Comparison of Three Exercises for Evaluation of the Calf Muscle Pump

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ohgi ◽  
K. Tanaka ◽  
T. Maeda ◽  
Y. Kanaoka ◽  
M. Ikebuchi ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate accurately the calf muscle pump in patients with venous insufficiency using foot vein pressure measurements during three different exercises. Design: Prospective study in three groups, comparing patients with venous disease with controls. Setting: Second Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine. Patients: Twenty normal legs, 29 legs previously affected by deep vein thrombosis and 36 legs with primary varicose veins. Main outcome measures: The foot vein pressure was measured during ankle dorsiflexions, knee-bending and walking on the spot at 40 paces per minute during which minimum ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and venous refilling time (VRT) were assessed. Results: The three groups differed significantly from each other in AVP and VRT after dorsiflexion and in AVP during walking on the spot, but not after knee-bending. Conclusion: Dorsiflexion is the most useful exercise distinguishing various severities of venous insufficiency, but walking on the spot is more useful for accurately evaluating the calf muscle pump.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
Damon E. Houghton ◽  
Aneel A. Ashrani ◽  
Ramila Mehta ◽  
David O. Hodge ◽  
David Liedl ◽  
...  

Background: Venous return from the lower extremities is pumped upwards to the right side of the heart in a process that is facilitated by one-way valves and the venous muscle pump, of which the calf muscle pump is a major contributor1-3. Venous plethysmography can quantitatively assess calf pump function (CPF). The association between the CPF and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been investigated. Methods: Venous plethysmography (VP) data (strain gauge or air plethysmography) from the Mayo Clinic Vascular Lab database (1998-2015) of CPF (bilaterally reduced, unilaterally reduced, and bilateral normal) were examined in Olmsted County Residents. The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) captures the population of Olmsted County and contains demographic information, medical diagnoses, hospital admissions, and surgical procedures as well as validated VTE events and death. Patients with signs of obstructed outflow in either extremity on the venous plethysmography (a possible sign of acute or chronic deep vein thrombosis) study were excluded. Patients with a history of VTE diagnosed before the physiologic study were also excluded. If more than one measurement of calf muscle pump function was performed, only the first measurement was used. The primary outcome was a composite of any VTE, including proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Results: 1703 Olmsted County residents had venous plethysmography studies performed. MN research authorization was denied in 64 patients and 107 were excluded for any documented VTE preceding index VP study. 1532 patients with recorded CPF (28% air and 72% strain gauge plethysmography) were studied: 591 (38.5%) had normal CPF, 353 (23.0%) had unilateral reduced CPF (rCPF), and 588 (38.3%) had bilateral rCPF. The mean age was 64.4 (SD 18.4), 68.9% were female, and the mean BMI was 29.5 (SD 6.4). Any VTE occurred in 87 patients (5.7%) after a mean follow up of 10.9 years (range 0-22.0 years). Isolated lower extremity DVT (excluding concurrent PE) occurred in 49 patients and PE+/-DVT occurred in 38 patients. Death occurred in 352 patients (23%). Bilateral rCPF compared to bilateral normal CPF was associated with VTE (p=0.007), DVT only (p=0.02) and death (p<0.001) but not PE+/-DVT (p=0.13). Unilateral rCPF compared to bilateral normal CPF was not associated with VTE, but was associated with death (p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves for VTE and death are shown in Figure 1. The hazard ratio for bilateral rCPF compared to bilateral normal CPF for VTE was 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.4) and for DVT only was 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.2). A sensitivity analysis for the main outcome of VTE did not show significant interaction based on the type of plethysmography (strain vs. air), by age stratified at 65 years, sex, or BMI stratified at 30 (p>0.1 for each comparison). Conclusion: In this population-based study of Olmsted County residents with no prior VTE, rCPF function as measured by venous plethysmography is associated with increased risk for VTE, particularly lower extremity proximal DVT. More research is required to understand what additional measures of venous physiology influence these findings and whether CPF could be used in VTE risk stratification. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


1990 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ohgi ◽  
K. Tanaka ◽  
T. Araki ◽  
K. Ito ◽  
H. Hara ◽  
...  

