Effect of positive external pressure on calf volume and local venous haemodynamics

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The pressure external to the calf was increased suddenly in 11 normal subjects and the resulting change in calf volume (considered to be mainly a change of calf vein blood volume) was followed using a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge. For a small increase of pressure the volume decreased exponentially and increased linearly when the pressure was suddenly released. A simple theory was developed which treats the calf veins as a single volume with a single compliance and a single outflow resistance. The significance of the findings is considered with special reference to the occurrence of calf-vein thrombosis.