Knee High vs Thigh High SCD's

[redraccoon, BSN, RN]

I've posted this in specialties under OR - but I thought I'd try in the General forum too for a broader audience... thanks

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Hi everyone...

I am looking for specific research on thigh high vs knee high Sequential Compression Devices (SCD's)

I've been told that they are both equally effective, but I'm looking for actual written data that backs this up. :typing

Not worried about the TED type stockings... just need data on the SCD's.

Thanks to anyone who can help!!

[Andrew, RN]

From personal experience:

Thigh highs have a lower compliance because they are uncomfortable, are more difficult to be put on, bunch up easier, and they don't even add that much surface area compared to calf-high. They are also more expensive

Get patients up and walking. That is the best way to prevent DVT and pneumonia. If they are in bed, do ROM exercises.

I think we rely too much of equipment sometimes.

[not now, RN]

I totally agree with the PP that getting patients up and walking is the ideal but sometimes it's not gonna happen.

Thigh highs make patients sweaty, so do knee highs. I find that to be the biggest complaint from all my patients next to "It's just annoying". In ICCU we use them for our bed bound patients (sometimes) but I often worry about breakdown from sweating and getting the tubes just right. They are also a pain to get on when your patient can't lift their leg to help you as you put them on.

What I love are the foot SCD's that the ortho docs use. I don't know why only the ortho docs in my hospital use them. I used to work on the ortho floor and that's all I saw, when I moved over to ICCU I never saw them again unless it was a transfer from my old floor. They are so easy to put on and the patients usually say they feel like a foot massage. Granted there are some patients who will complain no matter what you do. I read a study that proved they are as efficient as the thigh high and knee high SCD's. I wish I could link it but it was on the online database at work. Boo. Here are the foot pumps:

[redraccoon, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the replies peeps. :typing

BUT....

I'm looking for the article for RESEARCH soooo... your points dont help much unfortunately.

Still looking for an article, company statement, or research of some kind that documents effectiveness of the two types - especially in direct comparison. ooh.. actually, three types if you count the footies - that would be a bonus!

Thanks