Class 16: Venous Reflux Testing

Question 1

what size is considered varicositis?

Answer 1

distended veins that are > 4 mm in diameter

Question 2

what is telangiectasis?

Answer 2

spider veins – intradermal venules are < 1 mm

Question 3

what are reticular veins?

Answer 3

dilated subdural veins that are 1-4 mm

Question 4

what is venous claudication?

Answer 4

veins that can’t drain blood from muscles

Question 5

what is stasis dermatitis?

Answer 5

inflamed skin can lead to ulcers and possibly venous gangrene

Question 6

what is superficial thrombophlebitis?

Answer 6

inflammatory reaction of superficial veins due to thrombosis

Question 7

superficial thrombophlebitis is usually ___ & self-limiting

Answer 7

benign

Question 8

3 causes of superficial thrombophlebitis

Answer 8

1. trauma
2. varicose veins
3. infection

Question 9

4 S&S of superficial thrombophlebitis

Answer 9

1. erythema
2. inflammation
3. localized tenderness
4. palpable cord & mass

Question 10

what is more painful: DVT or superficial thrombophlebitis

Answer 10

superficial thrombophlebitis

Question 11

which part of the GSV is measured when measuring vein diameter?

Answer 11

PROX, MID, DISTAL

Question 12

where is the proximal GSV & what is the normal diameter?

Answer 12

at the SFJ
<= 9 mm

Question 13

where is the mid GSV and what is the normal diameter?

Answer 13

at the knee
<= 7.5 mm

Question 14

where is the distal GSV and what is the normal diameter?

Answer 14

at the ankle
<= 5 mm

Question 15

2 methods to evaluate perforator veins?

Answer 15

1. scan GSV & LSV in TRV –> follow perforators
2. scan fascia on medial & posterior calf

Question 16

what is the purpose of PPG with venous testing?

Answer 16

to evaluate venous valve competency – assesses venous refill time post-exercise

Question 17

where is the sensor placed with PPG?

Answer 17

about 10 cm proximal to medial malleolus

Question 18

what exercise does the patient do for PPG testing in the LEV?

Answer 18

5-10 dorsa-flexions & plantar flexions

Question 19

technique to do PPG testing for LEV

Answer 19

1. put sensor ~10 cm proximal to medial malleolus
2. patient does 5-10 dorsal-flexions & plantar flexions
3. transmit infrared beam
4. signal displayed on strip chart recorder

Question 20

PPG measures ___ changes, not volume changes

Answer 20

reflection

Question 21

reflected signal strength of PPG is proportional to what?

Answer 21

the number of RBCs in cutaneous circulation