Venous Filling Index Research Articles

Noninvasive measurement of ambulatory venous pressure via column interruption duration in chronic venous disease

BackgroundColumn interruption duration (CID) is a noninvasive surrogate for venous refill time (VFT), a parameter used in ambulatory venous pressure measurement. CID is more accurate than invasive VFT measurement because it avoids errors involved with indirect access of the deep system through the dorsal foot vein. The aim of this retrospective single center study is to analyze the clinical usefulness of CID in assessment of chronic venous disease (CVD). MethodsA total of 1551 limbs (777 patients) were referred with CVD symptoms over a 5-year period (2018-2023); CID, air plethysmography, and duplex reflux data were analyzed. Of these limbs, 679 had supine venous pressure data as well. The pathology was categorized as obstruction if supine peripheral venous pressure was >11 mm Hg and as reflux if duplex reflux time in superficial or deep veins was >1 second. CID was measured via Doppler monitoring of flow in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and one of the paired posterior tibial (PT) veins near the ankle in the erect posture. The calf is emptied by rapid inflation cuff. CID is the time interval in seconds when cephalad venous flow in great saphenous vein and posterior tibial veins reappear after calf ejection. A CID <20 seconds in either vein is abnormal similar to the threshold used in VFT measurement. ResultsThirty-two percent of the limbs had obstruction, 17% had reflux, and 37% had a combination; 14% had neither. Higher clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical classes (C4-6) were prevalent in 44% of pure reflux, significantly less (P < .0001) than in pure obstruction (73%) or obstruction plus reflux subsets (72%), partly reflecting distribution of pathology. There is a progressive increase in supine venous pressure and abnormal CID (P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively) in successive CEAP clinical class. No such correlation between CEAP and any of the reflux severity grading methods (reflux segment score, Venous Filling Index, and Kistner axial grading) was observed. Abnormal CID (55%) was more prevalent in higher CEAP classes (>4) (P < .0001) than in lesser clinical classes (0-2) or limbs with neither obstruction nor reflux (P < .01). ConclusionsObstruction seems to be a more dominant pathology in clinical progression among CEAP clinical classes than reflux. CID is abnormal in both obstructive and refluxive pathologies and may represent a common end pathway for similar clinical manifestations (eg, ulcer). These data suggest a useful role for CID measurement in clinical assessment of limbs with CVD.

Analysis of the postoperative hemodynamic changes in varicose vein surgery related with small saphenous vein reflux.

To evaluate the postoperative hemodynamic changes in varicose vein surgery related with SSV reflux using APG. Totals of 181 limbs and 178 patients who underwent high ligation and stripping (HLS) (87 limbs), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (43 limbs), or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) (51 limbs) for SSV reflux from 1995 to 2022 were enrolled. We measured venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) preoperatively and at postoperative one and 6months. Comparing preoperative results to those at postoperative 1month, the reduction rates of VV, VFI, and RVF were 27, 53, and 31%, while EF increased by 18% (p < 0.001). Comparing preoperative and postoperative 6month, the reduction rates of VV, VFI, and RVF were 27, 45, and 35%, while EF increased by 27% (p < 0.001). There were hemodynamic improvement in the lower leg after varicose vein surgery including HLS, RFA, and EVLA.

Time Course of Leg Edema after Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation for Saphenous Varicose Veins

The objectives of the study were to quantitatively evaluate leg edema in patients undergoing endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for saphenous varicose veins using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and to elucidate the time course of leg edema after RFA. The data of 87 patients with 128 limbs undergoing RFA for saphenous varicose veins in Eniwa Midorino Clinic from April 2018 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Saphenous vein reflux was evaluated by duplex scan. Extracellular water/total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) of the leg was measured by BIA. Moderate to severe leg edema (ECW/TBW ≥ 0.400) was defined as significant leg edema. Venous reflux was evaluated as a venous filling index (VFI) using air plethysmography. BIA revealed that 26 legs (20.3%) had significant edema and 102 legs (79.7%) did not before RFA. The proportion of patients with significant leg edema increased significantly from preoperative to 1week after RFA (P<0.05) and decreased 1month after RFA (P<0.01). The ECW/TBW increased significantly from preoperative (0.393±0.008) to 1week after RFA (0.394±0.008, P<0.05), whereas it decreased significantly before or 1week to 1month after RFA (0.391±0.008, P<0.05). There was a significant, moderate correlation between the decrease of the VFI and that of ECW/TBW (r=0.34, P<0.001). This is the first study to quantitatively elucidate the time course of leg edema after RFA. Leg edema worsens one week after RFA, but it is improved one month after RFA, compared with that preoperatively.

