The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing a Mobile Compression Device with Low Molecular Weight Heparin.
Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups in the incidence of VTE. Portable sequential devices did show a significant decrease in major bleeding events versus enoxaparin.
Interpretation: If Circul8 can prevent blood clots just as much as a pharmacologic option without the risks of a major bleeding event, the standard hospital protocol should be a baby aspirin and Circul8.
RESULTS:
The DVT rate for the postdischarge MCD therapy group was 0% and 23.1% for the inpatient MCD group (P < .001). All DVTs resolved by 3 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was 9.56 (±0.82) for postdischarge MCD patients vs 8.50 (±1.46) for inpatient MCD patients (P < .001).
CONCLUSION:
Limited tourniquet TKA patients who were mobilized early, managed with aspirin for 3 weeks postoperatively, and on MCD therapy for up to 6 weeks postoperatively experienced superior DVT prophylaxis than patients receiving MCD therapy only as an inpatient (P < .05). The 0% incidence of nonsymptomatic DVTs prevented by aspirin and extended-use MCD further validates this type of prophylaxis in low DVT risk TKA patients.