Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Chronic venous insufficiency'

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) describes diseases of the lower limb veins in which venous return is impaired and varicose veins and skin ulceration may develop. The roles of purinergic signalling in regulation of vascular tone in the long saphenous vein (LSV) and in the trophic changes occurring in LSV muscle cells and epidermal keratinocytes in lower leg skin were studied. The purinergic role in penile blood flow was also studied, where regulation of penile blood flow affects tumescence. Purinergic signalling was studied using immunohistochemistry, organ bath pharmacology and electron microscopy. P2Xj, P2Yi, P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptor immunoreactivity was present on LSV smooth muscle. Purine-mediated muscle contractions were weaker in varicose veins. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry findings support the view that smooth muscle cells change from the contractile to the synthetic phenotype in varicose veins, associated with an upregulation of P2Yi and P2Y2 receptors and a down regulation of P2Xi receptors. CVI skin showed a decrease in P2X7 receptor expression and an increase in P2Yj, P2Y2 and P2X5 receptor expression in different epidermal layers. Mean skin epidermal area in CVI was reduced. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR techniques were used to study the presence of P2Y6 receptors in corpus cavernosal tissue. Using organ bath pharmacology, P2Y6 receptors on cavernosal tissue mediated relaxation which was diminished by a P2Y6 antagonist. In conclusion it is suggested that the LSV muscle cell phenotype change may be a causal factor in the development of varicose veins. The thinner epidermis found in CVI might be the result of the changes in expression of P2Y and P2X receptors on keratinocytes. Increased keratinocyte P2X5 receptor activity may, in part, be accountable for epidermal thinning in CVI. Purinergic modulation of human cavernosal smooth muscle cells via the P2Y6 receptor subtype might play a physiological role in penile erection.

Introduction: Venous disease impairs the quality of life, necessitates time off work and causes venous ulcers. The focus of this thesis is to explore strategies to prevent chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous ulceration. Aims 1. To identify a population at risk of developing venous ulcers 2. To study the pressure profile required by elastic stockings to halve transit venous time 3. To explore the role of compression following ankle fracture Methods: Data was collected from 231 patients with venous ulcers and age and sex matched 210 controls to identify risk factors for venous ulceration. Univariate and multivariate analysis of potential risk factors was undertaken to identify those that independently predict this risk. After identifying the population at risk, prophylactic strategies were developed. The effect of Engineered Compression Stockings (ECS) delivering 15mmHg, 25mmHg and 35mmHg pressure at the ankle on the calf venous transit time and volume was measured to determine the ideal pressure profile required to halve transit venous time, which should be appropriate for DVT prophylaxis. A dorsal foot vein was cannulated in 15 healthy volunteers with no venous disease. The transit time (secs) for ultrasound contrast from a foot vein to the popliteal vein was measured using duplex ultrasound. Calf volumes were recorded by water displacement. ECS delivering 25mmHg of pressure around the ankle were compared with no compression in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 90 patients within 72 hours of ankle fracture. Patients were randomised to either i) ECS and air-cast boot or ii) a liner and air-cast boot and were followed at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome was functional recovery measured using the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes were i) The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), ii) SF12v2 Quality of Life score (QoL), iii) pain, and iv) frequency of DVT. Results The risk factors significantly associated with venous ulceration on multivariate analysis included a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), phlebitis, hip replacement, poor mobility, weight/kg>100Kg, varicose veins (VV), family history of VV and weight (kg) between 75-100kg. A simple diagnostic scoring system was derived from this regression analysis with scores of . 3 predicting a 6.7% annual risk and of < 1 a 0.6% risk. Mean transit time without compression was 35, 32 and 33 secs while standing, sitting and lying. Transit time was consistently halved by ECS delivering 25mmHg to 14, 13 and 14 secs respectively (p<0.001). Mean leg volume whilst standing was reduced significantly from 3447ml with no ECS to 3259ml, 3161ml and 3067ml with ECS applying 15, 25 and 35mmHg respectively (p<0.001). ECS in ankle fracture patients reduced ankle swelling at all time points and significantly improved mean OMAS score at six months to 98 compared with 67 for the liner (p<0.001). AOFAS and SF12v2 scores were also significantly improved (p<0.001, p= 0.016). Of 86 patients with duplex imaging at four weeks, only five (12%) of the 43 ECS patients had a DVT compared with 10 (23%) of the 43 controls (p= 0.26). Conclusions: The risk score for venous ulcers will allow us to undertake RCTs on the prevention of leg ulceration. The pressure profile required to halve transit venous time is 25mmHg. The frequency of asymptomatic DVT following ankle fracture is sufficient to justify prophylaxis. Compression has a potential role in the management of ankle fractures by improving functional outcome and QoL. These studies facilitate research into the prevention of venous disease.

Study 1:  Outcomes after superficial venous surgery 1a: Quality of life (QoL) after varicose vein (VV) surgery.  203 consecutive patients undergoing VV surgery completed the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score (AVSS) QoL questionnaire pre-operatively, 4 weeks, 6 months and 2 years post-operatively.  VV surgery leads to a significant improvement in AVSS, sustained at 2 years.  Patients having surgery for recurrent VV score worse at all time-points than patients with primary VV but still enjoy a significant improvement in QoL. 1b:  The effect of long saphenous vein (LSV) stripping on QoL.  66 of the 203 patients in study 1a had pre- and post-operative venous duplex.  Even in a specialised vascular unit where stripping is routinely attempted, only 25/66 (38%) had their LSV completely stripped to the level of the knee.  Complete (as opposed to incomplete) stripping to the knee was associated with an additional improvement in AVSS above that seen in study 1a.  In those with pre-operative deep venous reflux (DVR) complete stripping did not confer this additional advantage. 1c:  The effect of long saphenous vein stripping on deep venous reflux (DVR).  In 77 limbs of 62 patients from study 1b, complete stripping was associated with reversal of pre-operative superficial femoral and popliteal vein reflux.  Incomplete stripping was associated with the development of DVR in previously normal deep veins. Study 2:  Lower limb ulceration:  delivery of care and aetiology.  2a:  Delivery of care for lower limb ulceration.  128 patients were assessed at a one-stop leg ulcer clinic, 79% of whom had purely venous ulceration. 2b:  Aetiology of CVU:  thrombophilia.  41% of 88 patients with CVU had an identifiable thrombophilic abnormality.  Thrombophilia was 3-20 times more common than in the general population, but similar to rates reported in patients with a first episode of venous thrombosis.

Chronic venous insufficiency is the term used to describe lower limb venous disease causing symptoms in the leg, which include swelling, lipodermatosclerosis and ulceration. The underlying processes for the development of these symptoms are venous reflux, deep venous occlusion or both, which in turn result in venous hypertension. This thesis is focussed on the former process only, as deep venous occlusion is usually managed conservatively at the institutions in which this research took place.

The specific objectives of this thesis were to determine the prevalence of varicose veins and CVI on clinical examination, and venous reflux on duplex scanning, in a random sample of the general population. The study design was a cross-sectional survey and the initial study population will be followed up as a cohort. The target population was men and women aged 18-64 years living in the city of Edinburgh. Subjects were randomly selected from the age-sex registers of 12 general practices which were distributed geographically and socio-economically throughout the city. Information collected on each subject included demographic data and past medical history from a questionnaire; height and weight measurement; classification of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency on clinical examination and measurement of duration and venous reflux on duplex scanning of eight vein segments in each leg. The Edinburgh Vein Study confirms that venous disease is a common condition which increases with age. Contrary to many previous studies, the results suggest that varicose veins and CVI are at least as common in men as women. A positive association was seen between the prevalence of venous reflux in individual vein segments and the presence and severity of venous disease, although reflux was also present in many with no clinical signs of disease. Follow-up of this cohort will provide information on the incidence, natural history and development of venous disease in both sexes. It will also help to clarify the extent to which venous reflux is a predictor of future occurrence of venous disease and of complications in those who already have disease. Further long term studies are required to determine the extent to which treatment prevents progression of venous disease. Such information on the natural history and outcomes of treatment is required to allow clinicians and policy makers to make decisions as to who will benefit most from medical intervention for venous disease.

The procedure of open perforator ligation was popularised by Linton and Cockett but became less favoured as it was associated with frequent wound complications, prolonged stay in hospital and mixed results in reported series. Two technological advances have resulted in the impetus to reappraise the indications for surgical interruption of calf perforating veins. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive investigation that has allowed anatomical and functional information on blood vessels and flow to be gathered safely and painlessly. Secondly, minimal invasive surgical instrument technology allows interruption of the medial calf perforating veins with expectation of reduced complication rates. The aim of the present work therefore, is to define the role of calf perforating veins in the development of the complications of chronic venous insufficiency. Deteriorating clinical status of the limb was associated with increasing number and maximum diameter of medial calf perforating veins. The number and proportion of these vessels demonstrating bidirectional flow (incompetence) also increased with deteriorating clinical findings. Incompetent calf perforating veins were found to be associated with main stem venous reflux in the superficial and deep systems, but were rarely found as the sole venous abnormality. Surgical correction of the main stem venous reflux resulted in the correction of the physiology in the majority of incompetent perforating veins (IPV). The minimally invasive approach to the interruption of IPV showed several advantages over the open approach in terms of documented complications and post-operative stay in hospital. The present work demonstrates associative evidence of a link between the presence of IPV and the development of the complications of chronic venous insufficiency, evidence that saphenous surgery alone will correct IPV physiology without direct intervention to perforators, if the deep system is normal, and also evidence that minimally invasive perforator surgery is associated with few complications over and above those expected for routine varicose vein surgery.

