Ljungner H, Bergqvist D, Nilsson IM.
Effect of intermittent pneumatic and graduated static compression on factor VIII
and the fibrinolytic system.
Acta Chir Scand 1981;147(8):657-61

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) or graduated static compression
stockings, both effective mechanical methods in the prophylaxis of postoperative
deep venous thrombosis, have been investigated in 50 patients regarding the
effect of compression on the fibrinolytic system and factor VIII activators. All
the patients were subjected to one of the two methods before operation upon
varicose veins. In 38 patients IPC with a pressure of 40 mmHg was applied on one
leg or arm for at least two hours. In 23 of these patients the compression
pattern was slow, two minutes' inflation and two minutes' deflation period. In
the remaining 15 patients the compression pattern was quick, three seconds'
inflation, followed by 20 seconds' deflation, three cycles a minute. Twelve
patients were treated with a compression stocking on one leg for about 24 hours
before the operation. Blood samples for determination of fibrinolytic activity
and factor VIII in plasma were obtained before and immediately after the end of
compression and application of a stocking, respectively. Also the level of
plasminogen activator activity (PA) in the vein wall was determined. Neither IPC
nor the application of an elastic stocking had any demonstrable effect on the
variables studied. In addition, the results did not vary with the rate (slow or quick)
or with the duration of IPC, sex or site of application (arm or leg) of IPC.
Blood samples from the compressed leg were also uninfluenced.