[The significance of the pneumatic tourniquet technique for an innovative varicose vein surgery--methods, advantages, risks, danger].

Aim: The systemic effects of the pneumatic tourniquet technique in varicose vein surgery were studied in order to evaluate possible risks and threats.

Methods: 155 patients were included to look at intraoperative changes of cardiovascular parameters and capillary blood and respiratory gases.

Results: Whereas the pulse rate showed only an insignificant rise of 3/min, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly by 12 and 6 mm Hg resp.