Evaluation of A-V impulse technology as a treatment for oedema following polytetrafluoroethylene femoropopliteal surgery in a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of A-V impulse technology (A-V) for oedema prevention and treatment following PTFE femoropopliteal surgery.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
36 patients undergoing PTFE femoropopliteal bypass reconstructions, either being treated postoperatively with a compression stocking (CS) (Group-1, n = 19) or with A-V (Group-2, n = 17).


METHODS
Patients in treatment group-1 used a CS postoperatively during 1 week day and night, patients in group-2 were treated with A-V postoperatively at night during one week. The lower leg circumference was measured preoperatively and at five postoperative time points.


RESULTS
Limb circumference has increased postoperatively on day 1 (CS 1.5%/A-V 1.4%), on day 4 (5.7%/6.3%), on day 7 (6.6%/6.1%), on day 14 (7.9%/7.7%) and on day 90 (5.8%/5.2%). Differences between treatment groups were not significant. A re-operation gives a significant 3.9% increase in circumference as compared to a first operation (95% CI: 1.5-6.4%; p = 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences were found in the extent of developed edema between the groups following PTFE femoropopliteal bypass surgery. A redo peripheral bypass operation results in significantly more postoperative oedema than a first-time performed bypass operation.
te Slaa
A
A
Department of Surgery, Amphia Hospital, P.O. Box 90158, 4800 RK Breda, The Netherlands. a.teslaa@yahoo.com
Dolmans
D E J G J
DE
Ho
G H
GH
Mulder
P G H
PG
van der Waal
J C H
JC
de Groot
H G W
HG
van der Laan
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D053828:Stockings, Compression
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene