Simple mechanical method for decreasing the incidence of thromboembolism

Increasing awareness of the dangers of low dose heparin therapy has stimulated interest in mechanical methods for decreasing the incidence of thromboembolism. Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the feet while the patient is on the operating table by the use of a mechanical device (the Pedi-Pulsor) significantly decreases the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (45 percent in control patients versus 18 percent with the Pedi-Pulsor p = 0.05]). In addition, use of this machine during the postoperative period should further aid in decreasing the incidence of thromboembolism.