Care and basic monitoring of the anaesthetized patient

Popliteal Vein Compression Under General Anaesthesia

“…is commonly used during surgical procedures under general anaesthesia (GA) to reduce the risk of heel pressure ulcers originating in the operating theatre. 4 Heel elevation (e.g., using silicone blocks 5,6 ) is likely to cause knee hyperextension, with consequent popliteal vein compression, and this may in turn increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is itself a widespread health-care issue with an incidence of 1 in 1000 of the general population 7,8 and at least 7% in the perioperative period.…”