This manoeuvre is performed standing with most of the subjects weight on the contralateral leg. The subject is requested to curl their toes and then relax on the command. This has the effect of raising the metatarsal heads and foot arch. This test causes activation of the foot muscle pump as well as the calf… Read More »
Superglue or N-butyl cyanoacrylate has been used for decades in treating cerebral aneurysms and vascular malformations but has only recently been promoted as a treatment for varicose veins. It works by sticking together the walls of the vein rather than destroying the endothelium. A syringe type device is used to deploy the glue along the vein segment to… Read More »
Most patients with varicose veins and saphenous reflux have a saphenous pulse detectable by ultrasound after they have been standing for a minute. When a previously elevated leg is brought to a dependent position, reflux (continuous red) is observed with the probe over the saphenous vein. After 30 seconds or so the reflux disappears leaving… Read More »
This is an abbreviation for the Post Thrombotic Syndrome. It is the leg pain and swelling which occurs in many patients 6 months after a first DVT or 3 months after a recurrent DVT. Duplex ultrasound examination may reveal deep vein damage and scarring. This is seen as thickening of the vein wall with degrees of obstruction and/or deep… Read More »
This is an abbreviation for Graduated Elastic Compression stockings. They are the universal conservative treatment option for the majority of venous disorders. They are usually knee length or thigh length. They are made in several compression strengths measured at the gaiter area which is just above the ankle joint. The lowest compression starts at a class 1 (18-21… Read More »
This is a compression system which exerts high external pressures on the leg and is painless. The pressures achieved are much higher than those that can be obtained using stockings or bandages and are easily tolerated by the patient. The situation is similar to standing in water up to shoulder height. Whilst underwater, prominent varicose… Read More »