Morphometric characteristics of competent proximal valves of the great saphenous vein and superficial femoral vein in vivo according to ultrasound angioscanning data

Abstract

Introduction. It seems relevant to study the ultrasound anatomy and physiology of the proximal valve segments of the superficial femoral vein (SFV) and the great saphenous vein (GSV) to develop effective reconstructive surgical interventions on venous valves in chronic vein diseases.The aim of the survey was to study the ultrasound anatomy of the venous wall, the size and shape of the proximal SFV and GSV valves are normal at rest and during the functional test Valsalva.Material and methods. Proximal valve SFV studies were performed in 144 lower limbs in 115 people (mean age 51.1 ± 14.4 years, 60 women and 55 men), proximal GSV valves studies - in 82 lower limbs in 67 persons (average age 45, 1 ± 13.3 years, 33 women, 34 men). A longitudinal and transverse ultrasound scanning of the femoral vein bifurcation and safenofemoral junction areas were performed, the structures of the proximal SFV and GSV valves were visualized, the valve shape was measured and the diameter of the veins was measured at the level valves at the base of the valves (inlet diameter), at the point of maximum ectasia (diameter of ectasia), at the upper border of the valve (diameter of the outlet), as well as measuring the length of the valve a (length to ectasia, the total length of the valve). The degree of ectasia over the valve was judged by calculating the relative venous diameter change (RVDC).Results. the average diameter of the SFV at the level of the lower boundary of its first valve was 10.01 ± 1.44 mm. The average diameter of the SFV at the level of the maximum ectasia of its first valve was 13,1±2 mm. The average value of the index of RVDC for SFV was 31%±10,4%. An increase in the diameter of the vein in the zone of supravalvular ectasia up to 20% corresponded to the spindle-shaped valve, more than 20% - to the clavate form, which was noted in the majority of the examined. The change in the relative venous diameter of the SFV on the Valsalva test was 38,2%±12,4%. The average diameter of the GSV at the base of the first valves was 6,07±1,25 mm. The average diameter of the GSV at the level of the maximum ectasia of the osteal valve was 9,44±1,69 mm. The average RVDC for GSV was 58%±24%.Conclusion. the natural form of proximal SFV and GSV valves is clavate with presence of the significant supravalvular ectasia, which was noted in the majority of the subjects alone and in all during the performance of the Valsalva functional test.