The Role of Elastic Compression Stockings in Prevention of Venous Dilatation Induced by a Reverse Trendelenburg Position

Objective: To evaluate the response of the deep veins of the leg to an inclination from supine (reverse Trendelenburg) and assess the influence of gradient elastic compression stockings on such response. Design: Prospective study in healthy volunteers. Setting: University affiliated community hospital, Glenview, Illinois, USA. Participants: Ten healthy volunteers. Interventions: High-resolution ultrasound imaging was carried out to study the leg veins in the supine and 45° reverse Trendelenburg position, with and without thigh-length gradient elastic compression stockings. Main outcome measures: Vein cross-sectional area changes after the use of compression stockings in the supine position and after 30 and 60 min in a reverse Trendelenburg position. Results: Significant dilatation of the leg veins was observed during the reverse Trendelenburg position. This was partially prevented by the use of gradient elastic compression stockings. Conclusion: Elastic compression of the legs significantly reduces the dilatation of the medial gastrocnemius veins of the calf that occurs in healthy volunteers as a result of inclination from supine.