The Role of Elastic Compression Stockings in Prevention of Venous Dilatation Induced by a Reverse Trendelenburg Position

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Abstract
To evaluate the response of the deep veins of the leg to an inclination from supine (reverse Trendelenburg) and assess the influence of gradient elastic compression stockings on such response. Prospective study in healthy volunteers. University affiliated community hospital, Glenview, Illinois, USA. Ten healthy volunteers. High-resolution ultrasound imaging was carried out to study the leg veins in the supine and 45° reverse Trendelenburg position, with and without thigh-length gradient elastic compression stockings. Main outcome measures: Vein cross-sectional area changes after the use of compression stockings in the supine position and after 30 and 60 min in a reverse Trendelenburg position. Significant dilatation of the leg veins was observed during the reverse Trendelenburg position. This was partially prevented by the use of gradient elastic compression stockings. Elastic compression of the legs significantly reduces the dilatation of the medial gastrocnemius veins of the calf that occurs in healthy volunteers as a result of inclination from supine.