Blood Flow After Peripheral Arterial Reconstruction:V. Effect of Body Position on Leg Blood Flow at Rest and during Exercise

Abstract

Common iliac arterial blood flow was measured with implanted electromagnetic flow probes in 6 patients after reconstruction of the aorto-iliac-femoral region. On the 3rd, 4th or 5th day after operation heart rate, oxygen uptake and local leg blood flow were studied at rest and during exercise on a bicycle ergometer in supine and sitting position. Heart rate at rest was 10 beats/min higher in sitting than in supine position. During exercise there was no significant difference in heart rate between the two postures. Oxygen uptake was 8% higher in sitting than in supine position at rest. During exercise oxygen uptake did not differ significantly between the two postures. Local leg blood flow was significantly lower in sitting position both at rest and during exercise.