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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Photoplethysmography in the diagnosis of venous disease
1Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0643, USA.
Background:
Photoplethysmography (PPG) has become a widely used method in the diagnosis of venous disease.
Objective:
To describe briefly various aspects of PPG and its practical value.
Methods:
Standard and quantitative PPG are described as well as various evaluation procedures.
Results:
The refilling time is considered the most useful parameter; values higher than 22 seconds are considered normal. Quantitative PPG systems (calibrated or digital PPG) also permit evaluation of the drainage function.
Conclusion:
While refilling time is presently the only quantitative parameter, it is expected that by introducing calibrated or digital PPG in diagnostic practice, venous function will be evaluated in a more comprehensive and quantitative form.
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