Secondary lymphoedema and venous oedema of the limb are the consequence of an imbalance between tissue fluid infiltrate and drainage, which leads to interstitial fluid accumulation, tissue changes, limb discomfort and morbidity. Numerous conservative therapies have been developed to address some of these negative outcomes, with a proportion of these being labour and cost intensive. This makes the investigation of cost effective and easy to implement home based regimes very important. One such therapy is limb exercise, which can be beneficial for limb oedemas through changes in both interstitial pressure and calf muscle activation. Therefore, this thesis explored the benefits of different exercise regimes for limb oedema of both lymphatic and vascular origin. This was achieved through a systematic review of existing conservative therapies for limb oedemas and four clinical trials investigating the benefits of home based exercise regimes. Results demonstrated that various positive and significant outcomes could be gained from the implementation of such regimes, including improvements in both subjective and objective parameters. These results reveal how these chronic and disabling conditions can be maintained by the patient in the home environment in between health care visits. It also demonstrates how self maintenance may alleviate the burden on the health care system.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common problem in the western world, causes considerable morbidity and has a substantial impact on the health care system in terms of cost of treatment. Most epidemiological research has focussed on the prevalence of varicose veins and ulceration. As such, evidence on the incidence and risk factors is limited. The aim of this study was to measure the incidence of C2 varicose veins, C3-C6 chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous reflux ≥ 0.5 seconds duration in an adult population, and to investigate risk factors associated with the development of these conditions. The Edinburgh Vein Study was a prospective cohort study in which 1,566 men and women aged 18-64 years randomly sampled from the general population underwent an examination comprising clinical and photographic classification of CVD, duplex scanning of the deep and superficial systems of both legs, and completed a questionnaire on lifestyle and medical history. After a 13 year period, invitations were sent to the 1456 survivors to attend a follow up examination. In total, 880 participated in the follow up study, giving a response rate of 60.4%. The overall incidence of C2 varicose veins was 18.2% (95% CI 15.2-21.6), equivalent to an annual incidence rate of 1.4% (95% CI 1.1-1.7). There were no gender differences (p=0.78). Age was associated with the development of new C2 varicose veins the 13 year incidence rose from 9.8% in those aged 18-34 years to 25.7% in those aged 55-64 years (p<0.001). New cases of C3-C6 CVI developed in 9.2% (95% CI 7.0-11.9) of the study sample over 13 years, an annual incidence rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.5-0.9). There were no gender differences: the 13 year incidence was 10.7% (95% CI 7.2-15.5) and 8.1% (95% CI 5.7-11.6) in men and women respectively (p=0.32). The incidence increased consistently with age, from 2.1% in those aged under 35 years to 17.1% in those aged over 55 years (p<0.001). Of all C3-C6 conditions, C3 corona phlebectatica had the highest incidence (5.3%, 95% CI 3.7-7.5). C5-C6 venous ulceration had the lowest incidence, affecting only 0.5% (95% CI 0.2-1.6) of the study sample over the 13 years. Overall, 12.7% of participants developed new venous reflux ≥0.5 seconds duration from baseline to follow up. The 13 year incidence of superficial, deep and combined venous reflux was 8.8%, 2.6% and 1.3% respectively. Neither age nor sex were associated with the incidence of venous reflux (p>0.05). The highest incidence of reflux was in the great saphenous vein in the lower third of the thigh (4.2%, 95% CI 2.4-7.1). Venous reflux at baseline was associated with the development of new C2 varicose veins at follow up: the incidence creased linearly in those with no reflux, deep, superficial and combined reflux respectively (p<0.001). Family history of venous disease was a significant risk factor for C2 varicose veins (age and sex-adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7) while obesity was associated with the development of CVI (age and sex adjusted OR 4.5 (95% CI 3.3-6.9). Pregnancy appeared to be associated with the development of varicose veins but the association was not statistically significant due to small numbers. No risk factor was associated with the development of venous reflux. The Edinburgh Vein Study is one of a few cohort studies to report the incidence of C2 varicose veins, C3-C6 CVI and venous reflux ≥0.5 seconds duration, and investigate risk factors associated with these conditions. While the results on incidence are consistent with the limited evidence from other studies, the exact effect of risk factors remains unknown. Genetic studies would help clarify whether CVD is an inherited or acquired condition. For other risk factors, results of this study could be combined with other population-based studies in a meta-analysis. The overall estimate of effect would identify the most important risk factors associated with the development of CVD and venous reflux. Finally the natural history and progression of CVD needs to be assessed. The Edinburgh Vein Follow Up Study has examined this relationship and results will help to identify those most likely to progress to more severe disease and, in turn, those who will benefit most from treatment. Appropriate, clinically proven, effective and cost-effective treatments can then be administered in an attempt to reduce the burden of CVD.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by chronic venous hypertension from blood pooling in the lower limbs. The resulting symptoms include leg pain, varicose veins, fatigue, venous edema, skin pigmentation, inflammation, induration, and ulceration. Reflux from incompetent venous valves is a factor in up to 94% of individuals with CVI. Current treatments of CVI include compression stockings, drug therapy, vein disabling, venous stenting, and surgical correction with varying rates of success. However, a minimally invasive correction of deep venous reflux does not currently exist. A transcatheter prosthetic venous valve has the potential to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for deep venous reflux which could treat up to 1.4 million individuals in the United States suffering from venous ulceration and make more than 1.7 billion dollars each year. Previously developed prosthetic venous valves have had problems with competency, patency, thrombogenicity, biocompatibility, and incorrect sizing. To meet the clinical need a prosthetic valve needs to be developed which succeeds where previous valves have failed. This thesis describes the design, analysis, pre-clinical testing, and evaluation of a novel prosthetic venous valve. Design specifications for an effective prosthetic venous valve were created. Verification tests were developed and performed which demonstrated that the valve met every design specification. Finite element and computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the valve and calculated a maximum shear rate of 2300 s-1 in the valve during the high forward flow after a Valsalva maneuver. The valve is made of a biocompatible material that has low thrombogenicity, Poly(vinyl-alcohol) cryogel. On the average, the valve allows less than 0.5 mL/min of reflux at low and high retrograde pressures even after 500,000 cycles, indicating that it will reduce the reflux of individuals with venous reflux by more than 99.4%. The valve closes in less than 0.07 seconds and allows the distal pressure to rise to an average of 7% of the equilibrium pressure 30 seconds after a simulated ankle flexion. The valve increases the outflow resistance an average of 2.3 mmHg*min/L which is much less than obstruction levels,≥ 5 mmHg*min/L. The valve can fit in a 16 French catheter and is capable of percutaneous delivery. The base of the valve is 1.5 times the diameter of the vein in which it is to be implanted to help correct orientation upon deployment. Fluid behind the valve’s leaflets is ejected with a forward flow rate of 400 mL/min, suggesting that thrombus formation will not occur at this location. A stented valve remained patent in a porcine blood flow loop for 3 hours. The valve remains competent without buckling in a constricted vein at rest. The valve can expand to fit a vein with a maximum diameter 1.4 times the valve's initial diameter with low risk of tearing or leaflet prolapse. An IACUC protocol for a 12 week study to test the valve in sheep was prepared and approved. A study to evaluate the valve in humans is proposed with endpoints that can be tested for statistical significance and compared with other treatments for CVI. A set of valves which will correct reflux in the majority of common femoral, femoral, and popliteal deep veins is proposed and a sizing guide for surgeons is provided. The minimum distance between prosthetic valves placed in the same vein segment is 13 cm. A comparison of this valve with previously developed prosthetic venous valves and recommendations for work to be performed in the future are given. The valve proposed in this work is the only valve to meet all design specification for an effective prosthetic venous valve, and therefore shows great potential to be a minimally invasive treatment for deep venous reflux.

