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Reproducibility of dorsal hand vein responses to phenylephrine and prostaglandin F2 alpha using the dorsal hand vein compliance method.

Assessment of drug-induced venodilation by the dorsal hand vein compliance method requires stable constriction of the vein. This study was designed to investigate intra- and intersubject reproducibility of the venous preconstriction technique in response to phenylephrine and prostaglandin F2 alpha and to determine the influence of basal vein size. Twelve healthy male nonsmokers participated in a prospective cross-over study. Inter- and intrasubject variability was tested in response to phenylephrine and PGF2 alpha on different study days in the same hand vein. The dose of the respective constrictor causing approximately 80% constriction of the vein (ED80) was determined and infused for another 100 minutes. Actual vein size was measured every 5 minutes. Coefficient of variation and regression analyses were performed to analyze influence of vessel size on ED80 of the respective constrictor. Adjusted constriction levels were stable and well reproducible in all subjects. The intersubject coefficient of variation of ED80 ranged from 0.9% to 6.7% for phenylephrine and from 0.9% to 6.9% for PGF2 alpha. Whereas responses to phenylephrine were independent of basal vein diameter, there was a positive correlation between ED80 of PGF2 alpha and basal vein size. Thus, the hand vein compliance method is a suitable method to study dilatory responses in phenylephrine- or PGF2 alpha-constricted veins with considerable interindividual but small intraindividual variability. However, in such studies, phenylephrine appears to be a more reliable tool than PGF2 alpha.

Adult↗

The relative importance of incompetent communicating veins in the production of varicose veins and venous ulcers.

To investigate the possible anatomic and hemodynamic reasons for the variability in response to surgery for venous insufficiency (a 50% ulcer recurrence rate following ligation of incompetent perforating veins), we performed phlebography and venous pressure measurements in 109 legs of 77 patients and in 30 healthy volunteers. Patients were divided into five groups: saphenofemoral incompetence alone (group 1), saphenopopliteal incompetence (group 2), incompetent lower leg communicating veins alone (group 3), calf communicating veins and saphenous incompetence (group 4), and postthrombotic limbs (group 5). Patients in groups 1 through 4 had phlebographically normal deep veins. As compared to the normal controls (68%), preoperative pressure measurements revealed a significantly smaller pressure fall during exercise (deltaVPex) in all groups, which was the least marked in groups 3 (26%) and 5 (17%). These latter two groups failed to increase their pressure fall with thigh tourniquet. deltaVPex 3 months after operation demonstrated normalization in groups 1, 2, and 4 (52%, 57% and 59% respectively). Groups 3 and 5 improved little following surgical ligation. Whenever saphenous vein incompetence coexists with lower leg communicating vein incompetence, the former appears to be the dominant cause of the pressure abnormalities. Based on venous pressure measurements and phlebography, patients with normal deep veins and who increase their deltaVPex with a thigh tourniquet should respond favourably to orthodox surgical ligation of the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction. By contrast, if no change in deltaVPex is noted in patients with incompetent perforating veins and the deep veins look abnormal on the phlebogram, then ligation of the incompetent communicating veins would appear to be associated with a high recurrence rate.

Adult↗

Heterogeneity of beta-adrenoceptor in canine veins: comparison among the facial, portal and saphenous veins.

