TY - JOUR
TI - A biomechanical model for numerical simulation of the effects of graduated compression stockings on human calves
AU - Zhao Lihuan
AU - Li Yanyan
AU - Liu Silu
AU - Wang Kejiang
AU - Yu Jing
AU - Li Changjing
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2025
VL - 29
IS - 3
SP - 1719
EP - 1729
PT - Article
AB - Graduated compression stockings (GCS) have been employed for several decades  to prevent and treat venous diseases of the lower extremities in humans. In  order to investigate the mechanism of action of GCS on the lower extremity,  a biomechanical model was constructed to simulate the magnitude and  distribution of stresses exerted by GCS on the soft tissues, bones, and  saphenous veins of the calf. The saphenous vein at the ankle was  intercepted, and a flow-solid bidirectional coupling model was established  to study the effects of GCS on blood flow return. The results demonstrate  that the custom-made GCS can apply pressure to the calf in a manner that is  consistent with the desired gradient distribution. The simulated and  experimental values of the GCS exerting pressure on the calf surface exhibit  a similar variation trend. Furthermore, the application of a GCS has been  demonstrated to enhance blood return in the saphenous vein and to elevate  the velocity of blood flow. The greater the external pressure applied to the  calf, the greater the blood flow velocity of the vein in the calf. The  discrepancy between the simulated and experimental values of the blood flow  velocity is approximately 8%. The results provide valuable insights into the  magnitude and distribution of pressure exerted by the GCS on each part of  the calf, confirm the effectiveness of the GCS in promoting blood flow back  to the calf veins, and lay the foundation for the accurate design and  promotion of GCS.