Quantifying saphenous recirculation in patients with primary lower extremity venous reflux

In this study we measured the behavior of the GSV in terms of harmful reflux over beneficial drainage using the RCI. We recognize that reflux values depend on the type of provocation test and the amount of displaced antegrade volume. This limitation might be overcome by factoring reflux as an expression of antegrade flow using the RCI. When standardized, a test for quantifying saphenous recirculation might have many clinical applications. The next step should be a prospective study to validate the RCI with clinical and quality of life parameters.