A Comparison of the Effects of Electrical Calf Muscle Stimulation and the Venous Foot Pump on Venous Blood Flow in the Lower Leg

Abstract

The pattern of popliteal blood flow following electrical calf muscle stimulation and activation of the venous foot pump were studied using duplex ultrasound scanning in volunteers. The increase in velocity was of a similar magnitude for both methods, but the pattern was different, suggesting that the venous foot pump may not empty the soleal venous sinuses. Dynamic venography confirmed this hypothesis.