Photoplethysmography in the diagnosis of venous disease.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fronek
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Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0643, USA.
D002138:Calibration; D006801:Humans; D017156:Photoplethysmography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014159:Transducers; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis*