Prevention of venous stasis in the lower limb by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the effects of thromboprophylactic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TpTENS) of the peroneal nerve on venous blood flow in the limbs of volunteers. TpTENS might be considered for use in preventing venous stasis during surgical treatment.


METHODS
In 10 volunteers, peak venous velocity (PV) and flow volume (FV) in the popliteal vein were measured using duplex ultrasonography during calf-muscle stimulation. The effects of TpTENS of the peroneal nerve were compared with those of other mechanical methods, including electrical muscle stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression, active ankle motion and calf squeeze, used to prevent venous stasis and achieve thromboprophylaxis.


RESULTS
TpTENS had similar effects on popliteal vein blood flow in comparison with other established methods of thromboprophylaxis. The PV increased its basal flow by 3.9 times (p < 0.01) and FV by 2.7 times (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with baseline values.


CONCLUSIONS
TpTENS is as effective as other electrical and mechanical methods of calf-muscle pump activation in achieving acceleration of venous flow in the lower limb.
Izumi
M
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kochi University, Oko-cho Kohasu, Nankoku 783-8505, Japan.
Ikeuchi
M
M
Mitani
T
T
Taniguchi
S
S
Tani
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001810:Blood Volume; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations; D010543:Peroneal Nerve; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult