CEAP Classification for venous disease

The field of chronic venous disorders (CVD) previously suffered from lack of precision in diagnosis. This deficiency led to conflicting reports in studies of management of specific venous problems, at a time when new methods were being offered to improve treatment for both simple and more complicated venous diseases. It was believed that these conflicts could be resolved with precise diagnosis and classification of the underlying venous problem.

TNM classification is popular for understanding the extent of cancers, their prognosis and to communicate outcomes of treatments with different people. In a similar way there has been a search for a classification to help us for better understanding chronic venous disease and communicate the results of the treatments for chronic venous disorders. The discussions of various committees on this issues resulted in CEAP classification which is also validated later on.  
The CEAP classification (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology) was adopted worldwide to facilitate meaningful communication about CVD and serve as a basis for more scientific analysis of management alternatives. This classification, based on correct diagnosis, was also expected to serve as a systematic guide in the daily clinical investigation of patients as an orderly documentation system and basis for decisions regarding appropriate treatment.


Reference: 

• H.G. Beebe, J.J. Bergan, D. Bergqvist, B. Eklöf, I. Eriksson, M.P. Goldman et al. Classification and grading of chronic venous disease in the lower limbs: a consensus statement Vasc Surg, 30 (1996), pp. 5–11