The Venographic Localisation of Incompetent Communicating Veins in the Leg

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Abstract
Incompetency of communicating veins in the lower extremities is important in the production of varicosities, edema formation and ulceration, and in the rapid re canalization of thrombosed superficial varices and contributes to the number of recurrences following surgical treatment of varicosities. Since the communicating veins are inconstant in position, and the commonly used tests are frequently unreliable in determining the existence and location of incompetency in these vessels, an attempt was made to attack the problem through the use of venography. A tourniquet was lightly placed around the limb above the level at which it was felt the communicating vein was incompetent, and a radiopaque material was injected into superficial vein in a retrograde direction. X-rays were taken at appropriate intervals. Such a method localizes the position of incompetent communicating veins in the leg very accurately. It is more efficient in the thigh than in the leg. By the use of venography, long incisions and tedious dissections can be avoided, surgical treatment made more effective, and the incidence of recurrences due to incompetent communicating veins much reduced.
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