Venous reflux has a limited effect on calf muscle pump dysfunction in post-thrombotic patients.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between calf muscle pump dysfunction (CMD) and the presence and location of valvular incompetence. Deep vein obstruction might influence CMD, and so venous outflow resistance (VOR) was measured. VOR and calf muscle pump function were measured in 81 patients, 7-13 years after venographically confirmed lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis.

[Basic principles of compression therapy].

The empirically established positive effects of the compression in the syndrome of the chronic insufficiency of the veins are widely accepted. Nevertheless the theoretical interpretation of these effects is often difficult, and even, depending on the criterion chosen, contradictory results can be yielded, particularly with regard to the influence on the pumping function of the veins. The experiences concerning these compression effects are reported, taking into consideration the non-linear relation between venous pressure and volume of the extremities and paradoxical results are explained.

[Effects of compression on venous pressure and limb volume. Paradoxal results].

The effect of elastic stockings on the venous pump are discussed in normal patients as well as patients with chronic venous insufficiency. The effects of compression are explained taking into consideration the nonlinear relationship between venous pressure and volume of the lower extremity. Results that seem paradoxical are therefore better understood.

[Elasticity of the skin in chronic venous insufficiency].

The results of our measurements of skin elasticity at the level of the calf, show that the existence of a cutaneous pump is unlikely. In addition, they are not consistent with the suggestion that the skin acts as an elastic stocking. In case of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the loss of elasticity which is demonstrated, is probably secondary to a persisting dermal edema.