Per- and Postoperative flow Measurements after Femoral-Popliteal Arterial Reconstructions:Preliminary Report

Abstract

Per- and postoperative blood flow measurements after arterial reconstructions were made in 16 patients with intermittent claudication. A square-wave electromagnetic flowmeter (Nycotron) was used for this purpose. The peripheral vascular bed was tested with vaso-dilating drugs (Vasculat). Flow probes were implanted. Repeated measurements were made postoperatively during 24, 48 and 72 hours periods, so that changes in the flow were studied during various forms of exercise. It was established that a considerable increase of blood flow to the lower extremities could be achieved by early activation of the operated patient. Such activation must be regarded as essential in order to avoid acute thromboliza-tion. Certain forms of exercise cause greater increases of flow than others. The flow increases most when the patient performs his exercises in upright position. It is, however, still too early to express an opinion as to the prognostic value of the flow reaction after vasodilating drugs, respectively work.