Influence of Superficial Venous Ablation on Deep Venous Dilation and Reflux in Patients With Saphenous Varicose Veins.

To investigate the influence of superficial venous ablation on deep venous dilation and reflux in patients with saphenous varicose veins, and to elucidate the association between superficial venous reflux and deep venous morphology and hemodynamics. The data of 154 patients with 223 limbs, who underwent endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the great saphenous vein for primary varicose veins between September 2014 and March 2016 in Eniwa Midorino Clinic, were retrospectively analyzed. Overall venous hemodynamics of the leg, including functional venous volume (VV) and venous filling index (VFI), was assessed using air-plethysmography. Saphenous and deep vein reflux and diameter were evaluated with duplex scanning. Hemodynamic and morphologic changes were evaluated before and 1 month after RFA. The VV and VFI were significantly decreased in postoperative values than in preoperative values (P < .001). Limbs with deep venous reflux significantly decreased postoperatively than preoperatively (P < .001). There were significant differences in the diameter of the common femoral vein (CFV) and popliteal vein (PV) between the preoperative and postoperative values (P < .001). There were strong to moderate correlations between the VV and the diameter of the CFV or PV (CFV, r = 0.47, P < .001; PV, r = 0.35, P < .001), while there were moderate to weak correlations between the VFI and the diameter of the CFV or PV (CFV, r = 0.23, P < .001; PV, r = 0.33, P <.001). Superficial venous ablation significantly reduced deep venous dilation and reflux in patients with saphenous varicose veins. Significant correlations existed between the VV or VFI, which reflected superficial venous reflux, and the diameter of the deep veins. These findings reveal that volume overload due to superficial venous reflux is associated with deep venous morphology and hemodynamics.

Review of the plethysmographic methods for studying hemodynamic disorders in patients with chronic lower extremites venous diseases

Plethysmography as a method for studying peripheral circulatory system was first proposed by wletney in 1953. In Russia, the first most significant research studies on the feasibility of plethysmography in studying peripheral blood flow and circulatory physiology taken together were conducted at the St. Petersburg Pavlov Institute of Physiology in 1961. From this time onwards, the possibilities of plethysmography as a non-invasive objective method for the diagnosis of hemodynamic disorders, particularly in arterial pathology, were studied intensively. These parameters were not determined for the venous blood flow, but in 1980s the authors were able to establish plethysmographic criteria not only for various forms of venous pathology, but also for degrees of chronic venous insufficiency using a device significantly improved by V.N. Pavlov and V.E. Maslov.The purpose of this publication is to analyze the literature data on the use of aerial plethysmography and photoplethysmography in the study of hemodynamic disorders in patients with chronic diseases of the veins of the lower extremities. At present, in order to assess the venous blood flow in condition of air plethysmography, indicators of functional venous volume (VV), maximum venous outflow (MVO), venous filling index (VFI), evacuation volume (EV) and residual volume (RV), as well as an integral indicator – residual volume fraction (RVF) are determined in the world. A venous reflux test (VRT) is performed as part of photoplethysmography. The data published today show the high statistical reliability of the comparative analysis and the great scientific significance of the research. According to many foreign authors the use of plethysmographic methods of diagnosis allow to assess violations of venous blood flow in patients with chronic venous diseases of various clinical classes according to CEAP more precisely and to give a global assessment of disorders of the venous outflow from thrombotic occlusion of segmental to hypervolemia in patients with varicose veins in different forms of manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency. The analysis of the literature data allows to make a conclusion about the prospects of further research using these non-invasive methods of evaluation of venous blood flow in the lower extremities.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis of leg edema and its association with venous functions in patients with saphenous varicose veins.

