A pilot study of venous photoplethysmography screening of patients with chronic venous disorders

In office and clinical practice settings, standard methods do not exist to objectively quantify lower extremity venous dysfunction. This pilot feasibility study examined venous refill time, an objective measure of skin microcirculation reflux, using photoplethysmography in 13 patients with known chronic venous disorders. The test was found to be feasible and easy to administer and provided objective data to corroborate clinical signs. Further research is needed to evaluate and validate the relationships among clinical signs, comorbid conditions, and objective findings with the severity of venous dysfunction in patients with suspected or known chronic venous disorders.