INTERMITTENT SEQUENTIAL PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION OF THE LEGS IN THE PREVENTION OF VENOUS STASIS AND POSTOPERATIVE DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 87  (1) , 69-76
Abstract
The optimal stimulus which produced the maximum increase in blood velocity in the femoral vein during compression of the lower limb with a sequential compression device (6 chambers) was determined using Doppler ultrasound in 10 normal [human] limbs. Pressures of 35, 30 and 20 mm Hg at the ankle, calf and thigh, respectively, applied sequentially for 12 s produced a 240% increase in the peak blood velocity. Higher pressures did not increase velocity any further. A nonsequential device (1 chamber) inflated at 35 mm Hg for 12 s produced only a 180% increase in blood velocity. The efficacy of the sequential device to prevent deep venous thrombosis then was tested and compared with a single chamber device and small-dose s.c. heparin in a randomized, controlled clinical trial using the 125I-fibrinogen test. Apparently, the sequential compression device is as effective as heparin during the period when it is used (the 1st 24 h after operation) and more effective than a nonsequential device in preventing deep venous thrombosis proximal to the calf.