Scurr JH, Coleridge-Smith PD, Hasty JH.
Regimen for improved effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression in deep
venous thrombosis prophylaxis.
Surgery 1987 Nov;102(5):816-20

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was assessed in a series of 78
patients undergoing major surgical operations to compare the prophylactic
effectiveness of intermittent sequential pneumatic compression alone with the
simultaneous use of graduated compression stockings and intermittent sequential
pneumatic compression. The diagnosis of DVT was determined with the I-125
fibrinogen-uptake test, Doppler ultrasound, maximum venous outflow by
strain-gauge plethysmography, and contrast venography. The incidence of DVT in
nonstockinged legs was 9% while that in the stockinged legs was 1%. The
simultaneous use of graduated elastic compression stockings and intermittent
pneumatic compression is more effective than pneumatic compression alone in the
prevention of postoperative DVT.