The influence of inflation rate on the hematologic and hemodynamic effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.

Objective: The study was conducted to determine whether the different inflation rates of intermittent pneumatic compression systems used in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis influence their hematologic and hemodynamic effects.

Methods: A rapidly inflating intermittent calf compression system and a more gently inflating equivalent were applied to 20 healthy male volunteers for 2 hours each. Venous blood samples were taken for analysis of blood coagulation and fibrinolytic potential.