Elastic compression treatment of chronic superficial venous insufficiency of the lower limbs based on Doppler venous pressure index measurements

Abstract

Ineffectiveness or discomfort from graduated elastic compression stockings (GES) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and/or varicose veins of the lower limbs (VVLL) can depend of inappropriate counter pressure applied. Counter pressure was calculated by Doppler venous pressure index (VPI). The aim of this study was to verify the value VPI in the choice of GES. A total of 1212 LL of 606 patients subjected to VPI measurements VPI correlated with the various sites of reflux (R) and C of Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification. The difference between standing VPI the and normal values=counter pressure to be applied by GES. Questionnaire to 96 patients with CVI/VVLL wearing GES. Mean VPI values: greater saphenous (GSV)>smaller saphenous; GSV with isolated venous reflux (R) at the leg>GSV at the thigh; additional R in perforators increases VPI in all the districts; superficial R increases VPI in PT. Relation between VPI/C of CEAP: P<0.05-0.0001; 81/83/96 (97.5%) patients improved; 0 complained. R in GSV at the leg and in perforators increases VPI in deep veins. Few discrepancies VPI/CEAP can be expected. Standing VPI is highly predictive. The best choice of GES can be based on the VPI measurement.