Bradley JG, Krugener GH, Jager HJ.
The effectiveness of intermittent plantar venous compression in prevention of
deep venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty.
J Arthroplasty 1993 Feb;8(1):57-61

Scarborough Hospital, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intermittent
pneumatic compression of the plantar venous plexus with the newly developed
arteriovenous impulse system. Seventy-four patients about to undergo primary
unilateral total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthrosis, all receiving a standard
thrombosis prophylaxis regime of thigh-length anti-embolic stockings, 5,000 IU
heparin delivered subcutaneously twice daily, and 400 mg hydroxychloroquine
sulfate delivered twice daily, were entered in a prospective trial. The patients
were allocated at random to also receive the arteriovenous impulse system on the
foot of the operated side. On approximately postoperative day 12 bilateral
ascending venography was performed. There were 44 patients in the nonpumped group
and 30 patients in the pumped group. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis was
6.6% in the pumped group and 27.27% in the nonpumped group. The incidence of
thrombosis was significantly lower in the pumped group (P < .025). The authors
conclude that chemical prophylaxis plus the use of the mechanical, pneumatic, and
arteriovenous impulse system reduces the incidence of thromboembolic
complications further than chemical prophylaxis alone.