To quantitatively evaluate edema of the lower legs in patients with saphenous varicose veins, and to determine the association between leg edema and venous hemodynamics of the lower legs. The data of 140 patients with saphenous varicose veins in Eniwa Midorino Clinic from April 2018 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition values, including Body Mass Index, extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) ratio of each leg, and skeletal muscle mass of each leg, were measured by segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Overall venous hemodynamics of the leg, including functional venous volume, venous filling index (VFI), and ejection fraction, were assessed using air-plethysmography. Saphenous and deep vein reflux were evaluated by duplex scan. A total of 140 patients (58 men and 82 women) with a mean age of 66.0 years (range, 21 to 84 years) were analyzed. On visual inspection, 204 legs had saphenous-type varicose veins, while 76 legs did not. The legs were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of leg edema, which was defined as ECW/TBW ≥0.390 and <0.390, respectively; 178 legs had leg edema and the remaining 102 legs had no leg edema. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences in age, sex, the presence of saphenous varicose veins, hypertension, and VFI between legs with edema and those without edema. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for leg edema detected age, female, and VFI as an independent risk factor for leg edema. Leg edema was objectively evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with saphenous varicose veins. Older age, female, and increased venous reflux were identified as independent risk factors for leg edema.

Comparison of Four Haemodynamic Tests that Quantify Superficial Venous Insufficiency

Objectives Reflux assessment with ultrasound (U/S) is usually qualitative. Quantitative measurements of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) include the venous arterial flow index (VAFI), recirculation index (RCI), venous filling index (VFI), and the postural diameter change (PDC) of the saphenous trunk. The aim was to investigate their relationship. Materials and methods This was an observational study performed on patients with varicose veins and hospital employees. Four haemodynamic parameters were measured in 21 legs from 16 subjects. Legs were divided into no reflux (n = 7) and reflux (n = 14). The VAFI is the U/S ratio of common femoral vein volume flow divided by the common femoral artery volume flow, performed supine. The RCI is the U/S ratio of reflux volume over antegrade volume within the saphenous trunk after calf compression, standing. The VFI is the rate of calf volume increase on dependency measured in mL/s, using air plethysmography. The PDC is the percentage reduction of the saphenous trunk diameter from standing to lying, using U/S. Results The clinical part of the CEAP classification was: C0 = 3, C1 = 4, C2 = 5, C3 = 1, C4a = 1, C4b = 6, C5 = 1. All four tests demonstrated significant differences between the two groups with minimal overlap (Mann Whitney U test): VAFI (p = .028), RCI (p Conclusions Superficial venous drainage insufficiency should not be confined to an U/S assessment of the presence of reflux, which is qualitative. Quantitative data may be provided using the VAFI, RCI, VFI, and PDC. Understanding why there are significant correlations among these parameters and the preferred objective reference test requires further work.

Comparison of Four Haemodynamic Tests that Quantify Superficial Venous Insufficiency

Reflux assessment with ultrasound (U/S) is usually qualitative. Quantitative measurements of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) include the venous arterial flow index (VAFI), recirculation index (RCI), venous filling index (VFI), and the postural diameter change (PDC) of the saphenous trunk. The aim was to investigate their relationship. This was an observational study performed on patients with varicose veins and hospital employees. Four haemodynamic parameters were measured in 21 legs from 16 subjects. Legs were divided into no reflux (n=7) and reflux (n=14). The VAFI is the U/S ratio of common femoral vein volume flow divided by the common femoral artery volume flow, performed supine. The RCI is the U/S ratio of reflux volume over antegrade volume within the saphenous trunk after calf compression, standing. The VFI is the rate of calf volume increase on dependency measured in mL/s, using air plethysmography. The PDC is the percentage reduction of the saphenous trunk diameter from standing to lying, using U/S. The clinical part of the CEAP classification was: C0=3, C1=4, C2=5, C3=1, C4a=1, C4b=6, C5=1. All four tests demonstrated significant differences between the two groups with minimal overlap (Mann Whitney U test): VAFI (p=.028), RCI (p<.0005), VFI (p=.001), and PDC (p=.014). Furthermore, significant correlations were observed with the tests: VAFI vs. RCI (r=.532, p=.015), VFI (r=.489, p=.025) and PDC (r=-.474, p=.030); RCI vs. VFI (r=.446, p=.043) and PDC (r=-.527, p=.014). Superficial venous drainage insufficiency should not be confined to an U/S assessment of the presence of reflux, which is qualitative. Quantitative data may be provided using the VAFI, RCI, VFI, and PDC. Understanding why there are significant correlations among these parameters and the preferred objective reference test requires further work.

