Abstract:
Introduction and Motivation
The main part (part I) of the thesis tests the use of titan-clips in crossectomy of the vena saphena magna by analysing the neovascularisation after surgery.
The second part (part II) of the thesis assesses whether the commonly used vein refill time (T0) measured by digital photoplethysmography (DPPG) is the best estimate for global vein function. Here we compare the possibility of vein function parameters as surgery indicators and for further prognosis.
Material and methods:
Part I: 229 legs of magna-crossectomy patients which were treated between 2004 and 2008, of which a random 42% were done using clips, were retrospectively assessed for neovascularisation using duplexsonography. A clinical study, a questionnaire including life quality assessment, pre-, post-surgery and current DPPGs and the surgery report were also included in this evaluation of the titan clip.
Part II: To assess DPPG measurements as a global vein function parameter all pre- (n=158) and post-surgery (after 6 weeks, n=174) as well as the current (n=229, median 36 months) measurements were assessed regarding the vein refill time (T0) and vein half-life (Th). Furthermore the new estimate of slope difference (delta m = difference of slope after first 10 sec. and slope after second 10 sec) was introduced and evaluated.
Results:
Part I: Neovascularisation was significantly reduced in the patient group treated with the titan clip (33% vs. 47%, p=0.04). Also, the deterioration of the vein function (estimated by the reduction of T0 and Th in the DPPG after surgery) was significantly reduced (p=0.04 or 0.03, respectively) in the same patient group. However, there was no effect on the longitudinal growth and diameter of the neovascularisation and the body mass index (BMI) of the clip treated patients was significantly (p=0.04) increased. These results are in line with the subjective assessment of the clip treated patients that the surgery has been helpful (84% vs. 60%, p<0.01).
Part II: A gradated Th rather than T0 of the DPPG was shown to be a better estimate for the level of chronic vein insufficiency (CVI). Here the following graduation was used: 0 Th>12 sec, 1 Th>9 sec., 2 Th>6 sec. and 3 Th smaller or equal 6 sec. Post-surgically vein function correlated with the prognosis for neovascularisation. While the DPPG Th grades 2 and 3 show a negative prognosis, can Th grade 0 be associated with a positive outlook. The grade 1, however, shows only an optimistic prognosis if delta m is positive but was correlated with a poorer outlook if delta m was negative. 7 of 10 patients which showed declining Th after surgery were diagnosed with normal Th or positive delta m in the DPPG before the treatment.
Discussion and conclusion:
Part I: With the exception of the higher BMI showed the group of the clip treated patients less neovascularisation and a better haemodynamic at the DPPG. The titan-clip can therefore be recommended as a modification for the crossectomy in particular for patients with a higher BMI.
Part II: Best correlation between the level of the CVI and the parameters was shown with Th and delta m. Post-surgically the prognosis was generally poorer the weaker the vein function has been determined despite surgery. But legs with pre-surgically relatively good vein function can deteriorate after surgery. Therefore CVI should only be treated surgically if the life situation and suffering justify the surgery but not as late as there is no chance for improvement.