Venous disease is a common vascular condition affecting the lower limbs and causes considerable morbidity in affected patients. National Health Service (NHS) treatment costs are substantial and there is a large demand for treatment much of which cannot be met. Roughly half a million people in the United Kingdom contact their general practitioner each year about varicose veins and associated clinical symptoms. In order to assign priorities and target interventions properly, authorities need to know which patients with venous disease will progress. Although many epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence of venous disease, information on deterioration is scarce. The overall aim of this study is to determine the natural history of venous disease in the population and to identify lifestyle and clinical factors related to deterioration which might aid clinical decision making and health services policy. The specific objectives were to determine which risk factors were associated with deterioration of venous disease and venous reflux, and to ascertain the natural history of asymptomatic venous incompetence in terms of deteriorating to overt trunk varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. The study design was a population based cohort in the Edinburgh Vein Study which the survivors of the 1566 individuals aged 18 to 64 randomly sampled years from the general population at baseline underwent a 13-year follow-up examination. Details of the 1566 participants in the baseline study were sent to the Practitioner Services Division (PSD) of the NHS in Scotland who provided updated addresses and general practitioner registration details. Information collected on each subject at a follow-up clinic included lifestyle factors and medical history, height and weight measurement (by means of a questionnaire), clinical examination for classification of venous disease according to the Basle and CEAP systems, and duplex scanning to assess incompetence of venous valves in the deep and superficial systems of ten vein segments in each leg. Of the subjects from the baseline, 880 participated in the follow-up study, and 576 did not participate, providing a response rate of 60.4% of which 490 were female (55.7%) and 390 were male (44.3%). The study subjects were generally older and slightly more affluent than residents of the City of Edinburgh. For trunk varicose veins, the baseline prevalence was higher in males compared to females (p<0.01), but there was no difference in prevalence among subjects at the follow-up stage of the study (p=0.56). The overall rate of deterioration in trunk varicose veins was 3.55% per annum. More females than males deteriorated (p=0.04). Among subjects who showed deterioration in their trunk varicose veins, the commonest deterioration was from Basle Grade I (mild) at baseline to Grade II (moderate) at follow-up in both the right and left leg (28.1% and 32.9% respectively). Subjects older than 55 years of age (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.01-2.51), who had a positive family history of varicose veins or venous ulcer (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.20-3.07), and sat down at work for more than half the working day (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.04-2.73) had increased risk of deteriorating trunk varicose veins. There was no significant difference between males and females in the prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) among subjects at both the baseline and follow-up stage of the study (p=0.15 and 0.16 respectively). The rate of deterioration in CVI was 1.76% per annum. Similarly, among subjects who deteriorated, the commonest deterioration was from Grade I (mild) to Grade II (moderate) CEAP classification in both the right and left leg (42.4% and 45.5% respectively). The risk of worsening of CVI among those older than 55 was nearly three times more than those aged less than 55 (OR=2.85, 95% CI 1.18-6.87), and was still significant when adjusted for gender. The prevalence of telangiectasia was higher in females than in males in both the baseline and follow-up stages of the study (both p<0.01). The rate of deterioration in telangiectasia was 1.6% per annum. The commonest deterioration was from grade I (mild) at baseline to grade II (moderate) follow-up in the left and right leg (using the Basle Classification). Females subjects (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.35-2.64), those older than 55 (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.19-2.36), with a positive family history of venous disease (OR=1.60 95% CI 1.14-2.24) were associated with an increased risk of deterioration from telangiectasia compared to male subjects under 55 years of age and with no family history of the disease. The risk of telangiectasia deterioration was more than twice as high in subjects with venous reflux in the greater saphenous vein (origin) (OR=2.34, 95% CI 1.53-3.57), the greater saphenous vein (lower third of the thigh) (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.59-3.27) and in the small saphenous vein (1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.36) compared to those with no segments affected. The age and gender adjusted risk was also more than twice as high in subjects with venous reflux in two segments of the superficial system compared to subjects with no venous reflux in any segment (OR=2.06, 95% CI 1.23-3.44), and almost four times as high in subjects with reflux in more than three segments of the superficial system (OR=3.97, 95% CI 2.16-7.31) compared to subjects with no segments affected. On duplex scanning, the prevalence of reflux was higher in females than in males in the superficial system at baseline and follow-up stages of the study (p<0.01 respectively). In the deep system, the prevalence was higher in males than females at the baseline stage (p<0.01) with no significant difference at the follow-up stage (p=0.85). The rate of deterioration in venous reflux was 1.28% per annum. Most subjects deteriorated from one to two vein segments affected in the leg, the majority of which had reflux in the greater saphenous vein (thigh) at baseline and developed reflux in the greater saphenous vein (origin) at follow-up. Subjects more than 55 years of age had significantly more deterioration than those aged less than 55 (p<0.01). Obese or overweight subjects (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.32-3.67), those aged more than 55 (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.32-3.67), with a family history of varicose veins (among female subjects only, OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.16-5.56), and who sat down at work more than half the working time (among male subjects only) (OR=2.26, 95%CI 0.97-5.23) had increased risk of showing deterioration in reflux in any leg and in any vein segment from baseline to follow-up. Subjects with venous reflux at baseline were over two and half times more likely to show deterioration in trunk varicose veins compared to those with no reflux (OR=2.69, 95%CI 1.44-5.01), and four times more likely to deteriorate in either trunk varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (OR=4.20, 95% CI 2.42-7.29). Subjects with venous reflux at baseline were twice as likely to develop new trunk varicose veins (OR=2.08, 95%CI 1.25-3.46), and 1.78 times more likely to develop either trunk varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.12-2.80). Age and gender adjusted risk of trunk varicose veins increased more than fourfold among subjects with venous reflux in the greater saphenous veins (OR=4.04, 95% CI 2.36-6.92), and more than threefold in the greater saphenous vein (lower third of the thigh) (OR=3.13, 95% CI 1.85-5.27) and the small saphenous vein (OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.55-6.48). Subjects with venous reflux in two or more than three vein segments in the superficial system were more than five times more likely to deteriorate from trunk varicose veins (OR=5.39, 95% CI 2.64-10.99 and OR=5.96, 95% CI 2.71-13.10 respectively). The Edinburgh Vein Study follow-up identified factors linked to deterioration of trunk varicose veins and CVI. The findings of this follow-up study have important implications in decision making in NHS and a prognostic tool could be produced to assist clinicians in deciding who should receive treatment or maintained under surveillance. Increasing age, and family history will likely lead to worsening of trunk varicose veins and CVI. The findings also confirm the association between asymptomatic and symptomatic venous valvular incompetence with worsening and developing new cases of venous disease. Such information will be essential for policy makers facing difficult decisions over prioritisation of services in the future. Further research might include trials of surgical and non-surgical interventions designed to limit deterioration in high risk individuals and enable surgeons to target interventions appropriately. Larger prognostic studies of many factors, including genotype, might be conducted to link progression of venous disease, and to provide further information on high risk individuals who might benefit from treatment.

This critical synopsis of prior work by Clive Beggs is submitted in support of a PhD by published work. The work focuses on venous and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anomalies associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases. MS is characterized by focal inflammatory lesions, which are often venocentric. Recently a vascular syndrome, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been linked with MS. This syndrome, which is characterized by constricted cerebral venous outflow, has become mired in controversy, with various studies producing conflicting findings, with the result that the science associated with CCSVI has become obscured. Clive Beggs work seeks to bring clarity to the debate surrounding CCSVI by characterizing physiological changes associated with constricted cerebral venous outflow. The work submitted here involves collaborative studies with Robert Zivadinov (University of Buffalo), Paolo Zamboni (University of Ferrara), and Chih- Ping Chung (National Yang Ming University of Medicine). The key findings of these studies are: (i) MS patients, diagnosed with CCSVI, exhibit greatly increased hydraulic resistance of the cerebral venous drainage system; (ii) MS patients experience loss of the small cerebral veins; (iii) MS patients exhibit reduced CSF bulk flow, consistent with mild venous hypertension; (iv) MS patients exhibit increased CSF pulsatility in the Aqueduct of Sylvius, which appears to be linked with mild venous hypertension associated with CCSVI; and (v) jugular venous reflux is associated with white matter and parenchymal volumetric changes in Alzheimer’s patients. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracranial venous anomalies are associated with changes in the intracranial physiology.

This critical synopsis of prior work by Clive Beggs is submitted in support of a PhD by published work. The work focuses on venous and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anomalies associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases. MS is characterized by focal inflammatory lesions, which are often venocentric. Recently a vascular syndrome, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been linked with MS. This syndrome, which is characterized by constricted cerebral venous outflow, has become mired in controversy, with various studies producing conflicting findings, with the result that the science associated with CCSVI has become obscured. Clive Beggs work seeks to bring clarity to the debate surrounding CCSVI by characterizing physiological changes associated with constricted cerebral venous outflow. The work submitted here involves collaborative studies with Robert Zivadinov (University of Buffalo), Paolo Zamboni (University of Ferrara), and Chih- Ping Chung (National Yang Ming University of Medicine). The key findings of these studies are: (i) MS patients, diagnosed with CCSVI, exhibit greatly increased hydraulic resistance of the cerebral venous drainage system; (ii) MS patients experience loss of the small cerebral veins; (iii) MS patients exhibit reduced CSF bulk flow, consistent with mild venous hypertension; (iv) MS patients exhibit increased CSF pulsatility in the Aqueduct of Sylvius, which appears to be linked with mild venous hypertension associated with CCSVI; and (v) jugular venous reflux is associated with white matter and parenchymal volumetric changes in Alzheimer’s patients. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracranial venous anomalies are associated with changes in the intracranial physiology.

Over seven million Americans suffer from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a painful and debilitating disease that affects the superficial and deep veins of the legs. Problems associated with CVI include varicose veins, bleeding, ulcerations, severe swelling, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, which may lead to death. The presence of CVI results from damaged (incompetent) one-way vein valves in leg veins. These valves normally allow forward flow of blood to the heart, and prevent blood from pooling at the feet. However, incompetent valves allow reflux of blood, causing clinical problems. There are few effective clinical therapies for treating CVI. Vein valve transplantation is a surgical option for treatment. However, it is often difficult to find suitable donor valves. Very few prosthetic valves developed in the past have demonstrated sufficient clinical or mechanical functionality. Persistent problems include thrombus formation, leaking valves, and valves that do not open at physiologic pressure gradient. The primary objective of this research was to develop a clinically relevant functional prosthetic vein valve. The novel prosthetic valve is flexible, biocompatible, has low thrombogenecity, and is easy to manufacture. It was designed to address well-defined consumer needs and functional design requirements. The valve was required to 1) withstand 300 mmHg of backpressure with leakage less than 1.0 mL/min, 2) open with a pressure gradient less than 5 mmHg, and 3) meet criteria 1 and 2 after 500,000 cycles of operation. The valve met these design requirements in bench testing. The valve can open with a pressure gradient of 2.6 0.7 mmHg, and can withstand 300 mmHg with leakage less than 0.5 mL/min. The valve remained functional after opening and closing over 500,000 times. The valve presented in this research is operationally functional, and is a potential solution for treating venous incompetence in CVI patients.

Thesis (M. S.)--Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010.
Committee Chair: Ku, David; Committee Member: Gleason, Rudolph; Committee Member: Milner, Ross. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

The venous ulcer is defined as a chronic injury present in the lower third of the legs. It affects the individuals of different age ranges and it is associated to chronic venous insufficiency. It has importance from social and clinic point of view because it compromises their productivity and life quality. So, it becomes a challenge for the health team caring people who have venous ulcer due to its complexity and socio-economical repercussion. Therefore it is essential to create a link with the individual and his/her family promoting the knowledge exchange and approximating the learnings. Thus, through this survey one seeks for contributing with the professionals of health, especially those of Nursing both in the knowledge construction and in the care qualification to the patients with venous ulcers, aiming at the approaching of the professional wisdom to the popular wisdom. The research has as guiding question: What are popular care practices adopted by venous ulcer persons assisted at the angiology outpatient clinic of the Universitary Hospital of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil? And as goal: to know the popular care practices adopted by outpatients suffering from venous ulcer attended at the angiology ambulatory of the Universitary Hospital of Santa Maria, RS. This is a field research, which is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive, being developed at the clinic of the referring hospital and at venous ulcer people s household, in the period between December 2012 and March 2013. The research participants are adults and elderly with venous injury. These persons are being accompanied in this ambulatory. The data collection was carried out by a semi-structured interview. Afterwards, the data were transcribed and submitted to the content analysis. Ethical aspects were respected in accordance to the Resolution 196/96 of the National Health Council. The results are presented in an article format: Article 1: People are going to teach me the things and I do them! : popular practices in venous ulcer care; Article 2: Health care in outpatient people with venous ulcer. It can be evidenced that people resort to multiple alternatives in care, seeking for solving their health condition. Among the popular care practices referred by respondents, are: bless, pray, the use of plants and several types of tea, and pluralisms of practices. Besides these, there is the care with the nourishment, with injury and with the rest. Therefore, it is necessary that the health professionals, especially the nurses, know the population socio-cultural reality, which they attend, aiming at a congruent care.
A úlcera venosa é definida como uma lesão crônica presente no terço inferior das pernas. Acomete indivíduos de diferentes faixas etárias e está associada à insuficiência venosa crônica, tendo importância do ponto de vista social e clínico, uma vez que compromete a produtividade e qualidade de vida desses. Assim, torna-se um desafio para a equipe de saúde cuidar das pessoas com úlcera venosa, devido a sua complexidade e repercussão socioeconômica. Considera-se imprescindível a construção de um vínculo com o indivíduo e sua família favorecendo a troca de conhecimentos e aproximando os saberes. Esta investigação, busca contribuir com os profissionais de saúde, especialmente com a enfermagem, tanto na construção do conhecimento como na qualificação do cuidado aos pacientes com úlceras venosas, visando a aproximação do saber profissional ao popular. A pesquisa tem como questão norteadora: Quais as práticas de cuidado popular adotadas pelas pessoas com úlcera venosa atendidas no ambulatório de angiologia do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil? E, como objetivo: conhecer as práticas de cuidado popular adotadas pelas pessoas com úlcera venosa atendidas no ambulatório de angiologia do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria/RS. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva, desenvolvida no ambulatório do referido hospital e no domicílio das pessoas com úlcera venosa, no período entre dezembro de 2012 e março de 2013. Os participantes da pesquisa são adultos e idosos, com lesão venosa, em acompanhamento neste ambulatório. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Após, os dados foram transcritos, e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Foram respeitados os aspectos éticos em consonância à Resolução nº 196/96 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Os resultados são apresentados no formato de artigos: Artigo 1: As pessoas vão me ensinando as coisas e eu faço! : práticas populares no cuidado com a úlcera venosa; Artigo 2: Cuidados em saúde das pessoas com úlcera venosa em assistência ambulatorial.Pode-se constatar que as pessoas recorrem a múltiplas alternativas de cuidados em busca de solução para sua condição de saúde. Entre as práticas de cuidado popular referidas pelos entrevistados estão benzer, rezar/orar, uso de plantas e chás e pluralismos de práticas. Além dessas, encontraram-se os cuidados com a alimentação, com a lesão e o repouso. Portanto, há necessidade de os profissionais de saúde, em especial os enfermeiros, conhecerem a realidade sociocultural da população que assistem, com vistas a um cuidado congruente.

SANTRAUKA Vilniaus universiteto Medicinos fakultetas Reabilitacijos, sporto medicinos ir slaugos institutas Slaugos magistrantūros programa PACIENTŲ SERGANČIŲ LĖTINIU VENŲ NEPAKANKAMUMU OPERACINIO GYDYMO ĮTAKA GYVENIMO KOKYBEI Slaugos magistro baigiamasis darbas Darbo autorė: Renata Grigonienė Darbo vadovas: dr. Narimantas Markevičius Vilnius, 2008 m. Pagrindinės sąvokos: lėtinis venų nepakankamumas, gyvenimo kokybė prieš operaciją, gyvenimo kokybės pagerėjimas po operacijos, CIVIQ klausimynas. Tyrimo tikslas - ištirti pacientų sergančiųjų lėtiniu venų nepakankamumu gyvenimo kokybę prieš operaciją ir po jos. Tyrimo uždaviniai. Palyginti vyrų ir moterų gyvenimo kokybę sergant lėtiniu venų nepakankamumu prieš operaciją ir po jos. Ištirti gyvenimo kokybės skausmo sritį prieš operaciją ir po jos. Ištirti gyvenimo kokybės fizinę sritį prieš operaciją ir po jos. Ištirti gyvenimo kokybės psichologinę sritį prieš operaciją ir po jos. Ištirti gyvenimo kokybės socialinių santykių sritį prieš operaciją ir po jos. Tyrimo objektas. Tirta pacientų sergančių lėtiniu venų nepakankamumu gyvenimo kokybė prieš operaciją ir po jos. Buvo apklausta 51 respondentas prieš operaciją ir po jos, iš jų 41 (80,4 %) moteris ir 10 (19,6 %) vyrų. Tyrimo metodai. Teorinė mokslinės literatūros, leidinių, publikacijų apžvalga. Pacientų sergančių lėtiniu venų nepakankamumu anketinė apklausa gyvenimo kokybei ištirti prieš operaciją ir po jos. Apklausai naudotas tarptautinis CIVIQ klausimynas. Statistinė analizė... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
The Influence of Surgical Treatment on Quality of Live of Patients Suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency“ Nursing Master’s final paper Author: Renata Grigonienė Supervisor: dr. Narimantas Markevičius Vilnius, 2009 m. Keywords: chronic venous insufficiency, quality of life before surgery, quality of life improvement after surgery, chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire (CIVIQ). The aim of research: to investigate the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency before and after surgery. The objectives of research: to compare the quality of life of male and female patients with chronic venous insufficiency before and after surgery; to investigate the pain domain of quality of life before and after surgery; to investigate the physical domain of quality of life before and after surgery; to investigate the psychological domain of quality of life before and after surgery; to investigate the social relations domain of quality of life before and after surgery. The subject of research: the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency before and after surgery. 51 patients took part in the survey before and after surgery, including 41 female (80.4 %) and 10 males (19.6 %). The methods of research: Theoretical review of scientific literature and publications; questionnaire survey designed to investigate the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. International CIVIQ questionnaire was used for... [to full text]

This project explored the biochemistry of non-healing wounds, with aims of expanding the current knowledge on their associated protein profiles. Changes in the abundance levels of proteins within wound fluids were examined in relation to best-practice treatments, including compression therapy, and wound condition, including infection status and disease burden. A complex statistical methodology was developed to analyse wound proteomic mass spectrometry data. This approach identified a suite of significant and clinically relevant protein targets. These findings may benefit wounds research and clinical practice, as they offer insight into the biochemical impact of best-practice care and the effect on wound healing.

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Chronic venous disease (CVD) is evident among the chronic diseases and affects the elderly population and primarily is responsible for leg ulcers in this population. The use of dressings in the care of a venous ulcer is a fundamental part of the treatment for healing, however, evidence to assist in choosing the best dressing is scarce. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with hydrogel in the healing of venous ulcers using search methods, synthesis of information and statistical research through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials were selected in the following databases: CENTRAL; DARE; NHS EED; MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL. Beyond these databases three websites were consulted to identify ongoing studies: ClinicalTrials.gov, OMS ICTRP e ISRCTN. The primary outcomes were analyzed: complete wound healing, incidence of wound infection and the secondary were: changes in ulcer size, time to ulcer healing, recurrence of ulcer, quality of life of participants, pain and costs of treatment. Four studies are currently included in the review with a total of 250 participants. The use of hydrogel appears to be superior to conventional dressing, gauze soaked in saline, for the healing of venous leg ulcers; 16/30 patients showed complete healing of ulcers (RR 5,33, 95%CI [1,73,16,42]). The alginate gel was shown to be more effective when compared to the hydrogel dressing in reduction of the wound area; 61,2% (? 26,2%) with alginate e 19,4% (? 24,3%) with hydrogel at the end of four weeks of treatment. Manuka honey has shown to be similar to the hydrogel dressings in percentage of area reduction. This review demonstrated that there is no evidence available about the effectiveness of the hydrogel compared to other types of dressings on the healing of venous leg ulcers of the lower limbs, thus demonstrating the need of future studies to assist health professionals in choosing the correct dressing.
A doen?a venosa cr?nica (DVC) evidencia-se entre as doen?as cr?nicas por acometer a popula??o idosa e ser a principal respons?vel pelas ?lceras de membros inferiores nesta popula??o. O uso de adesivos no cuidado de uma ?lcera venosa ? parte fundamental no tratamento para a cicatriza??o, no entanto, as evid?ncias para auxiliar na escolha do melhor adesivo s?o escassas. O objetivo principal do estudo foi avaliar a efic?cia do tratamento com o hidrogel na cicatriza??o de ?lceras venosas mediante m?todos de busca, s?ntese de informa??o e an?lise estat?stica atrav?s de uma revis?o sistem?tica com meta-an?lise. Foram selecionados estudos controlados randomizados nas seguintes bases de dados: CENTRAL; DARE; NHS EED; MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL. Al?m dessas bases foram consultados tr?s websites para identificar estudos em andamento: ClinicalTrials.gov, OMS ICTRP e ISRCTN. Os desfechos prim?rios analisados foram: cicatriza??o completa das ?lceras e incid?ncia de infec??o das ?lceras e os secund?rios foram: altera??es no tamanho da ?lcera, tempo de cicatriza??o das ?lceras, recorr?ncia das ?lceras, qualidade de vida dos participantes, dor e custos do tratamento. Quatro estudos est?o atualmente inclu?dos na revis?o com um total de 250 pacientes. O uso do hidrogel parece ser superior ao curativo convencional, gaze embebida em salina, para a cicatriza??o de ?lceras venosas de membros inferiores; 16/30 pacientes apresentaram cicatriza??o completa das ?lceras (RR 5,33, 95%CI [1,73,16,42]). O gel de alginato demonstrou ser mais efetivo quando comparado ao hidrogel quanto ? redu??o da ?rea da ?lcera; 61,2% (? 26,2%) com o alginato e 19,4% (? 24,3%) com o hidrogel ao final das quatro semanas de tratamento. O mel de Manuka demonstrou ser similar ao hidrogel em rela??o ? porcentagem de redu??o da ?rea. Esta revis?o mostrou que n?o existem evid?ncias dispon?veis a respeito da efic?cia do hidrogel em rela??o aos outros tipos de curativo na cicatriza??o de ?lceras venosas de membros inferiores, demonstrando assim a necessidade de futuras pesquisas para auxiliar os profissionais da sa?de na escolha do adesivo correto

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Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is the leading cause of venous leg ulcers (VLU). Primary varicose veins are the most frequent cause of CVI. The requirements for each treatment method limits its applicability. Foam sclerotherapy has been shown to be effective, safe and great applicability. OBJECTIVE: Analize patient?s evolution after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (USGFS). METHOD. Clinical trial without control group. Patients with primary CVI venous ulcer (VU) and great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux were treated with USGFS from June 2015 to June 2016. We evaluate diseases severity, quality of life (QoL), ulcer?s healing and elimination of venous reflux. Patients were followed for 180 days and evaluated by Doppler ultrasound (USD), Aberdeen varicose veins questionnaire (AVVQ) and venous clinical severity score (VCSS). Anatomical and clinical data were collected. AVVQ, VCSS and ulcers diameters were tested by ANOVA method. Patients were grouped according to outcome (VU healing, venous occlusion and reflux elimination) and variables were compared by the Mann-Whitney test or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: 22 patients were treated (15 men and 7 women) aged 35 to 70 years (56 +/-10.5). There was improvement in quality of life, ulcers diameters antics were reduced (p < 0.001; ANOVA). 77% of VLU were completely healed, 14% remained open with reduced dimensions. Venous reflux was eliminated in 64% of the treated great saphenous vein. Worse QoL patients needed more treatment sessions (? = 0.5449; p = 0.0087; Spearman). Men had better QOL after 180 days and had a higher gain on QOL than women (p = 0.0074). Older patients, patients with larger ulcers, away from work and women had more severe disease (p 0.05 <; ANOVA). No variable related to evolution of clinical severity. Women had more complications (p = 0.017; Fisher) and there was no severe complications. Completely healed VLU and completely occluded GSV were at beginning smaller than not completely healed UV and not completely occluded GSV (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSION: The absence of severe adverse effects and improvement of evaluated parameters observed in most patients indicates that USGFS is an applicable alternative to patients with severe CVI.
A insufici?ncia venosa cr?nica (IVC) ? a principal causa de ?lceras nos membros inferiores (UV). Varizes prim?rias s?o a causa mais frequente de IVC. Os diversos tratamentos propostos para varizes com IVC apresentam requisitos que limitam sua aplicabilidade. Escleroterapia com espuma tem se mostrado eficaz segura barata e de grande aplicabilidade. OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolu??o dos portadores de IVC com refluxo da veia safena magna e ?lcera venosa submetidos a escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma de polidocanol (EEE). M?TODO. Ensaio cl?nico sem grupo controle. Portadores de IVC prim?ria com ?lcera varicosa e refluxo na veia safena magna foram tratados com EEE de forma consecutiva. Os pacientes foram observados por 180 dias entre junho de 2015 e junho de 2016. A evolu??o dos pacientes foi estudada em termos de qualidade de vida (QV) avaliado pelo question?rio Aberdeen para veias varicosas (QA); gravidade da doen?a avaliada por escore de gravidade cl?nica (ECV), elimina??o do refluxo venoso pelo ultrassom Doppler (USD) e cicatriza??o de ?lceras. Foram coletados dados cl?nicos, anat?micos e sociais. QA, ECV, di?metro das ?lceras e a influ?ncia das vari?veis foram comparados pelo m?todo de ANOVA. Os pacientes foram agrupados de segundo desfecho (cicatriza??o de UV, oclus?o e elimina??o do refluxo venoso) e as vari?veis foram comparadas pelo teste de Mann-Whitney ou pelo teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Foram tratados 22 pacientes (7 homens e 15 mulheres) com idade entre 35 a 70 anos (56 +/- 10,5). Houve melhora na qualidade de vida, redu??o da gravidade da doen?a e redu??o dos di?metros das ?lceras (p<0.001; ANOVA). Houve cicatriza??o completa de 77% das UV, 14% permaneceram abertas com redu??o das dimens?es. Houve elimina??o do refluxo em 64% das VSM tratadas. Pacientes com pior QV necessitaram maior n?mero de sess?es para tratamento da doen?a (?=0.5449; p-valor = 0.0087; Spearman). Homens apresentaram melhor QV ap?s 180 dias e tiveram maior ganho na QV que as mulheres (p = 0.0074; Mann-Whitney). Pacientes mais idosos, portadores de ?lceras maiores, afastados do trabalho e mulheres (p<0,05; ANOVA) apresentaram doen?a mais grave. Nenhuma vari?vel se relacionou a evolu??o da gravidade cl?nica. Mulheres apresentaram mais complica??es (p = 0.017; Fisher) e n?o houve complica??es graves. As UV completamente cicatrizadas e as VSM que apresentaram oclus?o completa apresentavam dimens?es inicialmente menores quando comparadas as UV n?o completamente cicatrizadas e as VSM n?o completamente oclu?das (p<0,05; Mann-Whitney). CONCLUS?O: A aus?ncia de complica??es graves e a melhora observada dos par?metros avaliados na maioria dos pacientes indica que EEE ? alternativa aplic?vel aos portadores de IVC grave.

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Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by an abnormal functioning of the venous system, in which the flow of arterial blood that reaches the lower limbs is greater than the flow of venous blood returning to heart. The blood accumulates in the lower limbs and generates venous hypertension, with consequent edema and skin changes. The objective was to create a simplified protocol of exercises physical to be performed at home, and subsequently evaluate the intervention in patients with chronic venous insufficiency ulcer vein. Method: Initially, we produced a simplified protocol of exercises, which could be easily understood and implemented by patients. In order to facilitate understanding and implementation, was produced a booklet to demonstrate the correct way to perform the exercises. Through a controlled clinical trial, we developed a pilot study evaluated 06 individuals, 03 in Group Experimental (GE) and 03 Control Group (CG). For 15 days, patients were submitted to the GE program of physical exercises performed at home, while the CG patients remained on conventional treatment only. Through the visual analogue scale, tape measure, goniometer, and SF-36 were evaluated, respectively, the pain and swelling in lower limbs, range of motion of the ankles and knees, and quality of life related to health, not being observed significant difference between groups in measured parameters. Conclusion: The protocol for conducting exercises at home was easily understood by all individuals in the GE, allowing the immediate execution of the planeed activity. Probably due to the small number of subjects evaluated and the short intervention period, there was no significant difference between groups.
A insuficiência venosa crônica caracteriza-se por um funcionamento anormal do sistema venoso, no qual o fluxo de sangue arterial que chega aos membros inferiores (MMII) é maior que o fluxo de sangue venoso que retorna ao coração. O sangue acumula-se nos membros inferiores e gera hipertensão venosa, com consequente edema e alterações de pele. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi criar um protocolo simplificado de exercícios físicos para execução domiciliar e, subsequentemente, avaliar a intervenção em pacientes com insuficiência venosa crônica e úlcera venosa. Método: Inicialmente foi produzido um protocolo simplificado de exercícios, que pudesse ser facilmente compreendido e executado pelos pacientes. No intuito de facilitar a compreensão e execução, foi produzida uma cartilha para demonstração da forma correta de executar os exercícios. Por meio de um ensaio clínico controlado, foi desenvolvido um estudo piloto no qual foram avaliados 06 indivíduos, 03 no Grupo Experimental (GE) e 03 no Grupo Controle (GC). Durante 15 dias, os pacientes do GE foram submetidos ao programa de exercícios físicos realizados em domicílio, enquanto os pacientes do GC permaneceram apenas no tratamento convencional. Por meio da escala visual analógica, fita métrica, goniômetro, e questionário SF-36, foram avaliados, respectivamente, a dor e edema em MMII, amplitude de movimento articular dos tornozelos e joelhos, e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, não sendo observada diferença significativa entre os grupos, nos parâmetros avaliados. Conclusão: O protocolo para realização de exercícios em domicílio foi facilmente compreendido por todos os indivíduos do GE, permitindo a imediata execução da atividade prevista. Provavelmente devido ao pequeno número de indivíduos avaliados e ao curto período de intervenção, não foi verificada diferença significativa entre os grupos.

Bakgrund   Allmänsjuksköterskor kommer ofta i kontakt med personer med venösa bensår. Behandling och vård av dessa personer sker ofta inom primärvård, öppenvård eller hemsjukvård, men även på vårdavdelningar och andra sjukvårdsinstanser. Venösa bensår är en följd av underliggande kronisk venös insufficiens. Det är därför stor risk att såren återkommer efter läkning och behandlingen måste därför i många fall bli livslång. Trots detta finns få studier som fokuserar på personers upplevelser av behandling och vård vid venösa bensår.   Syfte  Syftet är att beskriva personers upplevelser av behandling och vård vid venösa bensår. Metod  För att sammanfatta den forskning som i dagsläget finns kring ämnet har en litteraturöversikt gjorts. Sökningar har utförts i de vetenskapliga databaserna Pub Med och CINAHL och 16 artiklar identifierades. Dessa har kvalitetsgranskats genom Sophiahemmet Högskolas bedömningsinstrument. Resultat Litteraturöversiktens tre huvudkategorier, förhoppning och uppgivenhet, att leva ett begränsat liv och att inte bli sedd som person berättar om upplevelser som många personer med venösa bensår har av behandling och vård. Personer upplever att behandling och vård på något sätt begränsar eller påverkar dem. Vårdens kontinuitet, god kommunikation, och relationen till sjuksköterskan är av betydelse för upplevelsen av behandling och vård. Det finns brister i individanpassningen av behandling och vård som påverkar personer med venösa bensårs förtroende för vården. Många personer uppger en ovisshet som gör det svårt att hantera behandlingen psykologiskt. En stark önskan om läkning av de venösa bensåren är gemensamt för många studiedeltagare. Slutsats Det fattas specifik forskning om personers upplevelser. Sjuksköterskor som behandlar personer med venösa bensår saknar kunskaper om deras tillstånd och rekommenderad behandling. I denna litteraturöversikt framkommer ett behov av att skifta fokus från läkning av det venösa bensåret till personens livskvalitet. Sjuksköterskor behöver mer kunskaper om venösa bensår och en större förståelse för den livssituation som många personer med venösa bensår befinner sig i. Ökad nivå av personcentrering i behandling och vård av personer med venösa bensår bör därför eftersträvas, och förutsättningar måste skapas för sjuksköterskor att kunna erbjuda den specialiserade och kvalitativa vård som krävs.
Background Registered nurses frequently come into contact with persons living with venous leg ulcers, as these wounds are primarily treated and cared for by nurses. Persons with venous leg ulcers often experience underlying chronic venous insufficiency, which is the main cause of venous leg ulcers. This means that even once healed venous leg ulcers are likely to reoccur, and treatment is often life-long. In spite of this, very few studies and research projects focus on the person’s experiences of their ailment in relation to the treatment they receive. Aim To highlight persons’ experiences related to the treatment and care of venous ulcers.  Method To summarize the research knowledge of this subject, a review of current literature was undertaken. Searches have been conducted in several online-based databases. Through the databases PubMed and CINAHL 16 articles were identified and then analyzed. Results Many persons with venous leg ulcers feel that treatment and care affects or impedes them in some way. Three core categories were identified as signifying for the result: hopefulness and uncertainty, an impaired life, and not being viewed as a person. Continuity of care, quality of communication, and the nurse-patient relationship are all key contributors to the experiences of treatment and care that persons with venous leg ulcers describe. The result implies that treatment and care of persons with venous leg ulcers is not satisfyingly individualized, which reduces the level of confidence that these persons feel for their healthcare providers. Persons with venous leg ulcers report that experiences of uncertainty make the treatment hard to handle psychologically. A strong desire for permanent healing is shared by persons with venous leg ulcers.  Conclusions There is a shortage of specific research aimed at the experiences of persons with venous leg ulcers of aspects relating to their treatment and care. Many nurses lack vital knowledge regarding the treatment and care of these individuals. In this review a need for a shift of focus is perceived, from simply the healing of the venous leg ulcer, into also considering the quality of life of persons with venous leg ulcers. Nurses are in need of more knowledge of the condition, and more insight into the lives of persons with venous leg ulcers. A person-centred approach should therefore be sought, and conditions must be provided for nurses to expand their knowledge and be able to offer a more specialized and qualitative level of treatment and care.

