"Normally these sleeves were being used for short periods in surgical patients, but we were using them for longer periods, so they brought out a softer sleeve," he observed. Anecdotally, he conceded that some people found the sleeves uncomfortable, too hot, or the system "noisy" to use.
The bottom line is that "intermittent pneumatic compression in people who are immobile with stroke reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis," Dr. Dennis said.
He emphasized that "IPC is feasible in stroke patients, and it is relatively safe. It is an effective means of reducing venous thromboembolism after stroke, with a number needed to treat of about 28 for proximal DVT."
Intriguingly, it may also improve overall survival, "although we weren’t expecting to see that effect," Dr. Dennis said. The number needed to treat to prevent 1 death in 30 days was 43.
Dr. Dennis, Dr. Rudd, and Dr. Roffe had no relevant disclosures. The University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian sponsored the study with funding from the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government, the National Institute of Heath Research Health Technology Assessment Programme, and the Scottish Stroke Research Network. Covidien provided the equipment used in the study free of charge.