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Thromb Haemost 2010; 103(01): 138-144
DOI: 10.1160/TH09-06-0365
Blood Coagulation, Fibrinolysis and Cellular Haemostasis
Schattauer GmbH

Effect of compression stockings on venous blood velocity and blood flow

Paul D. Stein
1   Department of Internal Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
,
Fadi Matta
1   Department of Internal Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
,
Abdo Y. Yaekoub
2   Department of Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
,
Syed T. Ahsan
3   Department of Radiology, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
,
Aaref Badshah
2   Department of Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
,
Fahad Younas
2   Department of Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
,
James E. Denier
3   Department of Radiology, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 17 June 2009

Accepted after major revision: 07 September 2009

Publication Date:
22 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

The effects of graduated compression stockings (GCS) on venous blood velocity have not been established. In healthy subjects, most investigations showed no effect on blood velocity, but mixed results have been reported. In this investigation we to test the hypothesis that popliteal blood velocity is increased by properly fitted GCS. Time average peak velocity in the popliteal vein, as well as time average mean velocity, vein diameter and mean volumetric flow were measured by pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound in 25 healthy male volunteers without compression stockings and repeated with fitted thigh-length compression stockings. Measurements were obtained while supine and while sitting at rest and during ankle exercise. Thigh-length GCS did not increase popliteal vein blood velocity, diameter, or volumetric blood flow while supine or sitting, with or without ankle exercise.

Keywords

Venous blood velocity - deep venous thrombosis - pulmonary embolism - graduated compression stockings
 

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