The effect of the position of the limb on venous impulse foot pumps

Abstract

Compression foot pumps are widely used for the prevention of postoperative venous thrombosis. We tested the efficiency of the pump in ten healthy subjects; the velocity of venous blood flow in the common femoral vein was measured in the horizontal, Trendelenberg (foot-up) and reverse-Trendelenberg (foot-down) positions. Application of the foot pump produced an increase in the venous velocity in all subjects. The mean increase in the horizontal position was 27.2% and in the Trendelenberg position 15.4%. In the reverse-Trendelenberg position, the foot pump produced a mean increase of 102.8%. The efficiency of the compression foot pump in increasing venous return is improved by adopting the reverse-Trendelenberg position. This may increase its thromboprophylactic effect.

Foot pumps without graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep-vein thrombosis in total joint replacement: efficacy, safety and patient compliance

“…Results from four independent randomised clinical trials have shown that mechanical prophylaxis with foot pumps in THR achieved equivalent -if not superior -results compared to chemical management [5,11,13,16], but the tolerance of the device has been a problem for some patients [3,12]. The effective action of the foot pumps depends on various factors, including the frequency and pressure of the impulses and the dependency of the lower extremities [1,4,10]. It is not known whether the efficacy, safety and compliance of the foot pumps are enhanced by the simultaneous use of graduated compression stockings (GCS).…”

Micro-mobile Foot Compression Device Compared with Pneumatic Compression Device

“…We recommend that the device be set at 30-second intervals to allow for maximum pooling of venous blood in the plantar plexus. The more volume of blood in the chamber may allow for the foot pump to facilitate greater augmentation of blood with primary compression [10]. Patient characteristics that might effect venous velocity augmentation with mechanical devices have been unexplored.…”

“…During the examinations, we placed the subjects in a 308-reverse Trendelenburg position with the leg externally rotated to minimize active dorsal or plantar flexion. The literature suggests that the use of venous impulse foot pumps while subjects are in a reverse Trendelenburg position may increase the thromboprophylactic effect [10].…”

The effect of exercising with manual compression foot pumps, on dialysis efficiency, in patients with end stage renal disease

“…Compression foot pumps are widely used to increase perfusion and reduce the risk of post operative venous thrombosis, but are generally used for postoperative patients who are confined to bed for prolonged periods of time (Fleming et al, 2000). Until recently …”