Keith SL, McLaughlin DJ, Anderson FA Jr, Cardullo PA,
Jones CE, Rohrer MJ, Cutler BS.
Do graduated compression stockings and pneumatic boots have an additive effect on
the peak velocity of venous blood flow?
Arch Surg 1992 Jun;127(6):727-30

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.

Graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression boots
reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis. Recent studies suggest that the
simultaneous use of these devices may have a synergistic prophylactic effect;
however, conflicting reports also exist. Using duplex imaging, we analyzed the
effect on peak venous velocity in the superficial femoral vein produced by the
individual and simultaneous use of graduated compression stockings and
intermittent pneumatic compression boots. Normal volunteers and postoperative
patients were examined. The use of intermittent pneumatic compression boots
significantly increased the peak venous velocity relative to rest, whereas the
use of graduated compression stockings did not alter the peak venous velocity.
Also, the addition of graduated compression stockings to legs already being
treated with intermittent pneumatic compression boots did not produce a further
augmentation of peak venous velocity. This study demonstrates that the
simultaneous use of graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic
compression boots does not produce a synergistic augmentation of peak venous
velocity in the superficial femoral vein.