Venous Pulsations in the Upper Arm Studied with Plethysmographic Technique

Abstract

A plethysmographic method for studies of venous flow and volume pulsations in a limb was developed. The venous volume pulsations showed good agreement with the venous pressure pulsations. The venous pulsations were shown to be propagated from the heart. Respiratory variations in venous return from a limb could be demonstrated. The venous pulsations could be eliminated by a slight stasis proximal to the plethysmograph or by elevation of the limb above heart level.

Key Words:

• Blood circulation
• plethysmography
• venous pulse waves
• venous return
• venous volume and flow pulsations