Calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression compared with plantar venous pneumatic compression to prevent deep-vein thrombosis after non-lower extremity trauma.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression devices with the effectiveness of plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression devices in prevention of venous thrombosis after major trauma.

Subjects And Methods: We evaluated 181 consecutive patients after major trauma without lower extremity injuries that precluded the use of pneumatic compression devices. We randomly assigned 149 patients to either calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression or plantar venous pneumatic compression. After blinding the observers to the method of prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis, we performed bilateral compression ultrasonography on or before day 8 after randomization.

Results: Among 149 randomized patients, 62 who received calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression and 62 who received plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression devices completed the trial. Thirteen patients randomized to plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression (21.0%) and 4 patients randomized to calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression (6.5%) had deep-vein thrombosis (p = 0.009). Seven of 13 patients with deep-vein thrombosis after prophylaxis with plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression had bilateral deep-vein thromboses, whereas all 4 patients with deep-vein thrombosis after prophylaxis with calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression had unilateral deep-vein thrombosis.

Conclusion: Calf-thigh sequential pneumatic compression prevents deep-vein thrombosis more effectively than plantar venous intermittent pneumatic compression after major trauma without lower extremity injuries.