title: A prospective evaluation of standard versus battery-powered sequential compression devices in postsurgical patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sequential compression devices (SCDs) reduce deep venous thrombosis in postsurgical patients, but the use is hindered by poor compliance.
  
  
  METHODS
  General and orthopedic surgery patients (n = 67) were randomized to standard- or battery-powered SCDs. Compliance was documented hourly. Nurses and patients were issued a survey to assess barriers to compliance and device satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compliance with standard SCDs was 47% compared with 85% with battery-powered SCDs (P < .001). The most common barriers identified by nurses and patients were ambulation and transfers, which were mitigated with the battery-powered device. A majority (79%) of those issued a battery-powered device reported no major problems compared with only 14% of patients issued a standard device (P < .005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dual venous thromboembolism prevention strategies of early mobilization and SCD utilization can be met with the appropriate equipment.
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Andrea T
authors: AT
authors: Obi
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Alvarez
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Bradley N
authors: BN
authors: Reames
authors: Office of Clinical Affairs, University of Michigan Health Systems, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Marc J
authors: MJ
authors: Moote
authors: Office of Clinical Affairs, University of Michigan Health Systems, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Maureen A
authors: MA
authors: Thompson
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors: Thomas W
authors: TW
authors: Wakefield
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address: henke@umich.edu.
authors: Peter K
authors: PK
authors: Henke
mesh_terms: D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Compression devices; Deep venous thrombosis; Prophylaxis; Quality improvement; Venous thromboembolism