Preoperative Digital Photoplethysmography Predicts Improvement in Venous Function after Superficial Venous Surgery for Chronically Ulcerated Limbs

Objective:

To evaluate digital photoplethysmography (d-PPG) in predicting the influence of superficial surgery on venous function in chronically ulcerated limbs.

Design:

Prospective case-study.

Setting:

Vascular Laboratory of a District General Hospital.

Patients:

Patients with ulcerated limbs referred to a specialized community leg ulcer service were assessed with colour venous duplex ultrasound and ankle–brachial pressure index and offered surgery in cases of superficial venous reflux alone.

Interventions:

Superficial venous surgery. Four-layer compression bandaging.

Main outcome measures:

D-PPG derived venous refill time (VRT) and pump power (PP) were measured preoperatively with and without a tourniquet, and again after surgery.

Results:

Thirty ulcerated limbs in 27 patients were assessed. VRT increased from a median (interquartile range) of 10 s (7–17) preoperatively to 26 s (19–29)* with an above-knee tourniquet, 26 s (18–32)* with a below-knee tourniquet and 19 s (15–25)* after superficial venous surgery (*p < 0.01). PP increased from 2.3% (1.3–3.1) preoperatively to 3.0% (2.0–4.2)* with an above-knee tourniquet, 2.9% (2.1–4.3)** with a below-knee tourniquet and 4.4% (2.3–7.2)* after surgery (*p < 0.01, **p < 0.05). The increase in VRT with an above-knee tourniquet preoperatively correlated with an increase in VRT after surgery (r = 0.40, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Superficial venous surgery improves venous function measured by d-PPG in chronically ulcerated limbs. Preoperative assessment with d-PPG and an above-knee tourniquet predicts functional improvement after surgery.