Blood Flow After Peripheral Arterial Reconstruction:I. Measurements after lliac-Femoro-Popliteal Arterial Reconstructions with the Electromagnetic Flowmeter and Implanted Flow Probes during Operation and in the Eearly Postoperative Periods

Abstract

Blood flow has been studied with the electromagnetic flowmeter in 22 patients after reconstruction of the leg arteries during the per- and early postoperative periods with implanted flow probes. Sixteen vein bypasses, 5 superficial femoral arteries and 2 common femoral arteries were studied. The average flow after reconstruction was 215 in the vein bypasses, 210 in the superficial femoral artery and 240, respective, 250 in the common femoral artery. The flow increased during the final phase of operation, and on termination the flow was in average 290 ml/min in the bypass 340 ml/min in the superficial femoral artery and 690 and 705 ml/min, respectively, in the common femoral artery. Repeated measurements were made 24, 48 and 72 hours postoperatively and the changes in flow were studied at rest and during various forms of exercise. The flow decreased during the first postoperative hours. From the afternoon of the day of operation to the next day, the flow at rest increased significantly in the bypass cases from 220 to 320 ml/min and remained at this level during the following days. The calf exercises in supine position increased the flow 60 to 85% in average in all the investigated vessels. Heel raising increased the flow 150% in the bypass and the superficial femoral artery and 225% in the common femoral artery. Bicycling with a load of 150 kpm/min increased the flow approximately 100% in the vein bypass and the superficial femoral artery and 260% in the common femoral artery. Some low flow values recorded after reconstruction were corrected with blood transfusion and further surgical intervention. One patient had a flow of only 30 ml/min on the second postoperative day, which increased after correction of an acute attack of atrial fibrillation and a probable state of hypovolaemia.