Simplified Determination of Arterial Insufficiency

Reactive hyperemia following 15 minute arterial occlusion at the ankle was studied in plethysmographic tracings using the venous occlusion technic. The resulting curves present an essentially different pattern in normal subjects and patients with various types of peripheral arterial disease. Several characteristic features can be distinguished, notably the level of highest blood flow after release of arterial occlusion, the time required until the highest blood flow is reached, and the degree of secondary vasoconstriction. Evaluation of these factors permits an estimate of the therapeutic value of lumbar sympathectomy.