Sequential

Compression Devices
By: Katherine Casey

Purpose of SCDs
Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are
used for the prevention of VTEs
VTEs form when a person is immobile for long
periods of time and their blood pools as a
result
Blood pooling causes coagulation to occur and
a clot to form
SCDs help to prevent blood pooling and blood
clots from forming by squeezing a persons
legs, which imitates walking and improves
blood flow

Study
The article, A mobile compression device
compared with low-molecular-weight
heparin for prevention of venous
thromboembolism in total hip
arthroplasty, talks about a study that
compared the effectiveness of SCDs vs. lowmolecular-weight heparin in preventing the
formation of VTEs
Hypothesis: Both methods would be equal in
efficacy, but SCDs would decrease the risk of patient
hemorrhaging
Sample: 395 patients were randomized to receive
either SCDs or low-molecular-weight heparin

Continued
Method:
On the day of surgery, SCDs were applied in the
operating room and used for 10 days with or
without taking 81 mg of aspirin daily
Low-molecular-weight heparin was started the
morning after surgery and continued for 10 days
10-12 days after surgery, a bilateral duplex
ultrasound was performed on all of the patients

Continued
Findings:
6% of the low-molecular-weight heparin group had
a major bleeding event
0% of the SCDs group had a major bleeding event
5.3% of the low-molecular-weight heparin group
developed a VTE
5.1% of the SCD patients developed a VTE
SCDs were also used 83% of the time

Conclusion
The studys hypothesis was correct and there
was no significant difference in the prevention
of VTEs between the two groups
SCDs are just as effective in preventing VTE
formation, but decrease the risk of patient
hemorrhaging

Dont forget to teach your

patient!
Patients, in addition to many nurses, lack awareness
about the significance and efficacy of using SCDs to
prevent VTEs
Patient compliance can be improved through:
Assessing if your patients are wearing their SCDs
throughout your shift
Assessing the reason(s) why your patients arent using
them if they are off
Encouraging your patients to use their SCDs while in
bed, esp. for immobile patients
Providing better patient teaching on the importance of
wearing SCDs and possible consequences that can
result from lack of usage

Reference
Hardwick, M. E., Pulido, P. A., & Colwell Jr, C. W.
(2011). A mobile compression device compared
with low-molecular-weight heparin for
prevention of venous thromboembolism in total
hip arthroplasty.Orthopaedic Nursing,30(5),
312-316 5p.
doi:10.1097/NOR.0b013e31822c5c28