Effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression in normal and postphlebitic legs.

The changes in common femoral vein flow produced by three different intermittent pneumatic compression devices were recorded with a Doppler velocity detector in 20 normal legs and 20 with postphlebitic syndrome. Mean and peak velocity increases were measured and expressed as a percent of resting baseline values. There was no significant difference in the peak velocity increase produced by the three devices in normals and abnormals; however, there were differences in the mean velocity increases. The devices worked as well on postphlebitic legs as on normal ones. Correct cuff application was more critical than indicated by the manufacturers, suggesting that some of the failures of intermittent pneumatic compression may have resulted from improper cuff placement. The results show that different designs of intermittent pneumatic compression equipment accelerate venous flow in the leg.