La prise en charge de l’insuffisance veineuse chronique (IVC) et du lymphœdème repose, traditionnellement, sur des méthodes de compression fondées sur des concepts généralement admis mais insuffisamment éprouvés. Le Projet « Phlébosthène », initié en 2010, comporte le développement et l’application d’outils d’étude biomécanique quantitative de l’œdème et des troubles fonctionnels veineux. Les études n°1 et 2 reposaient sur la volumétrie par mesures étagées de circonférence du membre supérieur chez des patientes présentant un lymphœdème. Elles ont montré la valeur prédictive des variations de volume obtenues par la phase intensive du traitement décongestif quant à l’évolution du lymphœdème à moyen terme et au risque de phénomène de rebond. L’étude n°3 a validé la volumétrie de membre par caméra laser 3D chez des sujets sains et des patients souffrant d’insuffisance veineuse chronique du membre inférieur, en comparaison à la volumétrie par déplacement d’eau, méthode de référence, avec l’avantage majeur de quantifier le volume du pied et de la main. L’étude n°4 comportait, au membre inférieur, la mesure des pressions d’interface, intraveineuse, et intramusculaire sans et avec orthèse de compression dégressive de force 2 et 3, et avec orthèse de compression progressive, au repos, lors d’une manœuvre de flexion-extension du pied en position allongée, et lors d’une manœuvre de haussement sur la pointe des pieds en position debout. L’échographie avec mesure de la force d’appui sur la sonde et analyse automatique d’image calculant l’aire veineuse permettait de déterminer la courbe force / aire d’une veine superficielle et d’une veine profonde du mollet en position allongée et debout. Nous avons inclus 57 patients souffrant d’IVC (21 au stade C1s, 18 au stade C3, et 18 au stade C5 selon la classification CEAP), et 54 sujets sains témoins (18 sédentaires, 18 actifs, 18 sportifs) appariés. Les mesures de pression intraveineuse et intramusculaire ont été réalisées chez un tiers des patients et sujets sains. Le traitement des données échographiques (1776 séquences) étant en cours, nous ne pouvons présenter que des résultats préliminaires et partiels. Les pressions d’interface évoluaient conformément aux attentes, atteignant des valeurs plus élevées sous compression de force 2 que sans compression, sous compression de force 3 que de force 2, et sous compression progressive que sous compression de force 2 ou 3. La compression progressive ne se distinguait nettement des compressions dégressives qu’au niveau du mollet et non de la cheville. Les pressions d’interface étaient généralement plus élevées, sous compression, chez les témoins et les patients au stade C5, et, à un moindre degré, au stade C3, que chez les patients au stade C1s. La pression intraveineuse variait en fonction de la posture et du mouvement et était corrélée à la taille du sujet et sa longueur de jambe en orthostatisme ainsi qu’avec le stade clinique d’IVC. La pression intramusculaire évoluait parallèlement à la compression. Les boucles force / aire veineuse montraient une hystérésis caractéristique, décrivant donc la viscoélasticité des veines examinées. L’analyse complète des résultats permettra de comparer les différentes orthèses de compression et leur effet sur la biomécanique veineuse des sujets sains et pathologiques, avec des données quantitatives sur les caractéristiques viscoélastiques des veines. Nous pourrons évaluer l’effet de l’activité physique en comparant les sujets sédentaires, actifs, et sportifs. L’objectif est, à terme, de produire un modèle mathématique permettant, à partir d’un ensemble limité de données obtenues de façon non-vulnérante, de prédire l’effet des différentes modalités de compression sur la biomécanique veineuse de façon à pouvoir déterminer, grâce à la description géométrique tridimensionnelle du membre, les paramètres individuels optimaux de compression
The conventional treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and lymphedema is based upon mechanical compression, relying on generally admitted but insufficiently proven concepts. The " Phlebosthene " project, initiated in 2010, involves the development and implementation of innovative tools for the quantitative biomechanical evaluation of edema and venous disorders. Studies #1 and #2 were based on the calculation of the upper limb volume by serial circumference measurements in patients with lymphedema. They demonstrated the predictive value of volume variations during the intensive phase of decongestive therapy as for the medium-term outcome and the risk of rebound phenomenon. Study #3 validated segmental limb volumetry by 3D laser scanning in healthy subjects and in patients with lower limb CVI, in comparison with water displacement (reference method), with the major advantage of quantifying the volume of the foot and toes. Study #4 included the measurement, at the lower limb, of interface, intravenous, and intramuscular pressure without and with compression stockings, comparing force 2 and force 3 graduated stockings with so-called progressive compression. Measurements were performed at rest, during flexion-extension movements of the foot while the subject was lying supine, and during a tip-toe test in the standing position. Synchronously recorded B-mode sonography with automatic image analysis allowed calculating the venous area and provided force / area curves of superficial and deep calf veins in the supine and in the standing position. We included 57 patients with CVI (21 at the C1s, 18 at the C3 and 18 at the C5 stage of CVI according to the CEAP classification), and 54 matched healthy controls (18 sedentary, 18 active, 18 sportive). Intravenous and intramuscular pressure measurements were performed in one third of patients. As the processing of the 1776 B-mode sonographic sequences is still underway, we can only offer here partial and preliminary results. Interface pressures evolved as expected, reaching higher values under graduated force 2 compression stockings than without compression, under graduated force 3 than force 2 compression, and under progressive than under graduated compression. Progressive compression clearly distinguished itself from graduated compression only at the calf but not at the ankle level. Interface pressures were generally higher, under compression, in controls and in patients with IVC at the C5 stage, and, to a lesser degree, at the C3 stage, than in patients at the C1s stage. Intravenous pressure varied with posture and movement and correlated with the subject’s size and leg length in orthostatic position, and with the CVI stage. The force / area curves of superficial and deep calf veins exhibited a characteristic hysteresis, yielding viscoelasticity information. When the database will be complete and consolidated, we will be able to compare different compression stockings and their effect on the venous biomechanics of healthy and pathological subjects, providing quantitative data on the viscoelastic characteristics of superficial and deep veins. We will also be able to assess the effect of physical activity on venous biomechanics by comparing sedentary, active, and sportive subjects. The confrontation of interface, intravenous, and intramuscular pressures with these biomechanical data will provide a mathematical model using a limited set of data obtained by simple and non-invasive measurements to predict the effect of compression stockings on the biomechanics of superficial and deep veins, in order to determine, with the help of 3D laser scanning, the optimal individual compression settings

As complicações de pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica submetidos ao tratamento hemodialítico representam desafios para os profissionais de saúde. A variabilidade de fatores de risco que predispõem a essas complicações têm sido, freqüentemente, investigada na literatura científica. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se descrever as complicações locais e sistêmicas dos pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica a partir da implantação do cateter temporário de duplo lúmen para hemodiálise até sua retirada definitiva. Trata-se de um estudo de segmento que avaliou prospectivamente os pacientes da implantação do cateter até sua retirada definitiva. Para o estabelecimento do grupo estudado foi considerado um período de seis meses consecutivos de julho a dezembro de 2003. Assim, após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em pesquisa procedeu-se a coleta dos dados. Para análise dos resultados realizou-se a codificação das variáveis no banco de dados do programa Microsoft Excel mediante dupla digitação, e, utilizou-se o programa Software Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versão 10.0 na análise estatística. Dos 64 pacientes avaliados 38 (59,4%) eram do sexo masculino, 20 (31,2%) tinham como causa provável da insuficiência renal a nefroesclerose hipertensiva, e, 35 (54,7%) implantaram o cateter devido à necessidade do tratamento hemodialítico imediato. Totalizou-se no período 145 cateteres implantados, 29 (45,3%) dos pacientes tiveram implantes únicos, 98 (67,6%) dos acessos foram a veia jugular interna direita, 40 (27,6%) das trocas dos cateteres foram devido a febre. O tempo médio de permanência dos cateteres foi de 30 dias. A complicação local mais freqüente em 41 (64%) dos pacientes foi o funcionamento inadequado do cateter com 26 dias de média para a ocorrência, e, a complicação sistêmica mais freqüente em 24 (37,5%) foi a febre com 34 dias de média para sua ocorrência, 27 (42,2%) dos pacientes apresentaram infecção do sítio de inserção, e, 30 (47%) infecção da corrente sanguínea. O Staphylococcus aureus foi o microrganismo mais isolado em 10 (33,4%) das hemoculturas. Observou-se que 45 (70,4%) dos pacientes retiraram definitivamente o cateter devido à punção da fístula arteriovenosa. O estudo apontou aspectos preocupantes, dentre eles, o tempo de permanência do cateter, que expõe sobremaneira o paciente a diferentes complicações, em especial, a infecção. A confecção da fístula arteriovenosa representa uma importante alternativa que contrapõe o uso do cateter temporário.
Complications in chronic renal insufficiency patients under dialysis treatment represent important challenges to health professionals. The variety of risk factors predisposing towards these complications have frequently been discussed in scientific literature. Thus, this study aimed to describe the local and systemic complications of chronic renal insufficiency patients who were using a temporary double-lumen catheter for hemodialysis treatment, until its final withdrawal. A segment research prospectively studied patients from the moment the catheter was inserted until its final withdrawal. A period of six consecutive months, from July to December 2003, was considered to determine the group of patients ti be studied. Thus, after ethical approval, data were collected through interviews, clinical exams and patient record evaluation. For the result analysis, the variables were coded in a database through double data entry in Microsoft Excel and Software Statistical Package Social Sciences, version 10.0 was used for statistical analysis. 38 (59.4%) of the 64 patients were men, 20 (31.2%) showed hypertensive nephrosclerosis as the probable cause of insufficiency renal and 35 (54.7%) inserted the catheter due to the need for immediate hemodialysis treatment. 145 catheters were inserted during the period, 29 (45.3%) of which were single implants and the right internal jugular vein was the access in 98 cases (67.6%). Average catheter permanence time was 30 days. Catheters were substituted in 40 cases (27.6%) due to fever. The most frequent local complication was inadequate functioning in 41 (64%) cases, with an average occurrence of 26 days, while the most frequent systemic complication was fever in 24 cases (37.5%), with an average occurrence of 34 days. Infection of the insertion site occurred in 27 (42.2%) cases and infection of the blood flow associated with the catheter in 30 (49%) cases. Sthaphylococos aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism in 10 (33.4%) blood cultures. 45 (70.4%) final catheter withdrawals were due to arterio-venous fistula puncture. This analysis revealed various preoccupying aspects, including the catheter permanence time, which highly exposes the patient to different complications, particularly infection.