The Discord Outcome Analysis (DOA) as a Reporting Standard at Three Months and Five Years in Randomised Varicose Vein Treatment Trials

Treatment success for chronic superficial venous insufficiency could be defined as an improvement in three domains: (i) disease specific quality of life, (ii) clinical severity, (iii) reflux. The aim was to report these at five years using a Venn diagram to profile the outcomes: a discord outcome analysis (DOA). Patients (n=50 patients/legs in each treated group) were randomised to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with concurrent phlebectomies vs. ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). Outcomes were assessed using three domains: (i) Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ), (ii) venous clinical severity score (VCSS), (iii) venous filling index (VFI) of air plethysmography. Change scores were calculated by subtracting the final score after treatment from the baseline score before treatment to quantify the improvement. This was followed by a DOA profile for each patient where a discord was defined as the percentage of patients with a numerical deterioration in one or two domains. The median [interquartile range] follow up was 68 [64-72] months. Follow up in all three domains was EVLA: 45/50, UGFS: 42/50. On ultrasound examination, GSV occlusion at some point above the knee was 93% for EVLA and 64% for UGFS (p=.001). There was no significant difference in improvement between the two treatment groups in the VCSS and the VFI. However, the EVLA group had a statistically significant AVVQ improvement (p=.004). Using a DOA, only 76% EVLA versus 60% UGFS had success in all three domains. Using improvement thresholds, this reduced to 54% and 39%, respectively. The commonest discord pattern was an improvement in the VCSS and VFI but deterioration in the AVVQ. A DOA demonstrated that the definition of success is reduced if deterioration in one or two domains is taken into account. A DOA should be considered as a reporting standard for comparative analyses.

The Duration of Post-operative Compression Therapy Based on the Correlation between Venous Filling Index and Body Mass Index in Operated Varices

The Duration of Post-operative Compression Therapy Based on the Correlation between Venous Filling Index and Body Mass Index in Operated Varices

Effect of graduated compression stockings on venous lower limb hemodynamics in healthy amateur runners.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of graduated compression stockings (GCS) on venous lower limb hemodynamics in healthy amateur runners. Ten runners were evaluated during rest and after a 10-km run without and with knee-high GCS of 20 to 30mm Hg. Air plethysmography evaluated venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction, and residual volume fraction (RVF) in both limbs. Capillary lactate level and heart rate were also measured. Right VFI was 1.38mL/s during rest, 1.98mL/s without compression, and 1.32mL/s with compression (P= .006). Left VFI was 1.35mL/s during rest, 1.64mL/s without compression, and 1.21mL/s with compression (P= .006). In both limbs, ejection fraction was not different in the three situations. Right RVF was 22.35% during rest, 19.40% without compression, and 10.50% with compression (P= .006). Left RVF was similar in all situations. Capillary lactate level increased in runners without compression (P= .004) but kept stable in those wearing compression. The difference between after-run and before-run capillary lactate levels was similar in runners with and without compression. Rest, peak, and after-run heart rates were similar in runners with and without compression. Healthy amateur runners had associated hemodynamic improvements when wearing knee-high GCS of 20 to 30mm Hg during a 10-km treadmill run. VFI dropped in both limbs and RVF dropped at least in the right limb. There was no positive effect on calf muscle pump; capillary lactate variation; or rest, peak, and after-run heart rates.

