2004 Volume 15 Issue 3 Pages 217-223
In the leg with varicose veins, hemodynamics of the deep vein at supine position were examined using a duplex scan to assess the appropriate pressure of graduated elastic stockings (GES) to prevent perioperative deep vein thrombosis. During application of GES and intermittent pneumatic compression systems (IPC), blood flow velocity at the femoral vein was measured for 72 legs with varicose veins and 94 legs without venous disease. GES used in this study were class 2 stockings (Ultrasheer C. Beiersdorf-Jobst. USA) and class 1 stockings (Ansilk pro. Parema. UK and Comprinet pro. Beiersdorf-Jobst. USA). FLOW TRON DVT (Huntleigh, UK) was used as IPC. During application of class 2 GES, femoral vein blood flow peak velocity was significantly decreased in normal legs but unchanged in legs with varicose veins. During application of class 1 GES, femoral vein blood flow peak velocity was unchanged both in normal legs and legs with varicose veins. Femoral vein blood flow augmentation was significantly larger in legs with varicose veins than in normal legs, when only IPC was applied. It became equal when both IPC and GES were applied. Moreover, large femoral vein blood flow augmentation was obtained when IPC combined with class 1 GES, but not with class 2 GES. It was thought the blood in varicose veins was expelled with GES and class 1 GES was sufficient to prevent venostasis in a supine position in legs with varicose veins.
