Bucci MN, Papadopoulos SM, Chen JC, Campbell JA, Hoff JT.
Mechanical prophylaxis of venous thrombosis in patients undergoing craniotomy: a
randomized trial.
Surg Neurol 1989 Oct;32(4):285-8

Section of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0338.

A randomized, prospective clinical trial of 70 patients undergoing craniotomy was
performed to compare and evaluate two forms of mechanical prophylaxis of deep
vein thrombosis. Thirty-eight patients received antiembolism stockings, whereas
32 patients received external pneumatic compression. Prophylaxis was begun
preoperatively and continued intraoperatively and post-operatively until the
patients were ambulatory. Impedance plethysmography was used to detect deep vein
thrombosis both preoperatively and postoperatively. Two patients, one from each
group, developed thromboembolic complications postoperatively. Impedance
plethysmography showed false-positive findings in two additional patients. There
were no deaths. The data suggest that either form of mechanical prophylaxis is
effective against the development of deep vein thrombosis in this high-risk
patient population.