Duplex Ultrasound Assessment of Neovascularization after Saphenofemoral or Sapheno-Popliteal Junction Ligation

Abstract

Objective:

Evaluation of neovascularization at the saphenous ligation site as a cause of recurrent varicose veins.

Design:

Prospective duplex study of a single patient group.

Setting:

Vascular clinic of a University Hospital.

Patients:

131 patients (177 limbs) were evaluated 2 and 12 months after varicose vein surgery.

Intervention:

Clinical assessment and colour duplex scanning of operated limbs.

Main outcome measures:

Limbs were classified according to the degree of neovascularization: grade 0 = no new communicating vein, grade 1 = new communicating vein with diameter <4 mm, and grade 2 = new communicating vein with diameter >4 mm and pathological reflux.

Results:

Two months postoperatively, grade 0 was observed in 173 limbs (98%) and grade 1 in four limbs (2%). Twelve months postoperatively, 152 limbs (86%) scored grade 0, 16 limbs (9%) grade 1 and nine limbs (5%) grade 2.

Conclusions:

After correctly performed previous surgery, neovascularization of varying degree may occur within 1 year, as can be demonstrated on postoperative duplex examination.