A prospective evaluation of standard versus battery-powered sequential compression devices in postsurgical patients

Andrea T Obi; Rafael Alvarez; Bradley N Reames; Marc J Moote; Maureen A Thompson; Thomas W Wakefield; Peter K Henke

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2014.06.017

A prospective evaluation of standard versus battery-powered sequential compression devices in postsurgical patients

Am J Surg. 2015 Apr;209(4):675-81. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2014.06.017. Epub 2014 Aug 7.

Authors

Andrea T Obi¹, Rafael Alvarez¹, Bradley N Reames¹, Marc J Moote², Maureen A Thompson², Thomas W Wakefield¹, Peter K Henke³

Affiliations

¹ Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
² Office of Clinical Affairs, University of Michigan Health Systems, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
³ Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address: henke@umich.edu.

PMID: 25812845
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2014.06.017

Abstract

Background: Sequential compression devices (SCDs) reduce deep venous thrombosis in postsurgical patients, but the use is hindered by poor compliance.

Methods: General and orthopedic surgery patients (n = 67) were randomized to standard- or battery-powered SCDs. Compliance was documented hourly. Nurses and patients were issued a survey to assess barriers to compliance and device satisfaction.

Results: Compliance with standard SCDs was 47% compared with 85% with battery-powered SCDs (P < .001). The most common barriers identified by nurses and patients were ambulation and transfers, which were mitigated with the battery-powered device. A majority (79%) of those issued a battery-powered device reported no major problems compared with only 14% of patients issued a standard device (P < .005).

Conclusions: The dual venous thromboembolism prevention strategies of early mobilization and SCD utilization can be met with the appropriate equipment.

Keywords: Compression devices; Deep venous thrombosis; Prophylaxis; Quality improvement; Venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Electric Power Supplies
Equipment Design
Female
Humans
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices*
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
Prospective Studies
Venous Thrombosis / prevention & control*