Infrared Illumination and Subcutaneous Venous Network: Can it be of Help for the Study of CEAP C Limbs?

Objective: The subcutaneous venous network (SVN) is difficult to see with the naked eye. Near infrared illumination (NIr-I) claims to improve this. The aims of this observational study were to investigate whether there are differences between the different methods; to quantify the length and diameter of SVNs; and to confirm if they differ between C and C CEAP limbs.

Segmentation of elastic fibres in images of vessel wall sections stained with Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin.

Background And Objective: The elastic fibres are an essential component of the extracellular matrix in blood vessel walls that allows a long-range of deformability and passive recoil without energy input. The quantitative determination of elastic fibres will provide information on the state of the vascular wall and to determine the role and behaviour of this key structural element in different physiological and pathological vascular processes.

Methods: We present a segmentation method to identify and quantify elastic fibres based on a local threshold technique and some morphological characteristics measured on the segmented objects that facilitate the discrimination between elastic fibres and other image components.

Quantification and Statistical Analysis Methods for Vessel Wall Components from Stained Images with Masson's Trichrome.

Purpose: To develop a digital image processing method to quantify structural components (smooth muscle fibers and extracellular matrix) in the vessel wall stained with Masson's trichrome, and a statistical method suitable for small sample sizes to analyze the results previously obtained.

Methods: The quantification method comprises two stages. The pre-processing stage improves tissue image appearance and the vessel wall area is delimited.

The influence of the CIVIQ dimensions on quality of life of patients with primary superficial venous incompetence.

Objectives: To get to know the influence of the four domains of the Chronic Lower Limb Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ) on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with primary superficial venous incompetence, and their behaviour in relation to age, gender, occupation, body mass index (BMI), and also with respect to the clinical and anatomical classes of the CEAP.

Material And Methods: The sample was composed of 468 patients with primary superficial venous reflux (135 male and 333 female) who answered 100% of the questions in the Short Form-12 (SF12) and CIVIQ questionnaires. After a clinical and duplex examination, the patients were categorized as C0-6, Ep, As, Ap or As,p and Pr according to the CEAP classification.

[The perforating system of the area of the vena saphena magna].

An anatomical study of perforating veins system in relation to saphena magna vein had been performed. We had found a great variability of the perforating veins on the lateral aspect of the leg, whereas on the medial side there are 3 perforating veins presents in 100% of the subjects.