Muhe E.
Intermittent sequential high-pressure compression of the leg. A new method of
preventing deep vein thrombosis.
Am J Surg 1984 Jun;147(6):781-5

The effect of sequential pneumatic leg compression on venous flow velocity was
studied in 25 patients. At the usual pressures of 35 to 55 mm Hg, venous flow
velocity was only 175 percent of the control value, but 366 percent when
pressures were between 90 and 100 mm Hg. The incidence of post-operative
thrombosis was studied in three groups of patients. In 24 patients receiving
sequential compression prophylaxis of 90 to 100 mm Hg, there was one case of
thrombosis, whereas there were three cases among the 25 patients with compression
of 35 mm Hg and three cases among the 25 patients receiving 5,000 units of
heparin three times per day. Sequential intermittent compression with high
pressures, 10 compression cycles three times daily, is recommended for all
patients unable to undertake physically active prophylactic measures. An absolute
indication exists in those patients who cannot be mobilized and those in whom
there are additional contraindications to the use of anticoagulants. Sequential
compression is no alternative to antithrombosis stockings which must be worn from
the day of hospitalization until discharge and also during the period of
pneumatic compression.