[Central hemodynamics in man during decompression of the lower extremities]

Experiments were performed to study the effect of leg decompression in the head-down position at -15 degrees. The method of chronic catheterization was used, pressure was measured in different areas of the cardiovascular system, blood was withdrawn for biochemical analysis. The effect of leg decompression was compared with that of lower body negative pressure. Decompression produced changes in PAP and CVP that were similar in sign but different in magnitude. The decompression-induced changes in PAP and CVP were primarily determined by the area of exposure. Using previous data, a monograph was constructed to evaluate PAP and CVP variations as a function of the decompression mode and site.