Venous emptying from the calf. Methodologic report and effect of intermittent pneumatic compression

In 17 patients undergoing surgery for varicose veins of the leg, the elimination rate of 99Tcm-macroaggregated albumin from the calf of the contralateral leg was studied. The leg had no discernible varicosities. This substance has not previously been used in such a context. Its theoretical advantages are discussed. A mathematical method for interpreting the elimination rate is presented. Two modes of intermittent calf compression--a slow and a fast pattern--were compared, and also control group without compression. The elimination rate of the radioisotope was slower with compression than without. Possible interpretations and implications of this observation are discussed.