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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Evaluation of intermittent pneumatic compression devices
G P Whitelaw1, O J Oladipo, B P Shah
1Department of Orthopedics, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Mass 02130, USA.
Orthopedics
|April 13, 2001
Summary
Pneumatic compression devices can increase lower extremity venous blood flow, with calf-focused designs proving most effective. Their efficacy correlates with simulating natural calf muscle contractions for potential thromboprophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism is a significant clinical concern.
- Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) are used for prophylaxis.
- Optimizing PCD design for enhanced venous return is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different PCDs in augmenting lower extremity venous blood flow velocity.
- To compare PCD efficacy against active and passive foot dorsiflexion.
- To identify design features that maximize venous blood flow augmentation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ATL Duplex Doppler ultrasound to measure femoral venous blood flow velocity.
- Recruited five healthy participants (aged 21-35).
- Assessed six distinct PCDs, comparing their impact on venous velocity to foot dorsiflexion.
Main Results:
- Active foot dorsiflexion increased peak venous velocity by over 200%.
- Significant variations in venous velocity increase were observed among the tested PCDs.
- PCDs with lateral and medial calf compression chambers yielded results closest to active dorsiflexion.
- Foot-focused compression devices demonstrated the least impact on venous velocity.
Conclusions:
- PCD effectiveness in enhancing lower extremity venous blood flow is linked to their ability to mimic calf muscle contractions.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to fully assess PCDs for thromboprophylaxis, considering other influencing factors.
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