Intermittent Pneumatic Compression to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Adult Patients

BACKGROUND: Patients in the intensive care unit who are more susceptible to the risks of anticoagulant therapy may be safer if mechanical interventions are used to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of an intermittent pneumatic compression pump for preventing VTE in critically ill adult patients at elevated risk of hemorrhage. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled study included patients treated in the intensive care unit between July 2017 and June 2023. Patients were assigned to receive intermittent pneumatic compression or standard care (control group) to prevent VTE. Incidences of VTE events, deep vein thrombosis, isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis, proximal deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, fatal pulmonary embolism, leg skin lesions, and major hemorrhage events; femoral vein blood flow velocity; and mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included. Sex, age, primary diagnosis, underlying diseases, and other epidemiological data did not differ between the 2 groups. The incidences of VTE and deep vein thrombosis were lower in the compression group than in the control group. The incidences of proximal deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, fatal pulmonary embolism, leg skin lesions, and severe hemorrhage did not differ between the 2 groups. The mean and peak femoral vein blood flow velocities were significantly higher in the compression group than in the control group. The number of deaths during treatment did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent pneumatic compression can prevent VTE in intensive care unit patients who are at high risk of hemorrhage.