[Intermitent pneumatic compression hosiery]

The use of gradual compression systems (gradual compression hosiery, bandages composed of crepe strips,...) as therapeutic measures associated with the control of thromboembolic pathologies is a rather extensive common practice although their use increases the work load generated for nursing professionals; while at the same time, they have some indications to bear in mind and limited efficiency for use on high risk patients. The need to utilize mechanical devices has become a generally accepted practice, widely recognized as having a reasonable effectiveness level, to control thromboembolic vascular diseases on those bedridden patients who have a high risk of bleeding on whom the use of drugs to control this complication is not possible, or is limited. Intermitent pneumatic compression is integrated in the majority of recommendations and clinical practice guides published by scientific associations and specialized agencies such as the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), among others. Therefore, the authors want to demonstrate the easy handling of a highly effective device to help prevent venous thromboembolic disease, and how it is possible to reduce the workload for nursing personnel while at the same time guarantee high quality care.