The arteriovenous impulse system in total hip arthroplasty

Background: Despite the continuing high incidence of deep vein thrombosis a fter total hip arthroplasty, currently available mechanical thromboprophyla ctic sq,stems are not sufficiently utilised in Germany. Patients and methods: Duplex-sonographic measurements of the maximum venous flow velocity (V femoralis) in 10 healthy individuals performed with a leg orientation synonymous to that during total hip arthroplasty were compared to figures obtained during an out-stretched leg position. Additionally, du plex- sonography was conducted on 9 patients intra-operatively during total hip replacement to complete the study. All investigations were executed bo th with and without application of the A-V Impulse System (AVIS), a mechani cal thromboprophylactic procedure. Results: In contrast to the out-stretched leg position, a decreased venous peak flow velocity during surgery, as well as in the operation-identical le g orientation was demonstrated in the absence of AVIS. However, by means of AVIS, a significant increase ill the venous peak flow velocity (p < 0.01) was achieved for both situations. Additionally: an increased vessel diamete r of the V. femoralis communis as observed in 75% of patients due to the le g orientation stipulated for hip replacement surgery. Conclusion: The data suggest that the A-V Impulse System can effectively, a ccelerate the venous reflux-flow during operations involving hip replacemen ts and thus provide an early preventative therapy for deep vein thrombosis after a surgical procedure.