[Have new noninvasive study methods replaced invasive venous pressure measurement in dermatophlebology?]

Preliminary answers are given to the question as to whether or not new, non-invasive methods, such as light reflection rheography or infrared-photoplethysmography, have replaced invasive venous pressure measurements (peripheral phlebodynamometry). The results of a recent study by the author are compared with opinions found in the literature. A detailed statistical analysis has confirmed the close relationship between phlebodynamometry and indirectly observed parameters. However, it has been shown that the prediction error can be important for the diagnosis and for the prognosis as to whether or not a chronic venous insufficiency can be improved by epifascial venous therapy. Therefore it may be advisable to confirm the results obtained with non-invasive methods by phlebodynamometry in complicated cases. Both non-invasive methods are certainly very useful for quick screening of the venous function.