Reference Search
| Venous Haemodynamics After Total Knee Arthroplasty |
| Source: Westrich GH, Specht NE, Sharrock RE, et al: JBJS (British) 80(B): 1057-1066, 1998 |
| Summary: A variety of pneumatic compression devices (PlexiPulse foot, AV Impulse foot, Plexipulse foot-calf, VenaFlow calf, Kendall SCD thigh, Flowtron thigh, and Jobst thigh) were tested on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients in order to determine the effect of different devices on venous velocity in post-operative applications. "VenaFlow produced the greatest increase in peak venous velocity compared with all the other devices" in measures both above and below the greater saphenous-common femoral junction and in both patient groups. VenaFlow provides impulse calf compression. The authors state that foot pump devices "have a small stroke volume of 30 mL, and thus the increase in peak venous velocity in the common femoral vein was considerably less than in devices which pump the calf and soleal sinus, giving a much greater stroke volume." When compared to the results of the thigh-length compression systems, the authors "doubt whether the addition of thigh compression is necessary." |