[Photoplethysmography in chronic venous insufficiency].

Venous photoplethysmography (P.P.G.) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique using reflection of infrared light on the skin. The record gives a curve analogous to venous pressure. Normally the venous pressure of the leg decreases in response to calf muscle exercise. We have affixed the P.P.G. transducer to the skin above the medial malleolus and have analyzed the recovery half time (T 1/2) on 170 limbs: 49 normal, 82 with superficial venous insufficiency and 39 with deep venous insufficiency. Reference tests were ascending and retrograde phlebography and venous Doppler evaluation. A tourniquet was used to occlude the superficial venous network. T 1/2 without tourniquet is useful to screen limbs with venous insufficiency. T 1/2 with tourniquet differentiates deep and superficial venous insufficiency. P.P. G. can document the rise of deep venous insufficiency in patients with varicose veins and or repermeation of deep veins or post phlebitic syndrome among patients who have had thrombophlebitis.