The THRIVE-1 study will examine novel methods for enhancing blood flow in the lower limb using electrical stimulation. Increases in lower limb blood flow improve venous return and thereby reduce venous stasis. Since stasis is one of the compounding factors in the development of deep vein thrombosis, the risk of developing thrombosis should theoretically be proportionally reduced. This technique may prove to be a useful tool in preventing and reducing the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in both medical and surgical patients together with passengers undertaking significant duration travel (as travel - related deep vein thrombosis is not exclusively related to flying).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
The geko is a neuromuscular stimulator device, which when applied stimulates the common peroneal nerve
St. Bartholomew's Hospital
London, United Kingdom
Changes in blood flow and volume, together with microcirculatory velocity were measured
Changes in blood flow and volume, together with microcirculatory velocity were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (Laser Doppler Perfusion \& Temperature Monitor DRT4; Moor Instruments Ltd, UK) and colour flow duplex ultrasound (Philips IU22; Philips Healthcare, USA).
Time frame: 30 mins with 10 min washouts
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