Numerical steady flow solutions of the lower leg venous circulation: effects of external compression

¹ Service de Biophysique, Laboratoires Innothera, 7–9 Av. F. V. Raspail, 94110 Arcueil, France
² Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris 7, Paris, France

Corresponding author: jose-maria.fullana@innothera.com

Received: 31 July 2006
Accepted: 9 March 2007
Published online: 16 May 2007

Abstract

We present a numerical model used to compute steady flow solutions of the venous circulation of the leg. The network topology is based on clinical data and the flow is assumed to be steady, incompressible, and one-dimensional. We develop a non Newtonian approach to a one-dimensional flow because the blood viscosity depends on the velocity profile, and we demonstrate theoretically the pertinence of a phenomenological law of equivalent viscosity. Clinical experiments observe hemodynamical variables (i.e. venous pressure, venous area, blood velocity) only at the accessible places. In contrast the numerical model results are not limited to particular locations but can be evaluated on every point of the network. It provides important help to the definition of a clinical protocol. The model was designed to quantify a compression level of elastic compression stockings and to plan clinical studies. We validate the numerical approach using a published clinical trial, where the diameter of superficial and deep veins were measured at different compression pressures. We show also that the viscosity variations in a bed-rest position as a consequence of the application of a European Class II compression stockings. These variations could prevent the hyper-coagulability and the stasis of the blood.