Sievering Clinic

Competence Centre for Minimally Invasive Medical Services

Diagnosis

Non-invasive Diagnosis Methods

Muscle Pump Ejection Fraction (MPEF)

The MPEF test is used to detect failure of the calf muscle pump to expel blood from the lower leg.

  • MPEF results are highly repeatable but require a skilled operator to obtain clean meaningful tracings. The patient is asked to perform 10-20 tiptoes or dorsiflexion at the ankle, and the change in some physical parameter that reflects calf blood volume is recorded as the calf muscle is pumped.
  • In patients without varicose veins, 10-20 tiptoes or ankle dorsiflexion cause the venous capacitance circuit of the calf to be emptied.
  • In patients with muscle pump failure, severe proximal obstruction, or severe deep vein insufficiency, tiptoes or ankle dorsiflexion have little or no effect on the amount of blood remaining within the calf.