PLETHYSMOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF VOLUME CHANGES OF THE FOOT AND THE DISTAL CALF IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS AND IN PATIENTS WITH DISTAL VENOUS PUMP DYSFUNCTION

In the present study, plethysmographic methods were used to evaluate the function of the foot pump and the distal calf pump and to characterize the relationship between simultaneously assessed volume changes of the foot and the distal calf in health subjects and in patients with distal venous valvular insufficiency. Expelled volume of the foot was found to be more compromised than that of the distal calf in patients where Doppler examination demonstrated deep venous reflux at ankle level. Consequently, EV of the distal calf was less useful in evaluating these patients. Half-refilling time at the two levels was sensitive and equally useful for determining deep valvular function at ankle level.