[Significance of photoplethysmography in the diagnosis of deep venous insufficiency].

In chronic venous insufficiency, photoplethysmography, in addition to the clinical and Doppler examinations, offers important informations in the differential diagnosis between deep and superficial venous insufficiency. It is a simple, reproductible, non invasive test with data similar to venous pressure measurements. Photoplethysmography permits to set up quantitative criteria of venous insufficiency. It establishes the role of reflux in the dysfunction of the leg venous pump, and makes it possible to adjust for prescription of additional explorations, in particular popliteal or femoral dynamic phlebography. Furthermore, photoplethysmography offers a solid criterion to differentiate between various therapeutic surgeries: surgery of the superficial network, surgery of collateral veins, surgery to restore the deep venous network. Moreover, photoplethysmography is a useful tool to quantitatively appreciate the results of the venous insufficiency treatment. In conclusion, photoplethysmography appears as an additional examination necessary for functional exploration in chronic venous insufficiency. Its use in practical angiology is going to develop in view of its interesting results and its reasonable cost.