Action Statement 14: PROVIDE management strategies to prevent RECURRENT VTE AND MINIMIZE SECONDARY VTE COMPLICATIONS
Physical therapist should monitor patients who may develop long term consequences of VTE (e.g. LE DVT recurrence; PTS severity) and provide management strategies in order to improve quality of life. (Evidence quality: V; Recommendation strength: P Best Practice)
Aggregate evidence quality: Level V
Benefit- Decreasing the incidence of LE DVT recurrence; and, minimize the severity of PTS signs and symptoms in order to enhance functional mobility and a person’s quality of life experience. Risk, Harm, Cost: Improper fit of mechanical compression can lead to skin irritation, ulceration, and interruption of blood flow.
Benefit-Harm Assessment: Preponderance of benefit over harm Value judgments: None Intentional Vagueness: The specific type(s) of mechanical compression were not recommended. Physical Therapists should work within their healthcare system to develop institution-specific protocols.
Role of Patient Preference: Ease of use, comfort-level, and/or ability to operate mechanical compression equipment properly.
Exclusions: Patients who have severe peripheral neuropathy, arterial insufficiency, decompensated heart failure, dermatologic diseases, or lesions may have contraindications to selective mechanical compression modes.