In order to quantitatively evaluate calf muscle pump function following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), expelled volume was investigated by strain gauge plethysmography (SPG). Thirty-six patients with 43 diseased lower limbs and nine healthy persons with 16 control limbs were studied. Of 43 diseased limbs, 20 symptomatic limbs were distinguished from 23 asymptomatic limbs by the presence of heaviness or aching. The following ***noninvasive parameters for the quantitative evaluation of calf muscle pump function, venous refilling time (VRT), venous outflow (VO), venous return (VR), and expelled volume (EV) were measured by SPG or photoplethysmography (DPG). Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) was taken to represent the standard for calf muscle pump function. Using SPG, the EV, VR, and VRTs distinguished three groups (control, asymptomatic and symptomatic). Among seven indicators (EV, VR, VO, VRTs), EV had the highest correlation coefficient with the AVP ( r = +0.728). A positive EV was present in 85% of the symptomatic limbs, but in only 4% of the asymptomatic limbs. It is concluded that the EV is a useful non-invasive indicator for the quantitative evaluation of calf muscle pump function after deep vein thrombosis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huw OB Davies ◽  
Matthew Popplewell ◽  
Rishi Singhal ◽  
Neil Smith ◽  
Andrew W Bradbury

Introduction Lower limb venous disease affects up to one half, and obesity up to one quarter, of the adult population. Many people are therefore affected by, and present to health services for the treatment of both conditions. This article reviews the available evidence of pathophysiological and clinical relationship between obesity and varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and ulceration and deep vein thrombosis. Methods A literature search of PubMed and Cochrane libraries was performed in accordance with PRISMA statement from 1946 to 2015, with further article identification from following cited references for articles examining the relationship between obesity and venous disease. Search terms included obesity, overweight, thrombosis, varicose veins, CEAP, chronic venous insufficiency, treatment, endovenous, endothermal, sclerotherapy, bariatric surgery and deep vein thrombosis. Results The proportion of the population suffering from lower limb venous disease and obesity is increasing. Obesity is an important risk factor for all types of lower limb venous disease, and obese patients with lower limb venous disease are more likely to be symptomatic as a result of their lower limb venous disease. The clinical diagnosis, investigation, imaging and treatment of lower limb venous disease in obese people present a number of challenges. The evidence base underpinning medical, surgical and endovenous management of lower limb venous disease in obese people is limited and such treatment may be associated with worse outcomes and increased risks when compared to patients with a normal body mass index. Conclusion Lower limb venous disease and obesity are both increasingly common. As such, phlebologists will be treating ever greater numbers of obese patients with lower limb venous disease, and clinicians in many other specialties are going to be treating a wide range of obesity-related health problems in people with or at risk of lower limb venous disease. Unfortunately, obese people have been specifically excluded from many, if not most, of the pivotal studies. As such, many basic questions remain unanswered and there is an urgent need for research in this challenging and increasingly prevalent patient group.


Phlebologie ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 28 (01) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. G. Bossuyt ◽  
H. A. M. Neumann

SummaryAir plethysmography (APG) was compared with clinical assessment and light reflection rheography (LRR) in 68 patients with venous insufficiency (129 limbs). The aim of this study was to investigate the possibilities and limitations of this device for general phlebological practice. Out of the 68 patients, 9 were not able to perform the total investigation protocol (13%). The reflux measurement and the ejection capacity of the calf muscle pump correlated well with severe venous disease, but poorly with mild or absent signs of venous insufficiency. Abnormal refill time measured with LRR was in accordance in 82% with increased reflux with APG. A normal refill time was only correlated in 60% of the cases with a normal reflux APG test. It was not possible to distinguish between deep and superficial insufficiency. It is concluded that APG did not turn out to be the handy method for quick and accurate screening of venous insufficiency patients. Its place in the clinical evaluation for venous patients is not yet clear.


1996 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. H. Janssen ◽  
J. A. H. R. Claassen ◽  
W. N. J. C. Van Asten ◽  
H. Wollersheim ◽  
M. J. M. De Rooij ◽  
...  

