Assessment of collateral perfusion: A pharmacodynamic study with Bulflomedil hydrochloride

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of Buflomedil hydrochlorid e on collateral function. Ten patients with isolated superficial femoral oc clusions were investigated twice by duplex sonography with measurement site s at the common femoral artery (CF) and the popliteal artery (PA). After th e second scan 200 mg of Buflomedil hydrochloride were infused; the infusion was followed by a third duplex examination. Endpoints assessed included th e arterial diameter (D-CF, D-PA), the systolic peak velocity (Vmax), the me an velocity of the maximum envelope (Vmean m.e.), the intensity weighted ti me average mean velocity (Vmean i.w.), the maximum reverse flow velocity (V rev), the endiastolic velocity (Venddiast), the calculated volume flow (Q), the pulsatility and the resistance indices (PI, RI), anti PI and RI based segmental damping factors (DFPI DFRI) For the CF measurement site the infus ion of Buflomedil hydrochloride resulted in a significant reduction in Vrev and PI (p < 0.05), whereas trends in the opposite direction (increase) wer e observed for both measures of Vmean and for Q (0.1 < p < 0.05). No signif icant changes were reported for the PA measurement site. DFPC numerically d ecreased (0.1 < p < 0.05). The pattern of changes suggest that Buflomedil h ydrochloride induces collateral vasodilation and thus improves collateral f unction.