Intermittent mechanical compression for prevention of travellers’ thrombosis

CONCLUSIONS • Absolute incidence of airtravel related venous thromboembolism is estimated to be approximately 1 / 5000 for flights lasting >4 hours • This risk is higher in people with additional risk factors such as oral contraceptive use, inherited thrombophilia and high age • Intermittent pneumatic compression reduces the risk of postoperative VTE by increasing venous outflow, and possibly by increasing fibrinolytic activity • 6 healthy volunteers, aged over 55 years • 4 hours of strict seated immobilisation • 2 test days: one without and one with intermittent mechanical compression (IMC) • IMC exerted by a novel lightweight device (AviafitTM, FlowMedic, Israel), placed on both calves, generating 1 pulse / minute of 45 mmHg • Outcome: Venous outflow (Duplex US), Lower extremity volume (waterbath), laboratory markers of coagulation/fibrinolysis