Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression of the foot on the microcirculatory function in arterial disease

Integrity of venoarteriolar reflex determines level of microvascular skin flow enhancement with intermittent pneumatic compression

“…9,17,19 In keeping with previous reports, we also found lower levels of skin blood flow augmentation with IPC in patients with PAD than in healthy controls. 1,4,[20][21][22] Different physiologic mechanisms through which IPC induces its flow augmentation effects have been proposed. As previously noted, by expelling the blood from the dependent leg, IPC increases the arterio-venous pressure gradient generating arterial inflow augmentation.…”

Acute Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Popliteal Artery Blood Flow

“…19 It has also been demonstrated that foot compression increased both trancutaneous oxygen tension and skin perfusion. 25 Combination of foot and calf compression also significantly increased popliteal artery blood flow and skin perfusion. 26 Delis et al 27 demonstrated that by combining foot and calf compression (with a 1-second delay in calf compression) a significantly lower venous pressure could be produced than with foot or calf compression alone.…”

The effect of aging on the cutaneous microvasculature

“…Guidelines for older adults advise that intermittent pneumatic compression should be started before surgery and continue until fully ambulatory (Aronow, 2004). Intermittent pneumatic compression of the foot in the dependent position improves microcirculatory function, as measured by laser Doppler flux and transcutaneous oxygen tension (Abu-Own et al, 1993). Several mechanisms are proposed to mediate the effects of pneumatic compression on the microcirculation.…”