Reappraisal of the Utility of the Tilt-table in the Investigation of Venous Disease†

Without gravity opposing drainage, most venous diseases would not exist. Therefore, manoeuvres that assess venous function should include gravity. The aim was to "dose" gravity in subjects using static positions and dynamic angulations on a tilt-table and to assess its effects with air plethysmography (APG) and duplex ultrasound over the femoral vein. Three groups (providing n=11 legs each) were compared. (a) A control group, without clinical or duplex evidence of venous disease. (b) An obstruction group, with past iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. (3) A reflux group, with primary varicose veins. A manually operated tilt-table ranging from -70° to 40° in the Trendelenburg position provided rapid tilting (<3s). The changes in calf volume at -70° (almost standing), -45° (reclining), and 40° (legs-up) were recorded with APG, as well as the rate and duration of the changes. The minor diameter of the femoral vein was recorded at the three tilt positions. The results were expressed as median (interquartile range). The total working venous volume (mL) in the reflux group was significantly increased: 202 (180-240)mL versus the controls at 138 (119-198)mL, p=.008, and versus the legs with obstruction at 117 (80-154)mL, p<.0005. The venous drainage index (VDI) in mL/second in the obstructed group was significantly reduced: 7 (6-9.6)mL/second, versus the controls at 17.4 (13.9-27.2)mL/second, p<.0005, and versus the legs with varicose veins at 28.1 (25.4-34.4)mL/second, p<.0005. The venous filling index (VFI) in mL/second in the reflux group was significantly increased: 8.1 (4.2-10)mL/second versus the controls at 1.8 (1-2.1)mL/second, p<.0005. The VDI cut-off point discriminating obstruction was ≤10.8mL/second and the VFI discriminating reflux was ≥ 2.9mL/second. The femoral vein diameter was reduced significantly with increasing leg elevation. Manoeuvres using APG on a tilt-table have the potential to quantify the contributions of global obstruction and reflux (mL/second) in patients with venous disease.

Venous hemodynamic improvement after endovenous radiofrequency ablation of saphenous varicose veins.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a viable treatment option for patients with saphenous varicose veins. The purpose of our study was to assess venous hemodynamic change before and after RFA by using air plethysmography (APG). We prospectively analyzed the data of consecutive 91 patients with 124 limbs who underwent RFA for primary varicose veins. Overall venous hemodynamics of the limb was assessed using APG. The Venous Filling Index (VFI) was determined as a measure of reflux (normal range, <2 mL). Duplex scanning were performed to evaluate saphenous vein occlusion, deep venous thrombus and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT). The VFI were significantly reduced from 4.1±3.1 preoperatively to 1.4±1.0, 1.3±0.8 and 1.4±1.2 at 1 week, 1 month and 4 month postoperatively, respectively. The percentage of the VFI >2 mL/s was 77% preoperatively, while it significantly decreased to 17%, 16%, and 18% at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 month postoperatively, respectively. Duplex scanning showed 100% of saphenous vein occlusion and no significant EHIT II-IV. Correction or significant improvement of venous reflux was achieved by RFA. Together with duplex scanning findings, RFA is a safe and hemodynamically effective treatment for varicose veins.

Postoperative hemodynamic changes after endovenous laser ablation and phlebectomy in varicose vein surgery.

This study was designed to examine postoperative venous hemodynamic changes at 1 and 6 months after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and phlebectomy for primary great saphenous varicose veins. We retrospectively analyzed 116 limbs from 102 patients who were treated with EVLA from 2011 to 2013 at Samsung Medical Center. Venous hemodynamic changes were evaluated by air plethysmography preoperatively and at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. The measured hemodynamic changes included venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), residual volume fraction (RVF), and ejection fraction (EF). The study included 52 limbs from men (44.8%) and 64 limbs from women (55.2%; male/female ratio, 1:1.23). The mean age of the patients was 54.8 ± 12.3 years. The preoperative median values were VV of 99.1 mL, VFI of 3.6 mL/s, RVF of 39.2%, and EF of 55.5%. The 1-month and 6-month postoperative median values were VV of 77.6 and 75.5 mL, VFI of 1.4 and 1.5 mL/s, RVF of 32.5% and 26.4%, and EF of 60.5% and 66.2%, respectively. The postoperative reduction rates between preoperative and 1-month measurements for VV, VFI, and RVF were 18.6%, 63.9%, and 22.2%, and the increase in EF was 7.9%. (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, P = .043). Comparing 1-month and 6-month measurements, the reduction rates of VV and RVF were 1.9% and 15%, and the increase rates of VFI and EF were 3.2% and 7.6%, respectively. EF was significantly increased at 6 months compared with 1 month after EVLA (P = .013), but the other parameters showed no statistically significant differences between 1 month and 6 months after EVLA. This study demonstrated that the venous hemodynamic parameters of primary varicose veins improved after performance of EVLA and phlebectomy.

