Gravimetric plethysmography for measurement of blood flow in the leg.

The gravimetric plethysmograph measures blood flow in the limb in terms of the increase in weight which follows temporary venous occlusion. Following validation of the device, blood flow in the leg was evaluated in normal subjects and in patients with intermittent claudication. Measurement of the immediate hyperaemic response to a three-minute period of arterial occlusion proved to be very reproducible in patients with occlusive arterial disease of the legs.