Model-Based Study on the Hemodynamic Effects of Graduated Compression Stockings in Supine and Standing Positions

Abstract

Graduated compression stockings (GCS) are frequently used to assist the treatment or prevention of chronic venous diseases. Clinical studies dedicated to examining the performance of GCS were often restricted by insufficient measurements of key parameters, especially those characterizing hemodynamic conditions in the lower limbs. In this study, the lower-limb vascular system was modeled along with the global cardiovascular system to gain a computational tool for evaluating the hemodynamic effects of GCS. Numerical simulations were performed for both the supine and standing positions. Obtained results confirmed the clinical observation that GCS increases blood flow through the deep veins, but reduces superficial venous flow. In particular, it was found that the improvement of deep venous flow by GCS was more pronounced in the standing position than in the supine position. In addition, GCS only slightly elevated cardiac output despite the marked influence on lower-limb blood flow. These results theoretically proved the role of GCS in improving lower-limb venous hemodynamics. The computational model, if personalized with clinical data, might be utilized as a tool for optimizing patient-specific design of GCS.