Response of femoral venous blood velocity to external lower limb compression and its relaltionship to prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

Femoral Venous Blood Velocity (FVBV) was measured using ultrasound velocimeter with a purposed-designed probe holder before and after insertion of graduated elastic leg compression stockings. There was a statistically significant increase in venous blood velocity following the application of leg compression (Mean frequency of spectrum, 247 Hz) compared to that before its application (Mean frequency, 201 Hz) (p<0.05). This significant increase in venous blood velocity may reflect a critical mode of action of external leg compression in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Keywords

• venous velocity
• external leg compression
• deep vein thrombosis
• prophylaxis