RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic pressure pump on the formation of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity in elderly patients undergoing thoracotomy. Methods Fifty patients undergoing thoracic surgery were managed with intermittent pressure inflation pump besides general preventive measures. The pre-and postoperative blood flow in the lower extremity and incidences of deep venous thrombosis were compared. Result The differences in blood flow in the lower extremity and incidences of deep venous thrombosis were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Intermittent pneumatic pressure pump can promote pulsatile blood flow in the lower extremity so as to effectively prevent formation of deep venous thrombosis in elderly patients after thoracotomy.