[Intravenous ultrasonography]

The author used in vivo endovenous ultrasonography to study the architecture and dynamics of varicose veins of the lower limbs. In this study, segments of the great saphenous vein were examined, before and after sclerosing injections, using a miniaturised 20 mHz ultrasound probe. This probe incorporated in a 1.6 mm diameter flexible catheter was inserted into the varicose vein. The probe was then pivoted mechanically in order to obtain, in transverse section and in real time, 360 degree two-dimensional venous images. The anatomical structures of the wall, lumen and venous valves were visualised. The layers of the vein wall, the intima and adventitia, were seen to be echogenic structures while the media was an anechogenic zone. The spread between valve cusps, endoluminal diameter and the thickness of the layers of the vein wall were measured. It is concluded that endovenous ultrasonography provides precise images of the morphology and dynamics of valves, lumen and vein wall. This new technique is useful before, during and after the treatment of venous diseases by sclerosing injections or surgery.