Effect of Small Degrees of Venous Distension on the Apparent Inflow Rate of Blood to the Human Calf

Abstract

The apparent blood flow through the human calf has been measured by venous occlusion plethysmography in the horizontal subject both at rest, and while the volume of the calf was increased by up to 3 per cent by venous congestion. When this degree of venous distension was continued for 5 min., the apparent blood flow through the calf was not altered significantly. Since the perfusion pressure is presumably reduced, this suggests that the vessels of the calf offering resistance to flow are slightly dilated.