The effects of intermittently applied external pressure on the haemodynamics of the hind-limb in greyhound dogs

The application of intermittent compression of 30 mm. Hg to the hind-limb of a greyhound results in an increase of about 400 per cent in the pulsatility of femoral vein flow and of 250 per cent in the peak femoral vein flow. This effect may result in adequate filling and emptying of the deep venous channels and sinuses of the lower limb of man, thereby preventing stasis in them. Intermittent compression of the calf seems, therefore, to have an obvious place in the prophylaxis of deep-vein thrombosis.