Prevention of DVT with TENS Technology
A controlled study reveals that transcutaneous fibular nerve stimulation during knee replacement surgery showed significant effects on preventing DVT.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. This condition is most common in the legs but it can also affect the arms and other areas of the body. Part of the blood clot may break off and travel to the lungs, resulting in life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT and PE are particularly common after surgery and prolonged periods of inactivity such as long-haul flights and hospitalisation. Although the exact number of people affected by DVT/PE is unknown, as many as 900,000 people could be affected each year in the United States. The close relationship between the two conditions has resulted in a combined abbreviation; VTE, or venous thromboembolism.
The Following Tips Can Help Prevent DVT
- Move around as soon as possible after surgery, illness, or injury, particularly if you have been confined to bed for a period of time
- Talk to your doctor about using the PainPod TENS technology to reduce your risk of DVT
- Get up and walk around frequently, at least every 1-2 hours, particularly if you spend long periods sitting during the day
You can also reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, being active, and following your doctor's recommendations based on your individual risk factors. If the PainPod is approved by your doctor, use PainPod Circulation Slippers or Conductive Therapy Socks while sitting or standing still to potentially increase circulation throughout your body.
Prevention of DVT with TENS Technology: A Clinical Study
Among people with DVT, it is estimated that up to 50% will have long-term complications from the condition. In order to stop clots from forming, Dr Masahiko Ikeuchi and his colleagues hypothesized that TENS might be a thromboprophylactic tool for the limb undergoing surgery (1). They also assessed the safety factors behind using TENS during surgery.
The Clinical Study Explained
Ninety patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly allocated to the TENS group or the control group. The TENS group received electrical stimulation which caused the foot to flex back during surgery. The control group was not treated with TENS during surgery.
Can TENS technology lower your chances getting a blood clot after surgery?
The occurrence of DVT was 31% in the control group of patients. In the TENS group, only 11% of the patients showed signs of DVT after surgery. In this study, TENS during surgery significantly reduced the risk of developing DVT. According to Dr Masahiko Ikeuchi, intraoperative TENS is a safe and innovative strategy to combat the formation of postoperative blood clots.
PainPod - Advanced TENS Technology for Prevention of DVT
The PainPod is ideal for people who are at risk of developing DVT. Our TENS and EMS technology can benefit people in a number of ways:
- Simple to take and use at work
- Safe to use while on the plane or train
- Lightweight, small and simple to carry when travelling
- Easy to use at home, whether on a chair, couch or in bed
- Drug-free pain relief for acute pain (2), such as strains
- Stimulating to incorporate into your exercise routine
- Drug-free prevention of emergent pain (2)
- Muscle recovery from injury or sports
- Pain relief from postoperative pain
The PainPod is a drug-free method to relieve pain and improve recovery time from sports and injury. Speak to your doctor today about incorporating the PainPod into your treatment plan for the prevention of DVT. If you already have DVT, it is crucial that you consult with your healthcare professional before using any form of TENS technology.
References
- Izumi, M., Ikeuchi, M., Aso, K., Sugimura, N., Kamimoto, Y., Mitani, T., Ueta, T., Sato, T., Yokoyama, M., Sugiura, T., Tani, T. (2014) Less deep vein thrombosis due to transcutaneous fibular nerve stimulation in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.
- Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, 2015 November; 23(11): 3317–3323DeSantana, J. M., Walsh, D. M., Vance, C., Rakel, B. A., & Sluka, K. A. (2008). Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Hyperalgesia and Pain. Current Rheumatology Reports, 10(6), 492–499.
