Christen Y, Reymond MA, Vogel JJ, Klopfenstein CE, Morel P, Bounameaux H.
Hemodynamic effects of intermittent pneumatic compression of the lower limbs during
laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Am J Surg 1995 Oct;170(4):395-8

Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: The effects of surgical pneumoperitoneum on lower-limb venous
hemodynamics have already been studied; however, the effects of intermittent
compression boots are not known in such venous-stasis conditions. METHODS: In 12
volunteers and 12 patients, the venous hemodynamic effects of intermittent leg
compression were studied under external abdominal pressure or during laparoscopic
cholecystectomy, respectively. Femoral venous diameter and velocity were
measured. Venous pressure was monitored during the surgical procedures. RESULTS:
External abdominal pressure of 50 mm Hg and pneumoperitoneum were found to
increase the diameter (17% in the volunteers and 14% in the patients) and
decrease peak velocity (49% and 32%, respectively) in the femoral vein. Femoral
pressure was increased (106%) during pneumoperitoneum. In both venous-stasis
circumstances, intermittent compression of the legs restored venous flow
velocity, but had no effect on vessel diameter and pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The
lower-limb venous hemodynamic changes were similar during external abdominal
pressure or pneumoperitoneum, and the flow velocity decrease was intermittently
reversed by pneumatic compression boots.