A study was made on the characteristics of beta-adrenoceptors in the isolated canine facial, portal and saphenous veins. Ring segments of the facial and saphenous veins and longitudinal strips of the portal vein were suspended in tissue baths containing Krebs solution oxygenated and maintained at 37 degrees C. They were moderately contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha before examining their relaxation responses. The facial and saphenous veins fully relaxed to isoproterenol, while the portal vein relaxed to a small extent (20% of maximum relaxation) even in the presence of an alpha-adrenoceptor blockade. In contrast, both forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, and membrane-permeable dibutyryl cyclic AMP similarly relaxed all the veins studied. Thus, the reduction of coupling between beta-adrenoceptors and the adenylate cyclase system may be involved in the decreased responsiveness of the portal vein to beta-adrenoceptor agonists. In addition, analyses of beta-adrenoceptor agonism and antagonism, using selective (beta 1: T-1583, beta 2: procaterol) and non-selective (isoproterenol) agonists as well as selective (beta 1: atenolol, beta 2: ICI 118,551) and non-selective (propranolol) antagonists, confirmed that beta-adrenoceptors in the canine facial vein are not homogeneous, with the beta 1-subtype predominating over the beta 2-subtype, and that the canine saphenous vein has a homogeneous population of the beta 2-subtype, as reported in the other species.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Combination Sclerotherapy for Exceptionally Large Varicose Veins: One Method of Preserving the Greater Saphenous Vein for Future Grafts.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of exceptionally large varicose veins, i.e., >2.0 cm in diameter, is achievable, and should be the method of choice if one wishes to preserve the greater saphenous vein as a source for future bypass grafts. There is an increasing propensity toward microphlebectomy when treating varicose veins in America today. And, there is a corresponding reluctance to perform sclerotherapy, especially when dealing with the larger varices. The following are possible reasons for these decisions: 1. Unsatisfactory sclerotherapy results obtained by the clinician; 2. A belief that sclerotherapy is not useful for large veins; 3. A belief that only ligation and stripping or microphlebectomy can eliminate these huge veins; 4. Unsatisfactory scarring from stripping procedures; and/or 5. Difficulty in obtaining third-party reimbursement for sclerotherapy. Once deep vein pathology has been ruled out, sclerotherapy can be a successful treatment for any large vein. The second caveat is that significant saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux (>1 second) must be eliminated prior to sclerotherapy; the author feels this should be accomplished surgically, not with sclerotherapy. With large varices, if the SFJ is competent then there is most likely a responsible perforator that must either be ligated and/or injected with sclerosant. Less frequently the short saphenous may be involved, and in these cases there are several alternatives, i.e., sclerotherapy or ligation and stripping of the short saphenous vein. Finally, but of great importance, ligation and stripping the greater saphenous vein in order to eliminate the varices that are merely branches of it, creates an unacceptable loss of potential bypass grafts for future CAD patients. This, alone, is reason enough to promote sclerotherapy for very large varicose veins. The author presents two enormous varices that were successfully treated with combination sclerotherapy, with a detailed description of the method utilized. </hea

Journal Article↗

Vein wall remodeling after deep vein thrombosis involves matrix metalloproteinases and late fibrosis in a mouse model.

HYPOTHESIS: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) confers vein wall injury associated with fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, likely mediated by matrix proteases. This study investigated the expression of proteases and collagen involved in early vein wall remodeling. METHODS: In the mouse, DVT was produced by ligation of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) or sham operation, and tissue was harvested at 4, 8, and 12 days. The vein wall tissue was processed for real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (6 to 8 per time point), Western immunoblotting (5 per time point), and gelatin zymography (5 per time point). Analysis of variance was used for multiple comparisons, and a P < .05 was significant. RESULTS: Thrombus resolution was documented by a 38% decrease in the thrombosed IVC weight from day 4 to day 12 (P = .007). Total vein wall collagen increased over time, with a corresponding increase in procollagen I and III, and expression peaked at 12 days (24-fold and 6.1-fold, respectively, P < .02). Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene expression was 23-fold greater at 12 days after thrombus formation compared with sham or 4 days after thrombosis (P < .05). Total MMP-2 activity was also significantly elevated at 12 days compared with sham (P < .05). MMP-9 expression was 19-fold and 27-fold higher at days 4 and 8, respectively, relative to sham (P < .05), with no difference in activity. MMP-14 expression was twofold to 3.6-fold greater at day 12 compared with earlier time points and shams (P < .001), but no differences in protein levels were found. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) protein levels were not significantly different from sham over time; however, the ratio of uPA to PAI-1 was decreased through 8 days. CONCLUSIONS: Vein wall remodeling after DVT is similar to wound healing and is associated with increased procollagen gene expression and total collagen. It is also associated with increased early MMP-9 expression, followed by MMP-2 expression and activity after DVT resolution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Deep vein thrombosis is an often neglected problem that long term is associated with the postphlebitic syndrome of limb swelling, pain, and often ulceration. The basic mechanisms of the vein wall damage that results have not been delineated. The following study describes the vein wall matrix metalloproteinase gene and activity response induced over time in the vein wall after DVT. Additionally, the corresponding collagen upregulation and proximate plasmin system mediators are determined. With this knowledge, potential therapies to reduce vein wall injury directly might be possible.

