[Thermovisual examination of the internal relief of autovein].

Abstract

Objective: This experimental study was aimed at assessing efficacy of an original non-invasive method of preparing an autovein for shunting with thermovisual evaluation of the internal relief of the autovein.

Patients and methods: In 2018, we analysed a total of 20 segments of the great saphenous vein procured during classic femoral phlebectomy. The segments of the great saphenous vein were examined with the help of a thermal imager according to an original technique for verification of venous internal wall lesions. After thermovisual evaluation, the autovein was transversally dissected for visual examination of the internal lumen, photographing and comparison with the findings of thermovisual imaging.

Results: During visual examination, 12 conduits of the great saphenous vein were found to be free from lesions, 5 cases demonstrated severe damage of the endothelium and 3 conduits had mild endothelial lesions. The findings of thermal imaging completely correlated with those of the subsequent visual control.

Conclusion: Thermovisual examination of the autovenous shunt makes it possible to atraumatically detect defects of the internal wall of the shunt immediately before establishing anastomoses.