Geometry of varicose veins segments

The geometry of varicose vein segments, chosen from macroscopically normal as well as unmistakable dilated (bulbous) sites of the vessels, were studied in specimens obtained from stripping operations. Geometrical aspects (valves, dilatations) were studied on the vein slit open in axial direction and geometrical parameters (mean diameter, wall thickness) were measured on 3 sets of strips cut in circumferential direction with special reference to their location to the valves. In normal segments the vein is enlarged immediately proximal to the valves. In contrast to this, the bulbous and assymetric protrusions found in the diseased segments lie just below the valves, that is upstream. Values of diameters, wall thickness and wall thickness to diameter ratios are plotted as mean +/- SD in bar graphs. Results indicate that 1. the diameter has a maximum value at the valvular site both in the normal and the diseased segments; the normal diameters are smaller than the corresponding diseased ones. 2. The wall thickness increases from the distal to the proximal site in the normal segments, whereas it displays a minimum value at the valvular site of the bulbous segments. 3. The wall thickness to diameter ratios of both the normal and the pathological segments have a minimum at valvular site, but the normal values are larger than the corresponding pathological values, a behavior which is more apparent in the bulbous enlargements and even evident in the hypertrophied side of the wall opposite to the protrusions.