Prevention of air travel-related deep venous thrombosis with mechanical devices: active foot movements produce similar hemodynamic effects

OBJECTIVE: We compared the hemodynamic effects of different mechanical devices aimed for prevention of travel-related deep venous thrombosis with active foot movements. METHODS: Two battery-operated intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices and three foot and calf muscle pump facilitating devices (PFD) that claimed to prevent travel-related deep venous thrombosis were tested in 17 healthy volunteers on the ground and in 8 of same volunteers during flight. Flow changes during active foot movements were compared with the effects of each of the tested devices. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in hemodynamic effect between PFDs and active foot movements. The hemodynamic effects of IPC devices were significantly less compared with active foot movements. Values obtained during air flights were not significantly different from those obtained on the ground. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas IPC use for prevention of venous stasis during flight can be justified for immobile patients or during sleep, PFDs do not provide additional hemodynamic benefits compared with simple movements of the foot.