Noninvasive prevention of thrombosis of deep veins of the thigh using intermittent pneumatic compression.

Intermitten venous compression promotes cyclic emptying and refilling of the veins and sinuses of the legs. It prevents stasis and formation of thrombi while the patient is on the operating table and during recovery. Once the patient is ambulatory, the system is discontinued. While the system is in use, thromboelastography, venous impedance plethysmography and venography, when indicated, are used to monitor the system. The intermittent pneumatic compression system is safe, simple and practical to use for almost all patients. There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in 123 patients, as determined by an absence of clinical signs, a negative impedance plethysmogram and a negative venogram.