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PPatients convalescing after a stroke may reduce their risk of blood clots by wearing a small "half-watch" around the leg, a trial showed.
A study conducted at Royal Stoke University Hospital revealed that the geko device could reduce the risk of clots compared to standard treatment, that it is comfortable to wear and that it could save money.
Approved for use on the NHS under other conditions, the geko is a battery-operated disposable device designed to increase blood flow into the deep veins of the legs.
Its action is equivalent to about 60% of walking – even if the patient does not have to move.
Dr. Indira Natarajan, stroke consultant physician and clinical director of neuroscience at Royal Stoke University Hospital, conducted a study at the hospital to determine if the device could work for stroke patients.
He said this was especially helpful for those who did not tolerate intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) – the recommended standard treatment for preventing blood clots.
His study of 219 patients with geko revealed no evidence of blood clot formation within three months of discharge, compared with 11 cases of blood clots in 463 people who received a CIP prescription.
Dr. Natarajan said, "When patients are admitted for stroke, one of the major complications is the formation of clots in the legs.
"These clots can sometimes move from the legs to the lung and cause a pulmonary embolism that can be fatal.
"About 30% of patients can not use an IPC pump, which puts pressure on the calf muscles.
"They can not use this standard treatment for a variety of reasons, such as leg ulcers, broken skin or liquids in the leg." Many people also perceive that a sleeve that pumps pressure on their leg prevents them from sleeping.
"The geko bypbades these problems – it's like a half-watch that adjusts to the outside of the knee joint."
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