Validation of the Villalta scale in assessing post-thrombotic syndrome using clinical, duplex, and hemodynamic comparators.

The Villalta scale (VS) was developed by Prandoni and introduced as an abstract in 1994 as a disease-specific assessment questionnaire to diagnose and classify the severity of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). While validation using quality-of-life assessments and reproducibility have been reported as good, limited data exist as how the VScompares against generalized assessment tests in defining the severity of PTS. The aim of this study was to compare the VS against the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), the C of the CEAP classification, the Venous Segmental Disease Score (VSDS), and the Venous Filling Index (VFI) of air plethysmography. Baseline data generated from a recent single-center prospective clinical trial comparing graduated elastic compression stocking performance on 40 legs in 34 patients with PTS were analyzed. Ancillary data from this study wereused to assess the measurement properties of the VS. All the legs had PTS defined as persisting leg symptoms/signs atleast 6 months after a deep vein thrombosis with evidence of deep venous obstruction and/or deep venous reflux on duplex ultrasound. Unadjusted VS scores were used so patients with ulceration with a VS<15 were not automatically upgraded to a score of15. The number of legs by the C part of the CEAP classification was: C0= 2, C2= 1, C3= 3, C4a= 12, C4b= 7, C5=12, and C6= 3. The median (interquartile range) of age, VS, VCSS, VSDS, and VFI were 62 years (52-73 years), 10 (5-14), 8 (5-10), 5 (4-6.5), and 4.9 (2.8-7.9) mL/s, respectively. The VS had a highly significant and moderate-to-good correlation (Spearman) with the VCSS (r= .609; P<.0005) and the C ofCEAP (r= .556, P< .0005). Whenthe VFI was used as a hemodynamic benchmark, the VScorrelation outperformed the other assessment tests (r=.499; P= .001). However, the VCSS correlation with the VFIwas also significant (r= .480; P= .002). Surprisingly, the VSDS did not correlate with any assessment tests. No correlation could be detected within the VS between patient symptoms and their clinical signs. Correlations between the VS and the VCSS (r=.775) and C class (r=.779) improvedwhen the VS patient-reported part was excluded. These results indicate that the VCSS and the C of CEAP may also be useful in the assessment of PTS severity, and the VFI may provide a clinically meaningful hemodynamic evaluation. However, using the VFI as a reference, there was no essential difference between the VS and the VCSS.

Relationship between Arterial Inflow Rate and Venous Filling Index of the Lower Extremities Assessed by Air Plethysmography in Subjects with or without Axial Reflux in the Great Saphenous Vein.

To evaluate the relationship between arterial inflow rate (AIR) and venous filling index (VFI) in limbs with or without varicose veins, assessed by air plethysmography (APG). A total of 142 patients (142 limbs) visiting our clinic with leg complaints, but without arterial and venous disease, were defined as the normal group (NG), and 65 patients (65 limbs) with leg varices were defined as the varicose vein group (VG). Both groups underwent duplex ultrasonography and APG to identify venous reflux and measure hemodynamic parameters, respectively. Examinations were performed at the first visit in the NG and before and one month after treatment in the VG. A strong correlation between resting AIR and VFI was found in the NG (r = 0.72) and postoperative VG (r = 0.71). Twenty-two and three limbs in the NG and postoperative VG, respectively, had a VFI over 2.0 mL/s because of the high AIR. In the VG, AIR tended to decrease after treatment (P >0.01). High leg AIR lead to high VFI measured by APG. AIR and VFI should be measured at the same session to assess venous hemodynamic changes after varicose vein treatment when residual venous reflux cannot be diagnosed with duplex ultrasonography.

