A haemodynamic study of the physiological mechanisms of the venous pump in the healthy human foot

Barry J. Broderick, Gavin J. Corley, Fabio Quondamatteo, Pierce A. Grace, Paul P. Breen, Gearóid ÓLaighin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Presented is a physiological study of the plantar venous plexus in the context of venous return. It is accepted that the plantar venous plexus acts as a peripheral venous pump, capable of emptying blood from the foot into the posterior tibial veins. Controversy still exists, however, over the precise physiological mechanism which is responsible for completely emptying the deep plantar veins of the foot. This study was designed to investigate whether weight bearing or muscular contraction was the dominant mechanism involved. This was achieved by comparing blood flow measurements taken from the posterior tibial and popliteal veins while performing specific foot exercises. Measurements were taken using Doppler ultrasound. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation was also used to study the blood flow obtained by artificially inducing contraction of the plantar venous plexus.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages1411-1414
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781424418152
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: 20 Aug 200825 Aug 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08 - "Personalized Healthcare through Technology"

Conference

Conference30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period20/08/0825/08/08

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