Pneumatic thigh compression reduces calf volume and augments the venous return

Area of Science:

• Vascular Physiology
• Hemodynamics
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Reactive hyperemia influences arterial inflow and venous outflow.
• Calf volume changes can quantify the net effect of vascular interventions.
• Understanding venous return is crucial for managing leg swelling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of thigh compression on venous return.
• To quantify changes in calf volume due to incremental thigh cuff pressure.
• To assess the potential of thigh compression as a therapeutic intervention.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen healthy volunteers (C0 CEAP class) participated.
• Air-plethysmography measured calf volume changes.
• A thigh cuff was inflated incrementally from 0 to 80 mmHg, with subsequent rapid deflation.

Main Results:

• Calf venous volume increased stepwise with rising thigh cuff pressure (p < .0005).
• A median increase of 87 mL in venous volume was observed from 0 to 80 mmHg (p < .0005).
• Deflation resulted in a significant decrease in volume below baseline (-16 mL, p < .0005).

Conclusions:

• Optimized intermittent pneumatic compression of the thigh can augment venous return.
• This technique shows promise for reducing leg swelling in clinical applications.
• Thigh compression may offer a non-invasive therapeutic option for venous insufficiency.