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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in hip fractures: a comparison of the arteriovenous impulse system and aspirin
J G Kennedy1, K E Soffe, B W Rogers
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, University College of Dublin, Ireland.
Background:
A prospective, randomized controlled trial was used to compare the efficacy of the arteriovenous (AV) impulse system and aspirin in reducing venous thrombosis after fracture to the femoral neck.
Methods:
A total of 143 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty, after which 70 patients were treated with the AV pump and a second group of 73 patients were commenced on 325 mg of aspirin. Duplex ultrasound was used to assess both proximal and distal venous thrombi on days 7 to 10. Calf and thigh circumferences were also measured.
Results:
Thrombi developed in seven of the patients treated with aspirin and in four patients treated with the AV pump. No statistically significant difference could be established (p = 0.109). There was a significant reduction in both calf (p = 0.003) and thigh (p = 0.002) swelling in the group treated with the AV pump. Neither treatment group was a significant predictor of a poorer outcome by using logistical regression analysis (p = 0.258).
Conclusions:
Both aspirin and the AV pump are effective in reducing thromboembolic events after hemiarthroplasty of the hip.
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