Intermittent pneumatic compression on the calf improves peripheral circulation of the leg

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether intermittent pneumati c compression (IPC) increases peripheral circulation locally in order to as sess the use of IPC for prevention of deep venous thrombosis. Materials and Methods: Seventy adult patients receiving major gastrointesti nal surgery were studied. On postoperative day 1, calf-length garments were fitted onto both calves and deep temperature thermometers were put on both plantae. The IPC was applied randomly to either the left or right calf und er 40 mm Hg pressure for 150 minutes. Bilateral plantar deep temperatures, as a reflection of peripheral circulation in the lower extremity, the tympa nic temperature, mean blood pressure, and heart rate ware recorded at 15-mi nute intervals. Results: IPC compression was applied to 31 left and 39 right calves. The pl anter deep temperature in the compressed calf was higher than in the noncom pressed calf, and increased significantly, whereas the noncompressed calf s howed no temperature change. The tympanic temperature, mean blood pressure, and heart rate did not change during the experiment. Conclusions:The results suggest that IPC has the effect of improving periph eral circulation, which supports the use of IPC to prevent deep venous thro mbosis. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.