[Changes of venous hemodynamics by thermic stimuli (author's transl)]

Measurement of the venous capacity by means of strain-gauge-plethysmography when performed under standardised conditions produces reproducible values in chronic test also. Acutely, the venous capacity of the healthy can be reduced by cold water and increased by warm water appplication. When measuring pressure in the great saphenous vein, which was performed during stress test and after cooling down, a clear improvement of the valvular function in the shank coud be ascertained. The healthy lying down, a distinct increase of the venous tonus takes place after application of cold water. With respect to primary varicosis, in addition to the acute reduction of volume, a chronic training effect, in the sense of a reduction in the venous capacity, significantly can be a convenient means for the treatment of primary varicosis and of less severe forms of chronic venous insufficiency.