Abstract

In 21 patients suffering from obstructive peripheral arterial disease stage II according to Fontaine, therapeutic efficacy of serial whole body irradiations (infrared or ultraviolet radiation) and pretended or real ultraviolet light blood irradiations was evaluated. Before, during and after treatment the following parameters were monitored: walking distance, oxygen partial pressure (quasi-arterial/venous), flow properties of blood (appearant blood viscosity, hemodynamics (peak flow, ultrasonics). There were no significant changes following both modalities of whole body irradiations either by sunshine-like ultraviolet light nor by infrared radiation, nor by pretended blood irradiation. In the same patients mean walking distance was prolonged threefold after ultraviolet irradiation of the patient's own venous blood and subsequent retransfusion. Simultaneously, oxygen utilisation was improved (enlarged arterial/venous difference), lactate concentration was decreased and apparent blood viscosity was diminished, whereas blood flow remained unchanged or only slightly improved. In this way the circulus vitiosus of obstructive peripheral arterial disease can be overcome. As a consequence of blood irradiation walking distance enlarges, providing better chances for physical training, which helps to extend walking distance furthermore.