Assessment of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression by Strain-Gauge Plethysmography

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the physiological effects of a sequential gradient pneumatic compression device (SCD) with a single-chamber pneumatic compression device (Venodyne).

Design:

Single patient group with treatment crossover.

Setting:

Department of Surgery, University College and Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.

Subjects:

Thirty-four limbs of 17 normal adult volunteers were studied.

Interventions:

Sequential gradient compression was applied to one leg and single-chamber compression to the other lower limb for 10 min. The compression devices were then swapped to the opposite leg for a further 10 min period.

Outcome measures:

The increase in foot volume (distal venous distension) in response to each compression, and the subsequent decrease in foot volume (distal venous emptying), were measured. The overall reduction of foot volume (net effect) during the period of compression was calculated.

Results:

The results indicate the net effect was a decrease in foot volume (median decrease 0.35 ml%, 95% CI: 0.21% to 0.45%) with the SCD and no change with the Venodyne (median decrease 0.09 ml%, 95% CI: −0.25% to 0.22%).

Conclusion:

We conclude that sequential intermittent pneumatic compression of the calf and thigh is less likely to cause distal blood trapping and foot swelling than single-chamber calf compression.