A systematic review compared the effectiveness of mechanical prophylaxis devices in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) during and after surgery. The study included 14 articles and found that intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) was superior to graduated compression stockings (GCS) when used alone. Additionally, a combination of IPC and GCS showed greater efficacy compared to GCS alone, especially in high-risk patients. While IPC had a better safety profile, compliance was lower. The study suggests further high-quality research is needed, particularly in high-risk surgical settings where pharmacological prophylaxis is not an option.
Review by Herring B, Lowen D, Ho P and Hodgson R in Langenbecks Arch Surg
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