Stranks GJ, MacKenzie NA, Grover ML, Fail T.
The A-V Impulse System reduces deep-vein thrombosis and swelling after
hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture.
J Bone Joint Surg Br 1992 Sep;74(5):775-8

Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England.

We performed a prospective randomised controlled trial of the A-V Impulse System in
82 patients treated by hemiarthroplasty for subcapital fracture of the femoral
neck. The incidence of proximal deep-vein thrombosis as assessed by Doppler
ultrasonography was 23% in the control group and 0% in those using the device (p
less than 0.01). Calf and thigh circumferences were measured in both groups at
seven to ten days after operation. In the treatment group there was a mean
relative reduction of postoperative swelling of the thigh by 3.27 cm (p less than
0.001) and of the calf by 1.55 cm (p less than 0.001). The A-V Impulse System
appears to be a safe and effective method of reducing the incidence of proximal
deep-vein thrombosis, and of postoperative swelling.