1. A new non-invasive test was developed to assess calf muscle pump function: the supine venous pump function test. The technique uses strain-gauge plethysmography and is performed in the supine position. The method is superior to other non-invasive methods because basically the most essential haemodynamic parameter, venous pressure decrease, is used by properly converting venous volume measurements into venous pressure. The validity of this test was established by comparison with invasive venous pressure measurements and by determining the reproducibility. Additionally, normal values were determined. 2. In 28 extremities the supine venous pump function test was performed simultaneously with invasive venous pressure measurements. The reproducibility of the test was assessed in 10 randomly chosen volunteers. In 34 volunteers normal values were obtained and 26 patients with clinical venous insufficiency were examined. 3. Comparison of the two methods revealed a correlation coefficient of r = 0.98 (P < 0.001). A mean difference of 3.9%pf between both methods was found with limits of agreement of − 6.3%pf to 14.1%pf. The coefficient of repeatability was 13%pf and the coefficient of variation was 9%. The normal range was found to be >60%pf. The mean pump function in the patient group was 45%pf. 4. The limits of agreement are small enough to be confident that the supine venous pump function test can be used instead of invasive venous pressure measurements to assess calf muscle pump function in clinical practice. The reproducibility of the test is good.


1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 98-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Zamboni ◽  
C.V. Feo ◽  
M. G. Marcellino ◽  
G. Vasquez ◽  
C. Mari

Objective: Evaluation of the feasibility and utility of haemodynamic correction of primary varicose veins (French acronym: CHIVA). Design: Prospective, single patient group study. Setting: Department of Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy (teaching hospital). Patients: Fifty-five patients with primary varicose veins and a normal deep venous system (ultrasonographic criteria) were studied. Interventions: Fifty-five haemodynamic corrections by the CHIVA method described by Franceschi were undertaken. Seven patients were treated for short saphenous vein varices (group A) while 48 patients were treated for long saphenous vein varices (group B). Main outcome measures: Clinical: presence of varices and reduction in symptoms. Duplex and continuous-wave Doppler detection of re-entry through the perforators and identification of recurrences or new sites of reflux. Postoperative ambulatory venous pressure and refilling time measurements. Patients were studied for 3 years following surgery. Results: In group A, 57% short saphenous vein occlusions with no re-entry through the gastrocnemius and soleal veins were recorded. In group B the long saphenous vein thrombosis rate was 10%. In this group 15% of the patients showed persistence of reflux instead of re-entry at the perforators. Early recurrences were also observed. Overall CHIVA gave excellent results in 78% of the patients. Statistically significant ambulatory venous pressure and refilling time changes were recorded ( p<0.001). Conclusions: CHIVA treatment is inadvisable for short saphenous vein varices. Long saphenous vein postoperative thrombosis is related to development of recurrences


1990 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Christopoulos ◽  
A. N. Nicolaides ◽  
G. Belcaro ◽  
P. Duffy

The haemodynamic effect of elastic compression has been evaluated in 23 patients (26 limbs) with superficial venous incompetence. Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and pressure recovery time (RT90) were measured with foot vein canulation. Also the functional venous volume (VV) (venous capacitance), venous reflux and the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump were measured with air-plethysmography. The above measurements were made with and without a graduated compression elastic stocking. Elastic compression produced a significant reduction in VV ( P < 0.01). Also a significant decrease in venous reflux and increase in the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump ( P < 0.01). The above alterations explain the significant reduction in AVP and prolongation of RT90 ( P < 0.01) which was observed as a result of elastic compression. The measurements made in this study demonstrate in an objective and quantitative way the beneficial effect of elastic stockings in patients with superficial venous incompetence and how this effect is achieved.


1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
C V Ruckley ◽  
H M Crawshaw ◽  
J Seaton

The reproducibility of venous volumetry has been evaluated in 20 normal legs (N), 20 legs with primary varicose veins (W) and 30 with stable post-thrombotic chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).The test has shown significant differences between the groups in mean relative expelled volume (EV rel, ccs): N 1.65 ± SD 0.66; W 1.01 ± 0.40; CVI 0.64 ± 0.39 and in half refilling time (T3 secs): N 23.9 ± 11.5; W 11.8 ± 7.4; CVI 3.6 ± 1.8. The percent coefficients of variation in tests repeated at intervals of up to a month were as follows.The reproducibility of the test confirms its value as a non-invasive means of measuring the severity of postthrombotic venous disease and thus as a means of assessing response to treatment. Serial volumetric tests on 25 patients before and for up to 12 months after Linton operations for chronic venous insufficiency show significant early improvements in expelled volume. But in many of these patients the refilling time tends to remain short indicating residual valvular incompetence and the possibility of clinical relapse in the long term.


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