P9.07 ULTRASOUND MAPPING OF THE SUPERFICIAL VEINS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Abstract

Objectives: Anatomical and physiological data on the forearm venous vascular bed is needed to (i) gain insight into the complex arterial and venous remodeling processes after creation of an arterio-venous fistula, and (ii) provide input data for computer models of the forearm vasculature. Methods: Ultrasound measurements were performed in 12 healthy volunteers (age 23–31; 11 men) along both arms during control conditions and with application of a proximal tourniquet. The elliptical small and large diameter (d1 and d2) of the basilica and cephalic veins were measured. Cross sectional areas (CSA; in mm2) and the eccentricity ratios (ER=d2/d1) were derived. Results and discussion: Data are presented as mean values ± standard errors (table), N is the total number of measurements. ER values show an expected decrease when the tourniquet is used. Unlike ER, CSA showed large scatter as anticipated. Measurements did not indicate a defined tendency in CSA values after applying the tourniquet. Basilic Cephalic Control Tourniquet Control Tourniquet Upper arm CSA 19.58±2.12;N=38 18.37±1.96;N=41 7.63±1.23;N=13 5.79±0.75;N=13 ER 1.29±0.03;N=38 1.21±0.03;N=41 1.29±0.05;N=13 1.25±0.03;N=13 Elbow CSA 15.10±1.47;N=31 14.48±1.62;N=31 17.75±2.56;N=23 19.14±2.37;N=23 ER 1.39±0.04;N=31 1.39±0.03;N=31 1.35±0.04;N=23 1.32±0.04;N=23 Lower arm CSA 10.68±1.08;N=16 10.17±1.41;N=16 6.47±0.66;N=73 6.63±0.61;N=75 ER 1.40±0.07;N=16 1.23±0.06;N=16 1.58±0.04;N=73 1.46±0.04;N=75 Wrist CSA 6.69±3.43;N=3 8.53±3.51;N=3 9.94±1.17;N=24 9.52±1.11;N=24 ER 1.84±0.16;N=3 1.51±0.09;N=3 1.68±0.06;N=24 1.46±0.05;N=24 Conclusion: The ultrasound mapping protocol allowed to generate valuable data from healthy volunteers which will be useful in future patient studies. The large variability in venous topology suggests that an individualized, patient-specific modeling approach will be required. Partially funded by FP7/ARCH (n. 224390). http://www.vph-arch.eu/