Treatment of varicose veins and their complications.

England, 1944.

1 encoded moving image (46.30 min.) : silent, color

00:46:29

Copyright previously held by British Medical Association and assigned to Wellcome in 2005

Unrestricted

Public Domain Mark

Segment 1 The intertitles say how common varicose veins are and give some statistics. A group of women sit, displaying their legs for the camera. The intertitles note that careful examination and diagnosis are very important, and explain what areas should be examined. A case study is introduced with ulcers, eczema and pigmentation. A doctor examines the patient's leg and points out the affected area. Four more case studies are introduced with different symptoms, and the doctor indicates the affected areas in all cases. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:06:20:09 Length: 00:06:20:09

Segment 2 Another case study, already partially treated, is introduced. The patient's vein will be ligatured to complete the treatment. The intertitles explain how the ligature works and where the incision should be made. A local anaesthetic is administered, the incision is made and the vein cut. The vein is injected with a solution and then tied. Time start: 00:06:20:09 Time end: 00:13:49:18 Length: 00:07:29:09

Segment 3 All of the branch veins must be tied as well, and the intertitles list them as they are shown, and explain the rest of the procedure. The wound is sutured and a dressing applied. Another case study is introduced, and the procedure is shown again to emphasise the importance of the dissection technique. Time start: 00:13:49:18 Time end: 00:20:15:10 Length: 00:06:25:17

Segment 4 The next section of the film demonstrates the technique of the ligature of the external saphenous vein. The intertitles explain the importance of the technique and why it must be done. A doctor indicates the affected area on the patient's leg, and the procedure takes place, with intertitles explaining the various stages. Time start: 00:20:15:10 Time end: 00:27:10:13 Length: 00:06:55:03

Segment 5 The intertitles explain the after-procedure care. Next, the injection technique is demonstrated. Intertitles explain why injecting the veins after ligature is important. The trolley and all the equipment needed are displayed. The solution used for the injection is given, and the correct procedure described by the intertitles. The leg is injected. A follow-up injection of two more solutions can also be administered if the first injection fails, and this is also shown. Next, bandaging is demonstrated. The intertitles explain when bandaging should be used as a treatment. The technique used to bandage an ulcer on the shaft of the leg is shown. Time start: 00:27:10:13 Time end: 00:33:54:16 Length: 00:06:44:03

Segment 6 The technique used to bandage an ulcer on the shaft of the leg continues. A pad is applied, followed by strips of Elastoplast and a bandage. Further bandaging is done to the ankle, where the ulcer is located. The whole leg is bandaged. The intertitles describe what to do if dermatitis results. Time start: 00:33:54:16 Time end: 00:40:24:00 Length: 00:06:29:09

Segment 7 A case study with ulceration and eczema is introduced. The previously applied bandages were problematic, so new bandages plus paste must be applied. Forceps are used to pick off scabs on the affected area, which is then smeared with coal tar paste. The intertitles describe how to make the paste. More paste is applied to the whole leg and then the leg is bandaged. An example of poor bandaging is shown, which has caused the leg to swell. Time start: 00:40:24:00 Time end: 00:46:29:22 Length: 00:06:05:22

Produced by A. Dickson Wright and Frederick Foxall Ltd.