Objective: To evaluate quantitative duplex ultrasound (DUS) parameters of reflux in patients with isolated great saphenous vein insufficiency.

Methods: 20 limbs were studied. DUS derived reflux time (RT, sec), peak reflux velocity (PRV, cm/s) and reflux volume flow (ml/min) were evaluated and related to expelled volume (EV, ml) and half refilling time (T50, sec) measured by water-based foot volumetry with and without compression of superficial veins.

Results: Reflux volume flow correlated significantly to all hemodynamic parameters assessed by foot volumetry, i.e., EV (p = 0.003), ΔEV (p = 0.006), T50 (p = 0.004) and ΔT50 (p = 0.011). PRV displayed a weaker correlation to foot volumetry parameters EV (p = 0.027) and T50 (p = 0.008). No significant correlation was found between RT and foot volumetry.

Conclusion: These results indicate that reflux volume flow may be a potential parameter in future attempts to quantify reflux using DUS in patients with isolated great saphenous vein insufficiency.