Venous Flow Resistance and Venous Capacity in Humans with Primary Varicosis of the Long Saphenous Vein

Abstract

Venous flow resistance (Rv) and venous capacity (C10) was measured by strain-gauge plethysmography in patients with primary truncal varicosis of the long saphenous vein (LSV). Rv tended to be lower than normal, notably in measurements taken at the foot, but significant differences were hardly demonstrable. C10 in the calf and the foot were significantly higher than normal. Physical and morphological abnormalties of the LSV with relevance to Rv and C10 are discussed. It was demonstrated that the contribution of the LSV to venous haemodynamics amounts to about 10%. It is considered unlikely that the sensitivity of Rv, when used as a diagnostic criterion for recent deep vein thrombosis, is influenced by the LSV.