|
Madhavi Samala, OTS
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
345 East Superior
Chicago IL 60611
Your doctor has prescribed
anti-coagulation medications to prevent blood clots and
increase the blood flow in your legs. Along with taking your
medications as prescribed, T.E.D. anti-embolism stockings
will help prevent blood clots in the deep veins of your
legs.
What are T.E.D. Anti-embolism stockings?
Commonly referred to as TED Hose -
T.E.D. means thrombo-embolic disease/devices.
Anti-embolism stockings are long, tight fitting "socks" that
keep mild graduated pressure on the legs.
Proper size and fit is important in order for stockings to
be effective.
Your nurse will assess the size and length of the stockings.
What is the purpose of TED anti-embolism stockings?
The graduated compression of the stockings will help the
blood to constantly move in the leg providing good
circulation; therefore, preventing blood from sitting idle
which can lead to blood clots in the deep veins of the leg.
Research has shown that using these stockings along with
anti-coagulation medication, such as Coumadin or Lovenox,
helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep
veins of your legs)
Inexpensive way to apply compression in legs in varying
degrees (more pressure in the ankles)
Did you know that:
If TED hose are used properly along with medications, they
can reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots) in
hospitalized patients by 55-70%
Note: Your physician can offer guidance regarding knee high
vs. thigh high stockings!
(Agu, O., Hamilton, G., and Baker, D. (1999). Graduated
compression stockings in the prevention of venous
thromboembolism. British Journal of Surgery, 86, 992-1004)
(Anti-Embolism Stocking image reproduced with permission
from http://www.tedhose.com, 888-744-7347, customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com
10.20.2005)
|
