The effects of modulated medium frequency electrotherapy on lower extremity hemodynamics in perioperative thoracic surgery patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of modulated, medium frequency electrotherapy on hemodynamics after thoracic surgery to provide non-pharmacological measures for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Methods Seventy thoracic surgery patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group. Both groups received conventional treatment and nursing. The experimental group (35 patients) was treated with modulated, medium frequency electrotherapy additionally while the control group (35 patients) was not. The vein systolic maximum velocity (Vmax), vein diastolic minimum velocity (Vmin) and time-averaged mean velocity (TAVM) in the femoral vein, the superficial femoral vein, the deep femoral vein, the popliteal vein and the anterior tibial vein were observed before the operation, 4h after the operation, just after 20 minutes of electrotherapy, 15 min after the electrotherapy and 30 min after the electrotherapy. Results There were significant differences among the time points in the experimental group. There was no significant difference among the time points in the control group.There were significant differences in lower extremity hemodynamics between the experimental group and the control group at end of the electrotherapy session, but no significant differences at the later time points. Conclusions Modulated, medium frequency electrotherapy has a significant effect on lower extremity hemodynamics. It is an effective method for DVT prophylaxis in perioperative thoracic surgical patients. Key words: Modulated medium frequency electrotherapy; Thoracic surgery; Leg veins; Hemodynamics; Deep vein thrombosis; Prophylaxis