PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF VENOUS DISEASE

BACKGROUND. Photoplethysmography (PPG) has become a widely used method in the diagnosis of venous disease. OBJECTIVE. TO describe briefly various aspects of PPG and its practical value. METHODS. Standard and quantitative PPG are described as well as various evaluation procedures. RESULTS. The refilling time is considered the most useful parameter; values higher than 22 seconds are considered normal. Quantitative PPG systems (calibrated or digital PPG) also permit evaluation of the drainage function. CONCLUSION. While refilling time is presently the only quantitative parameter, it is expected that by introducing calibrated or digital PPG in diagnostic practice, venous function will be evaluated in a more comprehensive and quantitative form.