| Abstract: | Previous research has shown that MVO (Maximum Venous Outflow), VR (Venous Reflux), VE (Venous Emptying) and the respiratory waves recording are useful in differentiating occlusion and recanalization in postphlebitic syndrome. In the present work strain-gauge plethysmography was employed to quantitate the venous function after deep venous thrombosis of the legs. The studies were performed in a vascular laboratory with controlled temperature (23 to 25 C); records were obtained by a plethysmograph Parks mod. 270 connected to a Hewlett-Packard multi-channel mod. 7700. 17 patients (12 males, 5 females), mean age 55 years (range 24-75) that presented femoropopliteal thrombophlebitis documented by phlebography at the admission to the hospital were examined. MVO with and without superficial veins occlusion was measured by a mercury in silastic strain-gauge placed circumferentially about the calf. A pneumatic cuff thigh was inflated to 60 mm Hg. VE was measured in patients lying in inclined bed with the lower extremities 100 cm below the heart level compressing the calf with a pneumatic cuff 10 times for 5 seconds; the strain-gauge was placed on the foot level. VR after Valsalva's maneuver and the respiratory waves were recorded by a strain-gauge positioned at the maximum girth about the calf in patients lying on inclinated bed with the lower extremities 50 cm below the heart level. The result are here indicated: (Table: see text) There was differences in the evolution of venous function after deep venous thrombosis of the legs for each patient. Strain-gauge plethysmography may become evaluable non invasive technique in the evaluation of deep venous thrombosis evolution in the legs. The therapeutic assessment of postphlebitic syndrome. |
