Effect of External Sequential Compression Devices on Femoral Venous Blood Flow

David C. Markel, MD, Gary D. Morris, MD

J South Orthop Assoc. 2002;11(1)

Conclusion

Thigh-length, calf-length, and foot external sequential pneumatic compression devices effectively increased quantitative blood flow volume and velocity in the deep and superficial saphenous venous systems. Statistically, the devices performed equally well. In patients who had had total knee arthroplasty, muscle activity did not increase blood flow volume or velocity more than the external compression devices did, though the reverse was true in healthy volunteers not operated on. External sequential pneumatic compression devices are supported as effective in prevention of deep venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty.

The print version of this article was originally certified for CME credit. For accreditation details, contact the publisher. Southern Orthopaedic Association, 35 Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209, phone (205) 945-1840.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Acuson Corporation for access to their ultrasonographic software.

Reprint Address

Reprint requests to David C. Markel, MD, Providence Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 22250 Providence Dr, Suite 401, Southfield, MI 48075.

References

Table 1. Baseline Blood Flow Velocity (Measured Above and Below Saphenous Bifurcation) and Increase After Initiation of Pneumatic Pumps
Velocity (meters/second)	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Baseline velocity
Above (superficial venous)	0.086	0.085	0.089	0.090
Below (deep venous)	0.070	0.069	0.064	0.070
Velocity after initiation
Above (superficial venous)	0.094	0.10	0.099	0.113
Below (deep venous)	0.078	0.084	0.069	0.083

Table 2. Percentage Increases in Blood Flow Volume and Velocity Above and Below the Saphenous Bifurcation (Superficial and Deep Systems)
Change	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Change in velocity
Above (superficial venous)	9.3%	17.6%	11.2%	25.6%
Below (deep venous)	11.4%	21.7%	.032%	21.4%
Change in volume
Above (superficial venous)	28.2%	62.1%	25.8%	40.5%
Below (deep venous)	11.5%	29.9%	32.2%	52.1%

Table 1. Baseline Blood Flow Velocity (Measured Above and Below Saphenous Bifurcation) and Increase After Initiation of Pneumatic Pumps
Velocity (meters/second)	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Baseline velocity
Above (superficial venous)	0.086	0.085	0.089	0.090
Below (deep venous)	0.070	0.069	0.064	0.070
Velocity after initiation
Above (superficial venous)	0.094	0.10	0.099	0.113
Below (deep venous)	0.078	0.084	0.069	0.083

Table 2. Percentage Increases in Blood Flow Volume and Velocity Above and Below the Saphenous Bifurcation (Superficial and Deep Systems)
Change	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Change in velocity
Above (superficial venous)	9.3%	17.6%	11.2%	25.6%
Below (deep venous)	11.4%	21.7%	.032%	21.4%
Change in volume
Above (superficial venous)	28.2%	62.1%	25.8%	40.5%
Below (deep venous)	11.5%	29.9%	32.2%	52.1%

Table 3. Baseline Blood Flow Volume and the Increase After Initiation of Pneumatic Pumps
Volume (mL/min)	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Baseline volume
Above (superficial venous)	465	443	466	536
Below (deep venous)	400	364	295	338
Volume after initiation
Above (superficial venous)	596	718	586	753
Below (deep venous)	446	473	390	514

Table 2. Percentage Increases in Blood Flow Volume and Velocity Above and Below the Saphenous Bifurcation (Superficial and Deep Systems)
Change	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Change in velocity
Above (superficial venous)	9.3%	17.6%	11.2%	25.6%
Below (deep venous)	11.4%	21.7%	.032%	21.4%
Change in volume
Above (superficial venous)	28.2%	62.1%	25.8%	40.5%
Below (deep venous)	11.5%	29.9%	32.2%	52.1%

Table 3. Baseline Blood Flow Volume and the Increase After Initiation of Pneumatic Pumps
Volume (mL/min)	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Baseline volume
Above (superficial venous)	465	443	466	536
Below (deep venous)	400	364	295	338
Volume after initiation
Above (superficial venous)	596	718	586	753
Below (deep venous)	446	473	390	514

Table 2. Percentage Increases in Blood Flow Volume and Velocity Above and Below the Saphenous Bifurcation (Superficial and Deep Systems)
Change	Foot Pump	Calf	Thigh	Ankle Motion
Change in velocity
Above (superficial venous)	9.3%	17.6%	11.2%	25.6%
Below (deep venous)	11.4%	21.7%	.032%	21.4%
Change in volume
Above (superficial venous)	28.2%	62.1%	25.8%	40.5%
Below (deep venous)	11.5%	29.9%	32.2%	52.1%

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