Effect of elastic compression on venous hemodynamics in postphlebitic limbs
T. F. O'Donnell Jr, D. A. Rosenthal, A. D. Callow and B. L. Ledig
To determine whether elastic compression alters the venous hemodynamics in
the postphlebitic limb, we measured venous pressure patterns in 11
postphlebitic limbs with and without elastic compression stockings.
Following cannulation of a dorsal vein of the foot, the patients underwent
measurements of basal resting pressure, maximum percent decrease in venous
pressure with exercise (delta VPex), peak systolic venous pressure during
exercise (SVPmax), the amplitude of the pressure swing, and venous return
time. Elastic compression did not alter basal resting pressure, delta VPex,
or venous return time. By contrast, SVPmax decreased from 139 +/- 0.3 mm Hg
to 11 +/- 8 mm Hg with elastic compression. If venous ulcers are related to
the high pressure developed in the superficial veins during calf muscle
systole, then elastic compression may be beneficial by decreasing systolic
venous pressure and its subsequent deleterious consequences.
