Calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression compared with plantar venous pneumatic compression to prevent deep-vein thrombosis after non-lower extremity trauma.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression devices with the effectiveness of plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression devices in prevention of venous thrombosis after major trauma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 181 consecutive patients after major trauma without lower extremity injuries that precluded the use of pneumatic compression devices. We randomly assigned 149 patients to either calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression or plantar venous pneumatic compression. After blinding the observers to the method of prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis, we performed bilateral compression ultrasonography on or before day 8 after randomization.

RESULTS

Among 149 randomized patients, 62 who received calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression and 62 who received plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression devices completed the trial. Thirteen patients randomized to plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression (21.0%) and 4 patients randomized to calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression (6.5%) had deep-vein thrombosis (p = 0.009). Seven of 13 patients with deep-vein thrombosis after prophylaxis with plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression had bilateral deep-vein thromboses, whereas all 4 patients with deep-vein thrombosis after prophylaxis with calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression had unilateral deep-vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression prevents deep-vein thrombosis more effectively than plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression after major trauma without lower extremity injuries.