 (P =.05) cells per high-power field in the intima and media, respectively. Neither bax nor PARP was noted in the adventitia of varicose veins, although their expression was detected in this layer of the control group (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The entry of smooth muscle cells into the apoptotic pathway may be regulated by the induction of bax in this model, because there is significant presence of this pro-apoptotic protein in healthy veins. Both bax and PARP are downregulated in varicose veins, as compared with healthy veins, and this may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of varicose veins.     

Evaluation of methods for detecting venous reflux. Perspectives in venous insufficiency

Using 793 limbs with nonobstructive venous reflux, we evaluated a number of techniques used for the assessment of venous reflux. The venous Doppler examination was found to be a reliable screening tool with excellent sensitivity and good specificity. Photoplethysmography was 97% sensitive in patients with ambulatory venous hypertension; however, in milder forms of reflux, it was less sensitive. The major drawback of photoplethysmography was the large number of false-positive results obtained. Ambulatory venous pressure measurement and another pressure-based technique, Valsalva-induced foot venous pressure measurement, defined overlapping but different normal and abnormal limbs. Descending venography, when performed as described by Kistner et al, was found to be a reliable tool to assess reflux with more than a 90% sensitivity. The horizontal technique of performing descending venography and nucleotide descending venographies had unacceptably low sensitivity and were abandoned. Features of venous reflux as outlined by these modern technical tools are described.     

Patterns of venous insufficiency in patients with varicose veins

The nature and distribution of venous disease surrounding the development of varicose veins and its treatment is controversial. Using duplex ultrasonography, we evaluated 54 lower extremities in 32 patients with varicose veins who were symptomatic and had obvious varicose veins by clinical examination. Twenty-eight percent had greater saphenous trunk incompetence, 2% had lesser saphenous trunk incompetence, and 96% had branch disease. Deep valvular incompetence was seen in 41%, saphenofemoral junction incompetence in 46%, and incompetence of one or more perforators in 46% of the extremities. Thirty-three percent demonstrated no evidence of associated saphenofemoral junction, deep vein, or perforating vein incompetence, while 20% had concurrent saphenofemoral junction, deep vein, and perforating vein incompetence. These data support the heterogeneity of venous disease seen in patients with varicose veins and suggest that surgical therapy be directed to a patient's specific pattern of incompetence rather than routine saphenofemoral junction ligation or stripping of the greater saphenous trunk.