No
PURPOSE: To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in the aqueduct of Sylvius (AoS) in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI)-positive and -negative healthy individuals using cine phase contrast imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one healthy individuals (32 CCSVI-negative and 19 age-matched CCSVI-positive subjects) were examined using Doppler sonography (DS). Diagnosis of CCSVI was established if subjects fulfilled >/=2 venous hemodynamic criteria on DS. CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified using a semiautomated method and compared with clinical and routine 3T MRI outcomes. RESULTS: CCSVI was associated with increased CSF pulsatility in the AoS. Net positive CSF flow was 32% greater in the CCSVI-positive group compared with the CCSVI-negative group (P = 0.008). This was accompanied by a 28% increase in the mean aqueductal characteristic signal (ie, the AoS cross-sectional area over the cardiac cycle) in the CCSVI-positive group compared with the CCSVI-negative group (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: CSF dynamics are altered in CCSVI-positive healthy individuals, as demonstrated by increased pulsatility. This is accompanied by enlargement of the AoS, suggesting that structural changes may be occurring in the brain parenchyma of CCSVI-positive healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: The potential pathogenesis between the presence and severity of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and its relation to clinical and imaging outcomes in brain parenchyma of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not yet been elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between CCSVI, and altered brain parenchyma venous vasculature visibility (VVV) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in patients with MS and in sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC). METHODS: 59 MS patients, 41 relapsing-remitting and 18 secondary-progressive, and 33 HC were imaged on a 3T GE scanner using pre- and post-contrast SWI venography. The presence and severity of CCSVI was determined using extra-cranial and trans-cranial Doppler criteria. Apparent total venous volume (ATVV), venous intracranial fraction (VIF) and average distance-from-vein (DFV) were calculated for various vein mean diameter categories: < .3 mm, .3-.6 mm, .6-.9 mm and > .9 mm. RESULTS: CCSVI criteria were fulfilled in 79.7% of MS patients and 18.2% of HC (p < .0001). Patients with MS showed decreased overall ATVV, ATVV of veins with a diameter < .3 mm, and increased DFV compared to HC (all p < .0001). Subjects diagnosed with CCSVI had significantly increased DFV (p < .0001), decreased overall ATVV and ATVV of veins with a diameter < .3 mm (p < .003) compared to subjects without CCSVI. The severity of CCSVI was significantly related to decreased VVV in MS (p < .0001) on pre- and post-contrast SWI, but not in HC. CONCLUSIONS: MS patients with higher number of venous stenoses, indicative of CCSVI severity, showed significantly decreased venous vasculature in the brain parenchyma. The pathogenesis of these findings has to be further investigated, but they suggest that reduced metabolism and morphological changes of venous vasculature may be taking place in patients with MS.

yes
To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in the aqueduct of Sylvius (AoS) in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI)-positive and -negative healthy individuals using cine phase contrast imaging. Materials and Methods Fifty-one healthy individuals (32 CCSVI-negative and 19 age-matched CCSVI-positive subjects) were examined using Doppler sonography (DS). Diagnosis of CCSVI was established if subjects fulfilled ≥2 venous hemodynamic criteria on DS. CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified using a semiautomated method and compared with clinical and routine 3T MRI outcomes. Results CCSVI was associated with increased CSF pulsatility in the AoS. Net positive CSF flow was 32% greater in the CCSVI-positive group compared with the CCSVI-negative group (P = 0.008). This was accompanied by a 28% increase in the mean aqueductal characteristic signal (ie, the AoS cross-sectional area over the cardiac cycle) in the CCSVI-positive group compared with the CCSVI-negative group (P = 0.021). Conclusion CSF dynamics are altered in CCSVI-positive healthy individuals, as demonstrated by increased pulsatility. This is accompanied by enlargement of the AoS, suggesting that structural changes may be occurring in the brain parenchyma of CCSVI-positive healthy individuals

Title: The effect of manual lymphatic drainage on the musculus soleus muscle tension in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Aims: The aim of this thesis is to summarize theoretical knowledge about chronic venous insufficiency, muscle tension and manual lymphatic drainage and then to perform a pilot study to determine whether people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency have changed muscle tone of musculus soleus and to verify whether the implementation of a single manual lymphatic drainage of the lower limbs results in a change of muscle tension of musculus soleus. Methods: There were three patients who participated in the experiment. Anthropometric examinations of circuits of both lower limbs on all patients was carried out, using measuring tape and then a muscle tone of musculus soleus was measured using a device called myotonometer. After that the single manual lymphatic drainage of one lower limb (more affected lower extremity) was performed. The second, untreated leg was considered to be the control limb. There was also performed basal treatment of the neck, before every manual lymphatic drainage of lower limb. Circumferential dimensions of both lower limbs were measured immediately after manual lymphatic drainage and then 15 minutes later again. After that the muscle tone of...

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging and echo color Doppler (ECD) scan techniques do not accurately assess the cerebral venous return. This generated considerable scientific controversy linked with the diagnosis of a vascular syndrome known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) characterized by restricted venous outflow from the brain. The purpose of this study was to assess the cerebral venous return in relation to the change in position by means of a novel cervical plethysmography method. METHODS: This was a single-center, cross-sectional, blinded case-control study conducted at the Vascular Diseases Center, University of Ferrara, Italy. The study involved 40 healthy controls (HCs; 18 women and 22 men) with a mean age of 41.5 +/- 14.4 years, and 44 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS; 25 women and 19 men) with a mean age of 41.0 +/- 12.1 years. All participants were previously scanned using ECD sonography, and further subset in HC (CCSVI negative at ECD) and CCSVI groups. Subjects blindly underwent cervical plethysmography, tipping them from the upright (90 degrees ) to supine position (0 degrees ) in a chair. Once the blood volume stabilized, they were returned to the upright position, allowing blood to drain from the neck. We measured venous volume (VV), filling time (FT), filling gradient (FG) required to achieve 90% of VV, residual volume (RV), emptying time (ET), and emptying gradient (EG) required to achieve 90% of emptying volume (EV) where EV = VV - RV, also analyzing the considered parameters by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and principal component mathematical analysis. RESULTS: The rate at which venous blood discharged in the vertical position (EG) was significantly faster in the controls (2.73 mL/second +/- 1.63) compared with the patients with CCSVI (1.73 mL/second +/- 0.94; P = .001). In addition, respectively, in controls and in patients with CCSVI, the following parameters were highly significantly different: FT 5.81 +/- 1.99 seconds vs 4.45 +/- 2.16 seconds (P = .003); FG 0.92 +/- 0.45 mL/second vs 1.50 +/- 0.85 mL/second (P < .001); RV 0.54 +/- 1.31 mL vs 1.37 +/- 1.34 mL (P = .005); ET 1.84 +/- 0.54 seconds vs 2.66 +/- 0.95 seconds (P < .001). Mathematical analysis demonstrated a higher variability of the dynamic process of cerebral venous return in CCSVI. Finally, ROC analysis demonstrated a good sensitivity of the proposed test with a percent concordant 83.8, discordant 16.0, tied 0.2 (C = 0.839). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral venous return characteristics of the patients with CCSVI were markedly different from those of the controls. In addition, our results suggest that cervical plethysmography has great potential as an inexpensive screening device and as a postoperative monitoring tool.

No
The purpose of this article is to investigate characteristics of cine phase contrast-calculated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and velocity measures in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving standard medical treatment who had been diagnosed with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). This case-controlled, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-blinded study included 15 patients with RR MS who presented with significant stenoses (>/=50% lumen reduction on catheter venography) in the azygous or internal jugular veins. Eight patients underwent PTA in addition to medical therapy immediately following baseline assessments (case group) and seven had delayed PTA after 6 months of medical therapy alone (control group). CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified over 32 phases of the cardiac cycle by a semiautomated method. Outcomes were compared between groups at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of the study by mixed-effect model analysis. At baseline, no significant differences in CSF flow or velocity measures were detected between groups. At month 6, significant improvement in flow (P<.001) and velocity (P = .013) outcomes were detected in the immediate versus the delayed group, and persisted to month 12 (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). Within-group flow comparisons from baseline to follow-up showed a significant increase in the immediate group (P = .033) but a decrease in the delayed group (P = .024). Altered CSF flow and velocity measures were associated with worsening of clinical and MR outcomes in the delayed group. PTA in patients with MS with CCSVI increased CSF flow and decreased CSF velocity, which are indicative of improved venous parenchyma drainage.