Animals↗

[Histological evidences of using human external jugular vein to reconstruct carotid artery: a comparative study with greater saphenous vein].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the histological architecture of human external jugular vein and greater saphenous vein and to determine the feasibility of using autogenous external jugular vein for reconstruction of carotid artery defects. METHODS: Specimens of 3 external jugular veins and greater saphenous vein and 1 segment of common carotid artery resected due to involvement of malignant tumor were available. The specimens were subjected to HE staining and examined under light microscopy. In addition, elastic fiber stain and Smactin stain were conducted to detect the amount and location of the elastic fibers and smooth muscles in the venous specimens. RESULTS: The smooth muscle cells in external jugular vein and greater saphenous vein were different both in amount and orientation of arrangement. There were more smooth muscle cells in the tunica media of the external jugular vein arranged circumferentially, while in greater saphenous vein, the smooth muscle cells were mainly located in the adventitia and arranged longitudinally. There were fewer elastic fibers in the venous walls. CONCLUSION: Histologically, it seemed more reasonable to reconstruct the carotid artery with external jugular vein.

English Abstract↗

Hepatic vein reconstruction by external iliac vein graft using vascular clips.

The utility of hepatic vein reconstruction following resection of segments VII and VIII plus the right hepatic vein (RHV) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the surgical benefits of hepatic vein reconstruction using stapled vascular clips and the draining area of hepatic vein using angiographic computed tomography (CT) to determine strict indications for hepatic vein reconstruction. Five patients underwent RHV reconstruction by external iliac vein graft using stapled vascular clips (VCS clips) following resection of segments VII and VIII, regardless of whether an inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) was present. In eight other patients CT during arterial portography (CTAP) under temporary RHV occlusion using a balloon catheter was performed to determine the drainage area of the RHV. Operating times were 240 to 400 minutes (mean 336 +/- 59 minutes), and the mean hepatic vein reconstruction time was 26 +/- 5 minutes. There were no complications related to the surgery. Follow-up examinations showed patency of the graft in all cases; three patients are still alive with long-term graft patency of 10 to 24 months. CTAP under RHV occlusion demonstrated that segment VI and part of segment V were almost hypoattenuated in cases of absent or small IRHV, although those segments were hyperattenuated in thick IRHV and RHV-IRHV communicating patients. In conclusion, this anastomotic technique using vascular clips resulted in sound patency of the graft, which was accomplished by a simple technique. Preoperative CT AP with the RHV occlusion method can be useful for determining whether hepatic vein reconstruction is necessary.

Aged↗

Comparison of platelet adherence and aggregation in modified human umbilical vein and autogenous vein grafts.

The use of glutaraldehyde-tanned human umbilical vein as a vascular conduit has recently become popular. In previous studies in our laboratory, neointimal fibrous hyperplasia was responsible for poor long-term patency of this material in a canine model. The present study was undertaken to compare the platelet-adhering characteristics of autogenous vein and modified human umbilical vein. After platelets were labelled with chromium-51, 10 mongrel dogs underwent bilateral end-to-side femoral artery bypass grafts. Human umbilical vein and autogenous jugular vein were placed in opposing groins of each dog. Two hours after graft implantation, the animals were killed and the grafts retrieved along with 1 cm of the host artery at each anastomosis. These specimens and an aliquot of blood were placed in a scintillation counter and radioactivity levels were determined. The human umbilical vein had significantly more platelet adherence than the autogenous veins as determined by counts per gram per 10 minutes. The handling characteristics of human umbilical vein were also suboptimal. Separation of the graft layers was occasionally observed, sometimes resulting in intramural hematomas and graft dissection. The previously reported poor performance of human umbilical vein in the canine model is most likely a result of its platelet-adhering surface and poor handling characteristics.

