Graduated External Compression of Deep Thrombosis

Stephen Thomas B. Pharm., Ph.D., M.R.Pharm.S.,Nicole Toyick H.N.C. (App. Biol.), Bruce Fisher B.Sc., Pharm., M.R.Pharm.S.(Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory, Princess of Wales Hospital Bridgend. SMTL, Bridgend 2000)

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The proposed design criteria for an antiembolism stocking based upon a review of the literature are shown on Page 24.
Essentially these suggest that the ideal stocking should produce graduated compression with a target value over the calf region of approximately 14-15mmHg.

These pressure values should be achieved consistently by each brand of stocking on legs of different lengths and girths. The construction of each stocking should also be such that application to a limb a little larger or smaller than the nominal size should not result in major variations in the resultant pressure. This size-related variation in pressure is termed