NONINVASIVE METHODS OF MEASURING VENOUS COMPLIANCE

Objective: To compare two non-invasive methods of qualitative assessment of the long saphenous vein in terms of venous compliance. Design: Thirty-five long saphenous veins were examined. Compliance measurements have been calculated using: Method A in which an AV Impulse machine (Novamedix, UK) is used to generate a pulse wave in the long saphenous vein and the measurement of transit times are performed. Method B involves duplex ultrasound and venous occlusion of the long saphenous vein. Occlusive pressure measurements are used in both methods. Results: The mean vein compliance ratio measured in 35 long saphenous veins with the different methods was 0.23 (0.18-0.28) and 0.26 (0.22-0.30) using method A and B respectively. (Mean and (95% confidence interval)). The results show that a good correlation r = 0.91 and this was confirmed using methods of agreement. Conclusion: Both techniques give comparable results, however, the method involving Duplex is easier to perform. The research and clinical implications of these techniques remain to be assessed.