A novel stocking to improve venous return compared to the class 1 compression stocking

Category:Basic Sciences/BiologicsIntroduction/Purpose:Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious risk of major orthopaedic surgery, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. VTE events are annually costing the US healthcare system over $13.5 billion and causing approximately 200,000 deaths each year. In current clinical practice, the risk of VTE events are reduced with various pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylactic measures. Class 1 compression stockings are frequently used as mechanical prophylaxis due to few associated complications. The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of a novel device to the conventional compression stockings improved venous return.Methods:This prospective study measured ejected venous volume (EVV) of the superficial femoral vein in both legs of healthy volunteers (n=10). The novel device wraps around the heel and holds the meta-tarsophalangeal joint of the great toe flexed, encouraging active toe dorsiflexion and partial ankle dorsiflexion...