DVT prophylaxis for stroke patients.
Wed, 2009-10-21 11:03
Recent paper from 'Lancet' indicates that GCS (graduated compression stockings also known as SCDs) were not effective at VTE (venous thromboembolism) prophylaxis. Considering the population of patients developing strokes, this is not surprising. Unless contraindicated, LMWH (low molecular weight heparin) is likely to be the best VTE prophylaxis for these patients.
I have just read that a company called Sky Medical Technology, based in the UK, have announced the success of a three year research program to develop a new, neuromuscular stimulation technology that increases venous circulation for DVT prophylaxis. It’s hailed as game-changing, an alternative to IPC devices and compression stockings. It’s a one-size-fits all devices, the size of a small wrist-watch which fits to your leg behind the knee (both legs) and activates small micro-contractions of the calf, shin and foot muscles. The stimulus causes blood to flow back to the heart at a volume similar to the blood flow rates of walking, without having to move or exert energy. The product’s about to launch. Their website is: www.gekodevices.com