Dw. Soderdahl et al., A COMPARISON OF INTERMITTENT PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION OF THE CALF AND WHOLE LEG IN PREVENTING DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN UROLOGICAL SURGERY, The Journal of urology, 157(5), 1997, pp. 1774-1776
Purpose: Intermittent pneumatic compression of the calf and/or thigh e
ffectively decreases the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and other
thrombotic sequelae but clinical data comparing these modalities are
Currently lacking. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients under
going major urological surgery was randomly assigned to receive calf l
ength or thigh length pneumatic compression for antithrombotic prophyl
axis. Duplex ultrasound of the lower extremities was performed preoper
atively and twice postoperatively to evaluate for deep venous thrombos
is. Health care providers in the operating room, recovery room and war
d were asked to compare the compression systems, and a cost analysis w
as performed. Results: A total of 47 patients wore the thigh length se
quential pneumatic sleeves and 43 wore calf length uniform compression
systems. A pulmonary embolus without evidence of deep venous thrombos
is was detected in 1 patient (2%) using the thigh length system. A thr
ombus was detected in the common femoral vein by duplex ultrasonograph
y in 1 patient (2%) with the calf length system. Nursing personnel fou
nd the calf length sleeves easier to apply and more comfortable by pat
ient account but they were satisfied with both systems. There was a si
gnificant cost savings with the calf length pneumatic compression syst
em. Conclusions: Calf and thigh length pneumatic compression systems s
imilarly decrease the risk of deep venous thrombosis in patients under
going urological surgery. The calf length system has the added advanta
ge of being less expensive and easier to use.