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Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is both common and difficult to prevent in neurosurgical patients. Anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis is effective, but it increases the risks for intracranial and other major bleeding. Conversely, graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices are safe but are of limited efficacy.
To examine the utility of a new, portable, battery-powered calf-compression device (Venowave), investigators conducted an industry-supported study involving 150 neurosurgical patients who were randomized to wear graduated compression stockings with or without the Venowave device. Venowave users and nonusers were well-matched in terms of cranial pathology (more than half had tumors), surgical site, and dura…