Animals↗

Retinal vein cannulation with prolonged infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for the treatment of experimental retinal vein occlusion in dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of local thrombolytic agents directly injected into occluded retinal veins in an experimental animal model. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. METHODS: This experimental study was performed in two phases. In phase 1, 15 enucleated porcine eyes and 8 in vivo canine eyes were used for the development of the instrumentation and surgical technique required for retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular infusion. In phase 2 of this study, experimental branch retinal vein occlusion was photo-chemically created using an intravenous injection of rose bengal followed by diode laser photocoagulation in eight eyes of eight dogs. Four eyes were treated by retinal vein cannulation and an injection of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) using a specifically designed microcatheter, while the remaining four eyes were untreated (control group). The total amount of t-PA injected intravenously ranged from 400 to 1000 mug, infused over a period ranging from 25 to 45 minutes with a mean pressure of 40 psi, resulting in a mean injection flow rate of 0.05 ml/min. The dogs underwent clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and histologic examination. Main outcome measures were: Achievement of prolonged intravascular infusion of t-PA, changes in fundus appearance, fluorescein angiography, and histology. RESULTS: A microcatheter instrument and a surgical technique for retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular infusion were developed. Cannulation and t-PA infusion for a period of at least 30 minutes was achieved in all four treated eyes with experimental branch retinal vein occlusion. No complications were recorded in all treated eyes. One week and 1 month postoperatively, treated eyes exhibited marked decreases in retinal hemorrhages, retinal vein dilation, and tortuosity, whereas nontreated eyes exhibited persistence of these findings. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated improved circulatory flow in treated relative to nontreated eyes. Histologic analysis confirmed the presence of thrombi in nontreated eyes only. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular injection of t-PA is feasible and safe, and this may offer a new treatment option for retinal vein occlusion.

Animals↗

The role of splenomesenteric vein anastomosis after division of the splenic vein in pancreatoduodenectomy.

