Intermittent sequential high-pressure compression of the leg: A new method of preventing deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

The effect of sequential pneumatic leg compression on venous flow velocity was studied in 25 patients. At the usual pressures of 35 to 55 mm Hg, venous flow velocity was only 175 percent of the control value, but 366 percent when pressures were between 90 and 100 mm Hg. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis was studied in three groups of patients. In 24 patients receiving sequential compression prophylaxis of 90 to 100 mm Hg, there was one case of thrombosis, whereas there were three cases among the 25 patients with compression of 35 mm Hg and three cases among the 25 patients receiving 5,000 units of heparin three times per day. Sequential intermittent compression with high pressures, 10 compression cycles three times daily, is recommended for all patients unable to undertake physically active prophylactic measures. An absolute indication exists in those patients who cannot be mobilized and those in whom there are additional contraindications to the use of anticoagulants. Sequential compression is no alternative to antithrombosis stockings which must be worn from the day of hospitalization until discharge and also during the period of pneumatic compression.