Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery in treating primary varicose veins in the lower limbs by photoplethysmography (PPG) and duplex mapping (DM). Method. Forty-eight lower limbs were clinically evaluated according to the CEAP classification system and subjected to PPG and DM exams. Each limb had a venous refill time (VRT) of <20 seconds and a normal deep vein system (DVS) by DM. Results. The mean pre- and postoperative VRTs were 13.79 and 26.43 seconds, respectively (P < 0.0001). After surgery, 42 limbs (87.50%) had normal results by PPG (VRT > 20 seconds). Four limbs (8.33%) showed improved VRTs, but the VRTs did not reach 20 seconds. In the 2 limbs (4.17%) that maintained their original VRTs, the DM exams showed the presence of insufficient perforating veins. Conclusion. In most cases, PPG allows for a satisfactory evaluation of the outcome of varicose vein surgery.
Highlights
Most vascular surgical centres use a clinical exam to evaluate patients undergoing surgery for varicose veins
Four limbs showed an improvement in venous refill time (VRT), but the VRT did not reach 20 seconds
Two limbs showed no postoperative improvement in the VRT
Summary
Most vascular surgical centres use a clinical exam to evaluate patients undergoing surgery for varicose veins. When carefully performed, this exam always diagnoses chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). To ensure uniformity in the diagnostic and evaluation records for different modes of treatment, the Society for Vascular Surgery and the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery have proposed the CEAP classification for universal use, which covers the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Physiopathological aspects. In individuals with VI, a clinical evaluation of the limbs does not identify the systems involved or their anatomical levels [5, 6], and it cannot provide sufficient and fundamental information for choosing a surgical technique [7]. The clinical exam can be subjective and may not allow a quantitative evaluation of the surgical result
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
