Femoral artery flow velocities: A sensitive index of limb hemodynamics associated with venous occlusion

Abstract

The peripheral hemodynamics associated with acute major peripheral vein occlusion in the canine were monitored noninvasively with a bidirectional Doppler ultrasound velocity flowmeter. Ligation of the femoral vein (FV), common iliac vein (CIV), or inferior vena cava (IVC) resulted in a significant reduction in mean femoral artery flow and were associated with a concomitant increase in mean femoral bed vascular resistance ( FBVR) . Occlusion of any of the veins attenuated proximal or forward femoral artery flow velocities ( V f) and augmented distal or reverse femoral artery flow velocities ( V r). The ratio of the peak reverse flow velocity to peak forward flow velocity (peak V r/ V f) was elevated with CIV and IVC occlusion. Slight but nonsignificant increases in peak V r/ V f occurred after FV occlusion. The percentage change in the ratio of the peak reverse femoral artery flow velocity to peak forward femoral artery flow velocity (%Δ V r/ V f) correlated in a positive linear fashion the percentage change in FBVR following ligation of the FV, CIV, or IVC ( r = 0.81, P < 0.001). These data suggest that femoral artery flow velocities as determined by a Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter may be a useful index of the peripheral hemodynamic status associated with peripheral venous occlusion.