Division of the splenic vein was performed in 29 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy to achieve lymph node dissection and neural resection around the superior mesenteric artery. The basic protocol for the splenic vein reconstruction to reduce congestion of the spleen and stomach is as follows. When the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) drained into the splenic vein, the confluence was preserved without reconstruction of the splenic vein. When the IMV drained into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) or the splenomesenteric angle, the division of the IMV and spleno-IMV anastomosis were performed. In postoperative venography, nine patients showed downward flow (from the splenic vein to the IMV) and three patients showed upward flow (from the IMV to the splenic vein). Postoperative computed tomography scans showed venous dilatation and splenomegaly in the upward flow group; there were no patients in the downward flow group. In selected patients, splenic vein reconstruction is necessary to reduce congestion of the spleen and stomach. When the flow is downward, spleno-IMV flow should be preserved. When the flow is upward, spleno-SMV anastomosis is necessary instead of spleno-IMV anastomosis.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Influence of ischemic injury on vein graft remodeling: role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger pathway in enhanced vein graft preservation.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial injury during the harvest of saphenous vein grafts might play an important role in the development of vein graft disease after coronary artery bypass grafting. Using a murine autologous arterialized vein patch model, we tested whether the initial ischemic insult of vein grafts was linked to the later development of graft neointimal hyperplasia and whether the restoration of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger pathway would attenuate the development of neointimal hyperplasia. METHODS: A segment of the external jugular vein of a mouse was grafted onto its abdominal aorta. Three weeks after the operation, the degree of neointimal hyperplasia of the implanted graft was compared among (1) grafts without preservation, (2) grafts with 2 hours of preservation (25 degrees C) in heparinized saline, and (3) grafts with 2 hours of preservation in heparinized saline in the presence of a cyclic adenosine monophosphate analog. In addition, cyclic adenosine monophosphate contents of vein grafts and leukocyte adherence to the graft endothelium were assessed. RESULTS: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate contents were significantly decreased after 2 hours of preservation (212 +/- 8 vs 156 +/- 5 pmol/L, P < .01). The grafts preserved for 2 hours showed greater neointimal hyperplasia compared with the grafts without preservation (neointimal expansion, 68.7% +/- 9.6% vs 46.1% +/- 4.8%; P < .01). The addition of a cyclic adenosine monophosphate analog to the preservation solution significantly suppressed neointimal hyperplasia of grafts preserved for 2 hours (44.3% +/- 5.0%). Inhibiting the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase by adding Rp-cAMPS abrogated the beneficial effects. Furthermore, grafts preserved for 2 hours had significantly more leukocytes adhering to the graft endothelium 24 hours after the operation compared with nonpreserved grafts, which was significantly reduced by the cyclic adenosine monophosphate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic insult during vein graft harvest and preservation is a key factor in the development of vein graft neointimal hyperplasia at least in part caused by the depletion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. We conclude that stimulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger pathway might be a potential strategy for the prevention of vein graft disease.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Axillary vein transfer in trabeculated postthrombotic veins.

PURPOSE: This study assessed whether axillary vein transfer can be successfully performed in trabeculated veins and whether patients with this severe form of postthrombotic syndrome can be helped by an aggressive approach. METHODS: A total of 102 axillary vein transfer procedures were carried out in 83 limbs with trabeculated veins. More than one venous segment was repaired in 38 limbs with a second axillary valve in 19, and a different technique was used in the remainder. The superficial and deep femoral veins were the most common target sites. "Bench repair" of leaky axillary valves was performed before the transfer in 32 cases. Venous stasis dermatitis or ulceration was present in 90% of the limbs. The operability rate and chance of successful valve reconstruction was high, even in the presence of severe venographic appearance. RESULTS: The actuarial transplant patency rate was 83% at 10 years. The actuarial freedom from recurrent ulceration rate was more than 60% at 10 years, similar to the results obtained in a matched group of axillary vein transfers to nontrabeculated veins. Severe preoperative ambulatory venous hypertension (venous filling time [VFT] of less than 5 seconds), which was present in 67% of patients, did not adversely affect outcome, but short VFTs that persisted after surgery did. VFT and VFI90 (venous filling index, air plethysmography) improved after valve transfer. Swelling disappeared or was significantly reduced in 55% of patients (11 of 20 patients) who had moderate or severe preoperative swelling. In 82% of patients (31 of 37 patients) who had mild or no preoperative swelling, the swelling remained stable after surgery, and in 18% of patients (6 of 37 patients), it became worse. Pain was significantly diminished in 70% of patients; 23% of patients with severe pain had complete resolution. CONCLUSION: Axillary vein transfer, in combination with other antirefluxive procedures when indicated, is safe, effective, and durable in patients with trabeculated veins and severe forms of postthrombotic syndrome. It may be considered as an option when conservative therapy or other types of surgery fail.

