This CLOTS trial aims to find out whether Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) reduces the risk of a person admitted to hospital with a stroke developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
IPC sleeves gently squeeze the leg and encourage the flow of blood in the limbs.
Diagram showing CLOTS3 options
The pump (usually at the side of the bed) that controls the sleeve pressure
This comprises a pair of inflatable sleeves which wrap around the leg and are secured by Velcro. They are attached via flexible tubing to a small bedside electric pump. The sleeves may be short, wrapping around just the lower leg, or long to wrap around the thigh as well. They are inflated one side at a time to compress the leg at intervals. The sleeves may be fitted over the compression stockings, pyjamas or tights as well as being applied onto the leg directly.
Patient fitted with IPC sleeves
The inflatable sleeves reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs of patients having surgery. The benefits of this treatment in patients with stroke is not established. The risks of wearing them are very small. Some patients find the stockings and sleeves uncomfortable or hot. Very occasionally they may cause skin ulceration on the leg or more commonly just itchy skin. The skin of patients given sleeves as a treatment is monitored daily by the nursing staff. If the patient is wearing the IPC but tries to walk they may trip, fall and injure themselves.