Salvian AJ, Baker JD.
Effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression in normal and postphlebitic legs.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1988 Jan-Feb;29(1):37-41

Vascular Surgery Sections, Sepulveda, VA Medical Center, CA.
The changes in common femoral vein flow produced by three different intermittent
pneumatic compression devices were recorded with a Doppler velocity detector in 20
normal legs and 20 with postphlebitic syndrome. Mean and peak velocity increases
were measured and expressed as a percent of resting baseline values. There was no
significant difference in the peak velocity increase produced by the three devices
in normals and abnormals; however, there were differences in the mean velocity
increases. The devices worked as well on postphlebitic legs as on normal ones.
Correct cuff application was more critical than indicated by the manufacturers,
suggesting that some of the failures of intermittent pneumatic compression may
have resulted from improper cuff placement. The results show that different
designs of intermittent pneumatic compression equipment accelerate venous flow in
the leg.