Efficacy analysis of intermittent pneumatic compression combined with hyperthermia at different temperatures for prevention of deep vein thrombosis after simulated orthopaedic surgery in male rabbits

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the optimal combination mode of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) when combined with hyperthermia (IPCH) at varying temperatures to prevent lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following orthopedic surgery.

Methods: Hemodynamic data from a previous experiment on the physiological state and the IPCH (40°C) group were utilized as the control group. Twenty adult male white rabbits, weighing 2.6±0.3 kg, underwent simulated hip surgery and were randomly assigned to the IPCH (42°C) group or the IPCH (45°C) group, with 10 rabbits in each group. IPCH treatment at 42°C and 45°C was administered to the respective groups on the first day post-operation. Hemodynamic data were assessed before and after treatment, followed by finite element hemodynamic analysis using analytical fluid dynamics.

Results: In the IPCH (45°C) group, the blood flow velocity distribution vector, total deformation of the femoral vein and venous valve, and equivalent stress of the venous valve were significantly superior compared to the IPCH (40°C) and IPCH (42°C) groups. The increase in equivalent stress of the femoral vein was slightly less than in the IPCH (42°C) group, albeit not statistically significant.

Conclusion: IPCH at 45°C demonstrates superior efficacy in enhancing deep venous blood return in the lower extremities compared to IPCH at 40°C and 42°C. Moreover, it maintains the femoral vein and venous valve closer to their physiologic state without elevating the risk of injury or rupture.