Axillary Vein↗

Stripping the long saphenous vein reduces the rate of reoperation for recurrent varicose veins: five-year results of a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible long-term clinical advantages of stripping the long saphenous vein during routine primary varicose vein surgery. METHODS: The study was designed as a 5-year, clinical and duplex scan follow-up examination of a group of patients who were randomized to stripping of the long saphenous vein during varicose vein surgery versus saphenofemoral ligation alone. The study was conducted in the vascular unit of a district general hospital. One hundred patients (133 legs) with uncomplicated primary long saphenous varicose veins originally were randomized. After invitation 5 years later, 78 patients (110 legs) underwent clinical review and duplex scan imaging. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients remained pleased with the results of their surgery (35 of 39 stripped vs 30 of 39 ligated; P = .13). Reoperation, either done or awaited, for recurrent long saphenous veins was necessary for three of 52 of the legs that underwent stripping versus 12 of 58 ligated legs. The relative risk was 0.28, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.13 to 0.59 (P = .02). Neovascularization at the saphenofemoral junction was responsible for 10 of 12 recurrent veins that underwent reoperation and also was the cause of recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence in 12 of 52 stripped veins versus 30 of 58 ligated legs. The relative risk was 0.45, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.26 to 0.78 (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Stripping reduced the risk of reoperation by two thirds after 5 years and should be routine for primary long saphenous varicose veins.

Humans↗

Recurrent varicose veins: sonography-based re-examination of 210 patients 14 years after ligation and saphenous vein stripping.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of varicose recurrence 14 years after flush ligation of the saphenofemoral (SFJ) or saphenopopliteal (SPJ) junction with additional stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study group comprised 245 extremities of 210 patients operated upon in 1990 for either great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence. Limbs were assessed with Duplex ultrasound by a practitioner other than the original surgeon and relevant patient data was recorded. RESULTS: In 68.5% of re-examined limbs Duplex imaging provided no evidence for recurrent varicose veins at the former SFJ or SPJ. This included 15 legs (= 6.1%) where reflux immediately proximal to the junction but originating from adjacent veins (i.e. pudendal vein, epigastrical vein) was detected. In 31.5%, reflux from the operated SFJ or SPJ (junctional recurrence) was detected but only a minor percentage of legs (6.9%) had actually developed a clinically relevant recurrent varicosity (> 3 mm in diameter) branching out from the former junction and requiring treatment. Patients with a BMI < 30 were less likely to suffer recurrent varicose veins (no recurrence in 72.7%) than patients with a BMI > or = 30 (no recurrence in 54.5%). CONCLUSIONS: 14 years after flush ligation of the SFJ or SPJ with stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein, junctional recurrences were found in less than one-third of re-examined extremities. In the absence of surgical errors, we must assume neovascularisation as cause for these recurrences. Duplex US determined a clinically relevant recurrence (> 3 mm in diameter) in only 7% of limbs. Post-operative varices seem to develop less often after SPJ surgery than after SFJ surgery and according to our data, obesity (BMI > or = 30) constitutes a significant risk factor.

Adult↗

Alternative greater saphenous vein-sparing surgery: valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein for the treatment of primary valvular incompetence---18-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The greater saphenous vein (GSV) is one of the best grafts for vascular reconstruction, and a variety of sparing methods in patients with primary varicose veins have been performed. Of these, valvuloplasty of the subterminal valve is useful, but reflux in the proximal GSV via a competent tributary vein still remains. To minimize the subsequent reflux, we propose a new method, "valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein" for the treatment of GSV incompetence. OBJECTIVE: To compare this new method with single valvuloplasty. METHODS: Seventy-eight limbs in 65 patients with GSV incompetence were included. Of these limbs, 38 underwent angioscopic valvuloplasty of the subterminal valve alone (V group). The remaining 40 were treated by angioscopic valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein (V + T group). A competent tributary vein was identified by duplex scan in the thigh before surgery. After angioscopic valvuloplasty had been done, a competent tributary vein was exposed, and was cut 1.5 cm distal to its insertion. The distal cut end of the vein was then transposed to the GSV and end-to-side anastomosis was performed using 8-0 nylon under magnification. The incompetent GSV was ligated between the insertion and the anastomosed region. Venous hemodynamic changes were analyzed using air plethysmography (APG). Values obtained by9 APG included venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual venous function (RVF). The follow-up period was 18 months. Intergroup differences were analyzed with the Wilcoxon ranked sum test for nonparametric distribution. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in age, gender, or clinical presentation between the two groups. In the V group, 27 limbs had reflux in the proximal GSV (67.4%). On the other hand, only 6 limbs (13.3%) showed minor reflux in the V + T group. A significant difference was seen in VFI at 1 year, and a continuous increase was observed in the V group during the follow-up examinations (P =.0035, VFI = 2.50 plus minus 1.21, 1.14 plus minus 0.42 at 18 months, respectively). CONCLUSION: Valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein gives a better result than valvuloplasty alone at the 18-month follow-up. A competent valve in this location can be expected to improve VFI to a normal range.

