Objectives: This study aims to assess the efficacy of external valvuloplasty with silicone stents in the management of isolated terminal or
preterminal valve dysfunction at the saphenofemoral junction based on comparisons between pre- and postoperative findings on Doppler
ultrasound of the lower limbs.
Patients and methods: This study included a total of 16 female patients (mean age 44.1±7.6 years; range, 32 to 58 years) who underwent
valvuloplasty with the Dacron®-reinforced silicone cuff (Venocuff II™ Venous Valve Exostent) for the treatment of focal superficial
venous insufficiency between April 2014 and September 2018. Postoperative color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) findings at three to
six months were retrospectively compared to preoperative CDUS findings to analyze the efficacy of the surgical technique. Preoperative
measurements of the diameter (in mm) of the great saphenous vein and reflux time at the saphenofemoral junction were compared to
postoperative measurements. Valvular incompetence was graded 0 to 4 based on the reflux time. All assessments were performed with a
7.5 MHz superficial vascular probe on an CDUS scanner. Clinical improvement was assessed based on the revised Venous Clinical Severity
Score (VCSS).
Results: The grade of great saphenous vein reflux was significantly lower after surgery compared to the reflux grade measured before
surgery. A statistically significant decrease was detected in the mean diameter of the great saphenous vein (p
Key words: Doppler ultrasound, focal valvular incompetence, great saphenous vein, Venocuff™.
|