A prospective study of venous hemodynamics and quality of live at least five years after varicose vein stripping

To assess venous hemodynamics and quality of life at lest five years after varicose vein stripping. We conducted a prospective study with 39 patients (63 limbs) with primary lower limbs varicose veins. Preoperatively, all patients were subjected to clinical evaluation, duplex ultrassound, air plethysmography (APG), and CIVIQ questionnaire of quality of life. By APG, venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) were determined. CIVIQ addresses four domains in course of 20 questions, including states of physical, social, and psychological well-being, and pain level. Varicose veins were treated by standard venous stripping. At least five years after surgery (77.9 ± 10.9 months), patients were reassessed and had clinical examination, duplex ultrasound, APG, and CIVIQ repeated. No late follow-up data was available for 24 patients. Preoperative and late postoperative VFI levels were similar, whereas EF (P=0.05) and RVF (P=0.01), as hemodynamic variables, significantly improved following surgery. In the late postoperative period, overall CIVIQ scores were significantly lower (P=0.005), as were scores in all four domains: pain (P=0.001), physical (P=0.007), social (P=0.008), and psychological (P= 0.05). In a small prospective cohort, improvements in venous hemodynamics and in quality of life of patients submitted to standard varicose veins stripping were maintained five years after the procedure.

Deep venous reflux definitions and associated clinical and physiological significance.

Deep venous reflux (DVR) is often a poorly defined clinical entity. The extent of DVR that must occur for it to be clinically and hemodynamically important is not clear and is usually confounded by the presence of superficial venous reflux. This study aims to investigate the effect of the extent of DVR on clinical and hemodynamic parameters while controlling for the presence of superficial reflux. We performed a cross-sectional study, using a prospectively designed data set obtained from patients presenting to a vascular laboratory for lower limb venous assessment. Age, gender, duplex ultrasound assessment of the deep and superficial systems, CEAP clinical class, and venous filling index (VFI) measurements were obtained. A classification of axial DVR is described, based on the level of continuous reflux occurring in the vertical axis as detected by duplex ultrasound: axial 0 (no deep reflux), axial 1 (common femoral vein only), axial 2 (to any level of the femoral vein), axial 3 (to the level of the popliteal vein), and axial 4 (into the calf veins) A subset of segmental reflux is also defined. This study included 3122 limbs from 2349 subjects. Limbs with increasing axial level were more likely to have CEAP 4-6 (axial 0: 294 [37.2%]; axial 1: 520 [41.6%]; axial 2: 82 [41.2%]; axial 3: 92 [59.7%]; axial 4: 148 [64.9%], P value fortrend<.0001). This relationship remained highly significant following adjustment for superficial reflux and demographic variables. Compared with limbs with no DVR, the adjusted odds ratio for having CEAP 4-6 was 2.10 (1.25-3.51; P<.0048) for limbs with axial level 3 and 3.07 (1.94-4.88, P<.0001) for limbs with axial level 4. Similarly after adjustment, predicted mL/s increases in VFI were significant (P<.0001) for level 1 (1.19 [1.08-1.31]), level 3 (1.53 [1.31-1.78]), and level 4 (1.74 [1.51-1.95]). Segmental reflux, when extensive, also contributed to the risk of more severe disease. Deep axial reflux to the level of the knee and calf is associated with more severe venous disease and greater VFI, independently of reflux in the superficial system. A system of classification of DVR is recommended.

Reflux time estimation on air-plethysmography may stratify patients with early superficial venous insufficiency

