Raso AM, Rispoli P, Maggio D, Trogolo M, Sandrone N,
Pezzuto D, Melloni D, Bellan A.
A new device for prevention of postoperative haematoma in the surgery of varicose
veins.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1997 Apr;38(2):177-80

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.

The objective of this article is the presentation of a new device, simple, easy
to use, at low cost, for the prevention of postoperative haematoma following
surgery of varicose veins of the lower limbs. It consists in a two-part device
that functions as an elastic and pneumatic bandage, that wraps thigh and leg,
with the knee articulation free and that is placed immediately before the
stripping of the saphenous vein when all the surgical wounds are closed, except
the supramalleolar one. While the head of the stripper is pulled, the device is
inflated by air with a compression of 40-50 mmHg and the last surgical wound is
sutured. Pneumatic compression is held for 24-36 hours, allowing the patients to
walk and, in the meantime, to control the colour and the temperature of the foot.
The advantages of this device are: easy use and low costs; compression on the
area of the saphenous vein and of the main collaterals; uniform but moderate
pressure on all the limb circumference.