Prevention of venous thrombosis by intermittent sequential calf compression in patients with intracranial disease

Intermittent sequential pneumatic compression of the calf was evaluated for the prevention of venous thrombosis in a prospective randomized study of 199 patients with intracranial disease. Sequential calf compression was applied for a maximum of 14 days and reduced the frequency of venous thrombosis from 20. 8% in 96 control patients to 7. 8% in 103 patients given prophylaxis, p=0. 01. Sequential calf compression also reduced the frequency of proximal vein thrombosis from 8. 3% in control patients to 2. 9% in patients given prophylaxis, p=0.09. Calf compression was well tolerated by patients and is recommended as a practical form of prophylaxis in these patients.