Adult↗

[Pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with retinal vein branch and central vein thrombosis].

BACKGROUND: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a frequent cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma due to deposition and in situ-production of abnormal extracellular matrix proteins in the trabecular meshwork. Glaucomas itself are a known risk factor for retinal vein thrombosis. In this retrospective study the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with branch and central retinal vein thrombosis was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 332 unselected patients with branch retinal vein thrombosis and 159 with central retinal vein thrombosis, which were seen in our laser out-patient clinic between January 1990 and July 1996, were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: 6.0% of patients with branch and 6.9% of patients with central retinal vein thrombosis revealed pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The full picture of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was seen in 4.2% of patients with branch and in 4.4% of patients with central retinal vein thrombosis. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome increased with age. Twenty percent of patients with branch and 27% of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and branch or central retinal vein thrombosis. The branch retinal vein thrombosis was significantly more often localised at the disk in patients with glaucoma and in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a risk factor for retinal vein thrombosis. Pathogenetically the secondary open-angle glaucoma caused by pseudoexfoliation syndrome could be causative for the venous thrombosis.

Adult↗

Platelet counts in blood taken from femoral artery, femoral vein, cubital vein, and arteriovenous fistula.

In 20 patients under regular dialysis with an arteriovenous fistula in one forearm, platelet counts were measured in blood taken simultaneously from the cubital vein, the arterialized vein near the site of anastomosis, the femoral vein, and the femoral artery. Samples of blood from the fistula and from the cubital vein of the opposite limb were taken with and without stasis. The highest values were found in blood taken from the cubital vein without stasis. Platelet counts were identical in femoral artery and vein, but were 4.8 and 4.9%, respectively, lower than the cubital vein values. Platelet counts from fistula blood taken without stasis were 13.7% lower than in the cubital vein. Platelet counts were lower when samples of blood were taken with stasis: 11.2% in the cubital vein, 7.4% in fistula blood. The awareness of these differences is of practical importance for platelet behavior studies.

Arm↗

External banding valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein in the treatment of recurrent varicose veins.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of reconstructive surgery of primary deep venous insufficiency in preventing recurrent varicose veins. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients affected by recurrent varicose veins submitted to external banding valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein. SETTING: A division of vascular surgery in a hospital/scientific institute. MATERIALS: Nineteen limbs (19 patients) with recurrent varicose veins, severe chronic venous insufficiency and 3rd or 4th grade reflux in the superficial femoral vein and competence of the profunda femoris vein were selected for surgical reconstructive treatment after a complete diagnostic study by continuous wave Doppler duplex scanning and descending phlebography. INTERVENTIONS: External banding valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein was performed in all cases: A Dacron sleeve was used in nine patients and Venocuff in 10. RESULTS: In one case a deep venous thrombosis of the calf occurred in the first postoperative period; in three cases the correction of the deep reflux was incomplete and a recurrence of the varices was observed. After a mean follow-up of 50 months, abolition of reflux and relief of symptomatology were obtained in 15 cases (78%). CONCLUSIONS: Primary deep venous insufficiency, unknown at the time of the initial operation, may be the cause of recurrent varicose veins. External banding valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein may abolish the reflux and correct venous hypertension, preventing recurrences.

Femoral Vein↗