[Principles of physical prevention of thrombosis]

Physical methods of prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis aim to counteract the stasis of venous blood flow that occurs during immobilisation. Prospective randomized studies have documented that perioperative electrical calf stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression, and graduated compression stockings effectively reduce the frequency of post-operative deep-vein thromboses. However, up to date it has not been proved that they also reduce the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism, and so these physical methods represent no valid alternative to the pharmacological methods of prophylaxis against thromboembolic events. Their use is justified, however, when the pharmacological agents are contraindicated, and as an adjunct to the pharmacological methods.