Evaluation of intermittent pneumatic compression devices

Venous blood flow rate in the lower extremity after applying different pneu matic compression devices was evaluated. Five healthy individuals, aged 21- 35, were recruited for this study. The ability of six different pneumatic c ompression devices to increase femoral venous blood flow velocity was analy zed and compared to that of active and passive foot dorsiflexion. Baseline venous blood flow velocity was measured using an ATL Duplex Doppler before leg compression. Venous blood flow velocity was then monitored before, duri ng, and after each compression cycle. Average peak venous velocity increased >200% on dorsiflexion of the ankle. Among the investigated devices, the increase in venous velocity varied sign ificantly. Design of compression chambers enabling compression on the later al and medial aspects of the calf produced an increase in venous velocity c losest to active foot dorsiflexion. Foot compression devices produced the s mallest increase in venous velocity. The relative effectiveness of pneumatic compression devices, particularly w ith respect to increasing venous blood flow in the lower extremity, may cor relate well with how closely the device simulates the physiologic contracti on of the calf muscles. Clinical trials are needed to further compare the e ffectiveness of these devices, as other less readily measured factors play a role in thromboprophylaxis.