Pekanmaki K, Kolari PJ, Kiistala U.
Laser Doppler vasomotion among patients with post-thrombotic venous insufficiency:
effect of intermittent pneumatic compression.
Vasa 1991;20(4):394-7

Department of Dermatology, Paijat-Hame Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland.

Laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) was used to measure skin blood flux and its
vasomotion, i.e. rhythmical variations in nineteen patients with post-thrombotic
venous insufficiency, and in eight healthy control subjects before and after a
single intermittent pneumatic compression treatment session. Following the
compression treatment session skin blood flux increased and vasomotion was seen in
all the patients. The transcutaneous oxygen tension also increased slightly, but
significantly, from 25.4 (range 3-56) mmHg to 30.8 (range 7-61) mmHg (p less than
0.01). It is suggested that IPC treatment decreases venous distention and venous
pressure thereby decreasing vasocontrictor stimulus. This seems to restore normal
skin blood flow including vasomotion.