Leg wraps raise hopes of saved lives after strokes

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22715362


The wraps inflate to move blood through the legs

Cheap inflatable leg wraps may save the lives of patients after a stroke, according to research in Scotland.

The devices regularly squeeze the legs to keep blood flowing and prevent formation of fatal blood clots.

A trial with 2,876 patients, published in the Lancet, showed there were fewer clots with the wraps.

The Stroke Association said the results were "extremely encouraging" and had the potential to save thousands of lives.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. I've had two friends in hospital with those things on.

So I guess we are already adopting the procedure here.

That and LOTS of epinephrine shots. My boyfriend STILL bitches about those he received post-surgery.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. why epinephrine shots?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. He had major surgery.

They removed the tail of his pancreas, his spleen and his gallbladder due to a neuroendocrine tumor on his pancreas.

I think the shots are standard procedure for abdominal surgery, IIRC. To avoid clotting.

[Heddi]

6. epinephrine doesn't affect clotting

perhaps you're thinking of heparin shots??

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. Ahhhhh. Yes. Doh!!!!!

And here I am, junior doctor (graduated from Wikipedia).

[pipoman]

2. US hospitals have been using those for at least 10 years

for anyone in the hospital bed for more than a day or so...especially older people and those with circulatory issues..

[mopinko]

5. or post surgery.

i have a spinal fusion 5 years ago and woke up in those.