It has been suggested that quantification of haemodynamic parameters of venous disease may complement clinical assessment and may help identify a group of patients with severe venous disease or alternatively patients with early venous disease. However, there has been very little work to prove this hypothesis. The venous filling index (VFI) of air-plethysmography (APG) can quantify severity and treatment effect but has limited discriminatory value. However, the components of the VFI, total venous volume (VV) and time to reach 90% of VV (VFT90), have never been fully studied. The aim was to investigate the contribution of VV and VFT90 to an elevated VFI and determine their relationship to great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter and clinical severity scoring. Ninety-three consecutive patients/legs (22-78 years) with primary GSV reflux (>0.5 seconds) awaiting endovenous treatment were recruited. CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) assessments were: 33 (35.5%) C₂, 14 (15.0%) C₃, 29 (31.2%) C4a, 5 (5.4%) C4b, 7 (7.5%) C₅ and 5 (5.4%) C₆. The median venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was 6 (2-20) and the averaged GSV diameter at three sites was 7.5 mm (4-12). The VFI, VV and VFT90 were recorded using APG. There was no correlation between the VV and the VFT90 (r = -0.103, P = 0.324). The VFI, VV and VFT90 significantly correlated (P < 0.0005, Spearman) with the GSV diameter: r = 0.623, r = 0.567, r = -0.432, respectively, and the C of CEAP (P < 0.05): r = 0.4, r = 0.225, r = -0.343, respectively. None of the 25 (26.9%) patients with a VFT90 > 25 seconds were among the 17 (18.3%) patients in categories C4b-6 or with a VCSS > 9 (P = 0.005, Fisher's exact test, corrected odds ratio: 17.3). The VFT90 complements the VFI as a marker of severe superficial venous insufficiency. However, in contrast to the VFI, it may have discriminatory value in stratifying patients with early disease into two groups based on the severity of haemodynamic impairment.

Compression stockings significantly improve hemodynamic performance in post-thrombotic syndrome irrespective of class or length

Graduated elastic compression (GEC) stockings have been demonstrated to reduce the morbidity associated with post-thrombotic syndrome. The ideal length or compression strength required to achieve this is speculative and related to physician preference and patient compliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of four different stockings and determine the patient's preference. Thirty-four consecutive patients (40 legs, 34 male) with post-thrombotic syndrome were tested with four different stockings (Mediven plus open toe, Bayreuth, Germany) of their size in random order: class 1 (18-21 mm Hg) and class II (23-32 mm Hg), below-knee (BK) and above-knee thigh-length (AK). The median age, Venous Clinical Severity Score, Venous Segmental Disease Score, and Villalta scale were 62 years (range, 31-81 years), 8 (range, 1-21), 5 (range, 2-10), and 10 (range, 2-22), respectively. The C of C0-6EsAs,d,pPr,o was C0 = 2, C2 = 1, C3 = 3, C4a = 12, C4b = 7, C5 = 12, C6 = 3. Obstruction and reflux was observed on duplex in 47.5% legs, with deep venous reflux alone in 45%. Air plethysmography was used to measure the venous filling index (VFI), venous volume, and time to fill 90% of the venous volume. Direct pressure measurements were obtained while lying and standing using the PicoPress device (Microlab Elettronica, Nicolò, Italy). The pressure sensor was placed underneath the test stocking 5 cm above and 2 cm posterior to the medial malleolus. At the end of the study session, patients stated their preferred stocking based on comfort. The VFI, venous volume, and time to fill 90% of the venous volume improved significantly with all types of stocking versus no compression. In class I, the VFI (mL/s) improved from a median of 4.9 (range, 1.7-16.3) without compression to 3.7 (range, 0-14) BK (24.5%) and 3.6 (range, 0.6-14.5) AK (26.5%). With class II, the corresponding improvement was to 4.0 (range, 0.3-16.2) BK (18.8%) and 3.7 (range, 0.5-14.2) AK (24.5%). Median stocking pressure (mm Hg) as measured with the PicoPress in class I was 23 (range, 12-33) lying and 27 (range, 19-39) standing (P < .0005) and in class II was 28 (range, 21-40) lying and 32 (range, 23-46) standing (P < .0005). There was a significant but weak correlation (Spearman) between stocking interface pressure measured directly with the PicoPress and the VFI improvement (baseline VFI-compression VFI) at r = .237; P = .005. Twenty-one patients (legs) changed their preference of compression and 38% of these (8/21 patients, 9/21 legs) preferred an AK-GEC stocking. Compression significantly improved all hemodynamic parameters on air plethysmography. However, the hemodynamic benefit did not significantly change with the class or length of stocking. These results support the liberal selection of a GEC stocking based on patient preference.