A NEW DEVICE FOR PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE HEMATOMA IN THE SURGERY OF VARICOSE-VEINS

The objective of this article is the presentation of a new device, sim ple, easy to use, at low cost, for the prevention of postoperative hae matoma following surgery of varicose veins of the lower limbs. It cons ists in a two-part device that functions as an elastic and pneumatic b andage, that wraps thigh and leg, with the knee articulation free and that is placed immediately before the stripping of the saphenous vein when all the surgical wounds are closed, except the supramalleolar one . While the head of the stripper is pulled, the device is inflated by air with a compression of 40-50 mmHg and the last surgical wound is su tured. Pneumatic compression is held for 24-36 hours, allowing the pat ients to walk and, in the meantime, to control the colour and the temp erature of the foot. The advantages of this device are: easy use and l ow costs; compression on the area of the saphenous vein and of the mai n collaterals; uniform but moderate pressure on all the limb circumfer ence.