The effect of intermittent compression of the calf on the fibrinolytic responses in the blood during a surgical operation.

The fibrinolytic responses in the blood during surgical operation have been studied in two groups of patients during intraoperative intermittent compression of the calf. Fibrinolytic activity did not differ significantly between the groups. The postoperative fibrinolytic shutdown was not prevented by intermittent compression of the calf. It is concluded that, whatever the mechanism by which venous thrombosis is prevented by intermittent compression of the calf, it is not by further stimulation of systemic fibrinolysis.