Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the name given to blood clots that can form in the veins of your leg following surgery or long periods of bed rest.

Once formed (in the leg), a clot can slow or block normal blood flow, and even break loose and travel to an organ. A clot that travels to the circulation is called an embolism. If the embolism travels to the heart and lungs it may block a major blood vessel, this is known as Pulmonary Embolism or PE. Thrombosis is the often-preventable underlying

pathology of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is a condition in which blood clots form most often in the deep veins of the leg.

Research suggests that DVTs are often preventable and prevention can stop the development of clots in ‘at-risk’ individuals. There are three major factors that may cause a DVT to form:

1. When you lie or sit in the same place for a long period of time, the speed that blood flows through the legs become slower.

2. Inactivity, or the effects of certain drugs, muscle relaxants or anaesthetics can cause the veins to become wider.

3. Changes can occur in the way that your blood clots.

Specification:

• Thigh circumference: <63.5 cm
• Size: Small, Regular
• Calf circumference: 25 – 30.5 cm
• Length: <74 cm

Application Guidelines:

Use the correct application instructions for your style of T.E.D.  Anti-Embolism Stockings.

• The seam on the gusset must remain on the outside of the stocking.
• The smooth side goes next to your skin.
• There is no right or left stocking – the stockings fit either leg.

Applying:

Stockings are applied on the patient’s leg like ordinary hoisery. If the stockings are gathered together in the typical “donut” fashion, the effect of the elastic material is multiplied many times and makes application difficult. By following these basic steps, T.E.D. Anti-Embolism Stockings are easily applied.

Steps:

1. Insert hand into stocking as far as the heel pocket.
2. Grasp centre of heel pocket and turn stocking inside out to heel area.
3. Carefully position stocking over foot and heel. Be sure the heel is centred in the heel pocket.
4. Begin pulling body of stocking up around the ankle and calf. The stitch change (change in fabric sheerness) should fall between 2.5cm to 5cm below the popliteal fossa (bend of the knee).
5. At the knee after the stitch change is positioned, begin turning the stocking to position the side panels. The stocking should be applied so that the upper thigh hem rests in the groin and at the buttock fold (the line at the bottom of the buttocks). Be sure the seam is flat against the body and side panels are at the hip bone. Apply the second stocking in the same manner.
6. Unfold the waist belt and bring it around the patient. The smooth side of the belt should rest against the patient’s skin. Fasten the waist belt snaps to the stockings. Connect waist belt buckle and adjust waist so that it is sufficiently tight to hold the stocking in place. Keeping the stitch change and upper thigh hem in place, smooth out any excess material with the palm of the hands. Pull the toe section forward to smooth ankle and instep area and allow for patient toe comfort.

To Adjust Waist Belt:

• To fasten belt, thread waist belt up through the first opening and down through the second opening.
• To tighten belt, pull belt forward through the buckle.
• To lock, bring loose end of belt up under prongs. If belt is too long, cut off excess leaving at least 5 centimetres beyond the buckle.
• To loosen, remove waist belt from buckle prongs and thread belt back through buckle.

Instructions: Belt must be worn at all times. Please take time to make sure the stockings are on correctly and feel comfortable.

There are some precautions you can take to ensure that the T.E.D. Anti-Embolism Stockings will perform the job they were designed to do.

• Do not turn down the top of the Stocking.
• For thigh length stockings, the stitch (change in fabric sheerness) should fall between 2.5cm and 5cm below the bend in the knee.
• For knee length stockings, do not cover any portion of the knee.

Laundering & Care:

• Properly sized stockings need to be removed daily during bathing to inspect the condition of your skin.
• Stockings should be washed every 2 to 3 days unless soiled.
• Laundering increases length of wear by removing bodily secretions from the elastic threads. Keep the stockings free from ointments, oils, lanolin, and similar substances which may deteriorate elastic.

Follow these simple instructions for laundering:

1. May be washed in commercial washers with other “light” goods. Water temperature should not exceed 71˚C (160˚F). Avoid excessive bleach.
2. May be dried in commercial dryers with temperature going from that of the wet wash to a maximum of 121˚C (250˚F) over a time period of 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the dryer when cycle is completed as temperatures rise sharply when load is dry. Prolonged heat can reduce the wear life.

*This product image is only for reference.