Do Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices Reduce the Likelihood of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) significantly reduce the development of deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a clot forms in a deep vein and if it embolizes, then it can cause a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Currently, the main treatment for deep vein thrombosis is a prophylactic treatment, consisting of graduated compression socks, medications, and IPCs.
Studies showing IPC effectiveness are contradictory. For instance, Abdukahil et al. conducted a randomized trial between the use of enoxaparin with/without IPC. This study resulted in IPCs having no statistically significant impact on the reduction of risk (2022). However, Amano et al. conducted a similar trial that used IPC with/without enoxaparin, and this resulted in the opposite, with enoxaparin having no effect on the reduction of risk (2020). These contradictory studies are common in studying IPC effectiveness; therefore, more research needs to take place.
When implementing IPC into the hospital system, this study will focus on cardiac, neuro, bariatric and ICU floors because these units tend to be at a higher risk for developing DVT. Before the devices enter the floor, nurses need to be trained on how to use the device. The study will be conducted comparing the rate of DVT before the implementation of IPC and afterwards. This study will include both sexes, ages over 18, and all disease/disorder types. Those who have had a DVT will be excluded from the study. The study will last for one year, and the results from that year and the year prior will be compiled into a data spreadsheet. These results are that of the occurrence of DVT on each unit, as well as the total occurrences, which will allow a side-by-side comparison showing whether the device is effective.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
Wellstar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Christie Emerson and Kristi Brannen
Do Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices Reduce the Likelihood of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) significantly reduce the development of deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a clot forms in a deep vein and if it embolizes, then it can cause a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Currently, the main treatment for deep vein thrombosis is a prophylactic treatment, consisting of graduated compression socks, medications, and IPCs.
Studies showing IPC effectiveness are contradictory. For instance, Abdukahil et al. conducted a randomized trial between the use of enoxaparin with/without IPC. This study resulted in IPCs having no statistically significant impact on the reduction of risk (2022). However, Amano et al. conducted a similar trial that used IPC with/without enoxaparin, and this resulted in the opposite, with enoxaparin having no effect on the reduction of risk (2020). These contradictory studies are common in studying IPC effectiveness; therefore, more research needs to take place.
When implementing IPC into the hospital system, this study will focus on cardiac, neuro, bariatric and ICU floors because these units tend to be at a higher risk for developing DVT. Before the devices enter the floor, nurses need to be trained on how to use the device. The study will be conducted comparing the rate of DVT before the implementation of IPC and afterwards. This study will include both sexes, ages over 18, and all disease/disorder types. Those who have had a DVT will be excluded from the study. The study will last for one year, and the results from that year and the year prior will be compiled into a data spreadsheet. These results are that of the occurrence of DVT on each unit, as well as the total occurrences, which will allow a side-by-side comparison showing whether the device is effective.