Doppler and Echotomography in Sclerosis of the Saphenous Veins

Abstract

Based on a series of hundreds of examinations, this study reports the author's experience of Doppler and echotomography in sclerosis of the saphenous veins. The protocol, done at the initial examination, during and at the end of the treatment, included: haemodynamic study (by Doppler), research on back-flow, and measurement of its pressure; morphologic study (by echotomography) of the sapheno-femoral or popliteal junction (‘crosse’) with measurements of its different diameters and compressibility. The main alterations after sclerotherapy are: parietal thickening with decrease in diameter, and frequent transient intraluminal thrombus. The main result is the transformation of a back-flow to a more physiological flow or its complete disappearance. Lastly, these techniques seem to be of great value in assessing failure or success of sclerosis. The present study gives only fragmentary results and a further one will be necessary.