title: The effect of negative pressure therapy on the femoral vein blood flow and wall structure.
abstract: Negative pressure therapy has been recently used for managing lymphatic or infective groin complications. The aim of this study was to investigate any possible association between application of negative pressure therapy in the groin area and deep-vein thrombosis. Acute surgical wounds were created at the inguinal areas in 7 pigs. Different negative pressures ranging from -50 to -200 mmHg were applied directly over the femoral vessels, and blood flow alterations were studied using a Doppler ultrasound. Femoral vein specimens were also removed for histological examination after 12 hours of therapy. It has been demonstrated that negative pressure therapy does not significantly alter the baseline lower limb venous return. Histology demonstrated several changes, which are associated with vein thrombogenesis. The hemodynamic and pathological findings still leave a potential for thrombogenic effects of negative pressure therapy and warrant care to protect the femoral veins, with the use of thrombosis prophylaxis measures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Red Cross Hospital of Athens. christoslioupis@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lioupis
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kotsis
authors.forename: Calypso
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barbatis
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Seretis
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nomikos
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Volondakis-Baltatzis
authors.forename: Apostolos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papalois
authors.forename: Vasilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Andrikopoulos
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leaper
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006119:Groin; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000098:blood supply*; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013552:Swine; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology