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Anti-Embolism Stockings

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Who Should Wear?

Size and Measurements

How to Wear?

Caring and Cleaning

Brands to Go For

Introduction

1 Why Anti-Embolism Stockings

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3

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6

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2

Introduction

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-embolism stockings, also known as TED stockings, are prescribed to patients who

are at the risk of blood clot formation and developing venous thromboembolism, or VTE.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a formation of a blood clot in the vein. When the

blood clot is formed in deeper veins of the legs it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis. If the

clot somehow travels and reaches the lungs it is called as Pulmonary Embolism. Anti-

embolism stockings improve blood circulation in the leg veins by applying graduated

compression, usually a mild 8–15mmHg or 15–20mmHg compression, with the highest

amount of compression at the ankle, diminishing as it goes up the leg.

What causes Venous Thromboembolism?

• If you lie or sit in the same position for a long period of time, the blood flow

through the legs slows down which may cause clotting.

• Inactivity, the effects of certain drugs, and muscle relaxants or anesthetics can cause

the veins to become wider and tear. Blood clots are more likely to adhere to the

tears in the wall of the vein.

• Changes can occur in the way blood clots. Certain medications and inactivity may

change blood’s normal coagulation process, leading to blood clots.

• Other causes include pregnancy, increased age, obesity, genetics disposition, and tight

(constricting) clothing.

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Why Anti-Embolism

Stockings

CHAPTER ONE

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Why Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-embolism stockings are used effectively to deter blood clotting. These anti-

embolism stockings are specifically designed and worn to support the venous and

lymphatic drainage of the leg, to help stop blood clots from forming. For non-

ambulatory patients the gradient compression is combined with the actual muscle

pump effect of calf, and these two things work together to help circulate blood and

lymph fluid through patients legs.

T.E.D. anti-embolism stockings apply the clinically proven graduated pressure

pattern varying from 18mmHg at the ankle, 14mmHg at the calf, 8mmHg at the

popliteal, 10mmHg at the lower thigh, and 8mmHg at the upper thigh. They are

clinically proven to reduce the incidence of DVT up to 50%. They promote

increased blood flow velocity in the legs by compressing the deep venous system.

Anti-embolism stockings are also frequently used to prevent the damaging effects

of venous distension that occur during surgery and hospitalization.

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Who should Wear

CHAPTER TWO

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Who Should Wear

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Who can wear them?

Nurses, pilots, flight attendants, and sales person working for long hour shifts can

wear anti-embolism stockings comfortably. Even while travelling and camping,

many people choose to wear these stockings. TED anti embolism hose are

beneficial to people who have been immobilized for a prolonged period of time,

such as a patient recuperating from a surgery or a serious illness. It also benefits

individuals who are bedridden due to a bone fracture, traction, or other

orthopedic condition. Anti-embolism stockings are often used on individuals with a

history of blood clots or a strong likelihood of developing one. Ladies who have

undergone C-Section (Caesarean section) can also wear anti-embolism stockings.

Who should ’t wear the ?

Anti-Embolism Stockings are not recommended for patients with the following:

•Any local leg condition where stockings would interfere, such as dermatitis,

immediate post-operative vein ligation, gangrene, or recent skin grafting.

•Severe arteriosclerosis or other ischemic vascular disease.

•Massive edema (swelling) of legs or pulmonary edema from congestive heart

failure.

•Extreme deformity of leg.

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Sizes and

Measurements

CHAPTER THREE

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Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Proper sizing and measurements must be assured for the patient to receive optimal

benefit of anti embolism stockings.

Knee-Length

1. Measure calf circumference at largest part of the calf. (Measurement #1). Make

sure you are measuring the largest part by checking several parts of the calf.

2. Measure length from the bend of knee to the base of the heel. (Measurement

#2).

3. Make sure you are it isn’t tight on the bend of your knee, as you wouldn't want

your sock bunched up there. If possible, measure the length in a standing

position.

If right and left legs measure differently, order two different stocking sizes.

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Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Thigh Length

1. Measure upper thigh circumference at gluteal furrow (largest part of the thigh

at the top of your leg). (Measurement #1)

2. Measure calf circumference at greatest dimension. (Measurement #2)

3. Measure leg length from gluteal furrow to base of heel. Make sure your

measuring tape is smooth and straight. (Measurement #3)

a.If the right and left legs measure differently, order two different stocking

sizes.

b.If the thigh circumference is greater than 36 inches, select a knee length

stocking.

c.If the calf circumference is outside the specified range of the recommended

thigh length stocking based on Measurement #1, select a knee length stocking 10

Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Size Charts-

Medtronic Covidien Kendall TED Anti-Embolism Stockings-

Medtronic Covidien Kendall TED Anti-Embolism Stockings in closed-toe style can be

ordered in Knee Length (white, beige, black) or Thigh Length (white only) for the

recuperating patient.

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Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Venosan 12-18mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings-

12

Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings-

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Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

BILT-RITE Mastex Health Inc-

FLA Orthopedics Activa Anti-Embolism Stockings-

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Sizes and Measurements

Anti-Embolism Stockings

BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings-

Cardinal Health Anti-Embolism Stockings-

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How to Wear?

CHAPTER FOUR

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How to Wear?

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Step 1: Insert your hand and grab the stocking at the top of the heel pocket.

Step 2: Hold the heel pocket to turn the stocking inside out toward the heel area.

Step 3: Position the stocking over the foot and heel. Be sure the heel is centered in

heel pocket.

Step 4: Grab the top of your stocking and pull it up over your ankle and calf.

Step 5: If the stocking is tight, while applying the thigh high portion of the stocking,

rotate the stocking inward so the gusset is centered over the femoral vein. The gusset

is placed slightly towards the inside of the leg and the top band should rest in the

gluteal fold (the line at the bottom of the buttocks).

Step 6: For optimal fit ensure that the material is evenly distributed on the leg by

massaging the garment into place.

Step 7: You’ll know it is on correctly when it is about 2 finger widths below to the

bend of your knee. 17

Cleaning and Caring

CHAPTER FIVE

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Cleaning and Caring

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-Embolism stockings need to be removed daily during bathing to inspect the

condition of the patient’s skin. It is recommended that anti-embolism stockings

should be cleaned frequently enough to remove the natural bodily secretions and

skin flakes. If left unclean, they may cause the damage to stocking's fiber and

decrease the life span of the garment. It is best that patients choose minimum two

stockings, one for wearing and other as a reserve to wear while the first one is

being washed.

The stockings should be washed every 2 to 3 days or sooner if soiled. The easiest

way to care for anti-embolism stockings is to rinse them out with cold water after

taking them off at the end of each day. After a few days of wear, a gentle cleanser

such as Jobst Jolastic Washing Solution, can be used to hand wash them.

Removing dirt, ointments, oils, lanolin, and similar substances which may

deteriorate the elastic will keep them in best condition.

Easy Laundering Steps:

1. Hand wash your stockings at about 40C /104F (comfortable hand

temperature). They last longer when they are hand washed. If using the

machine, wash with cold water using a delicate cycle.

2. To dry them, hang them or lay them flat. Do not put them in the dryer

because it will damage, shrink, and warp the fabric. Do not dry them in direct

sunlight.

3. Avoid contact with chloric bleach

Do not pass your stockings to another friend or family member. Everybody has

different leg sizes. Using wrong size of stocking may cause pain and aggravate the

medical condition.

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Brands to Go For

CHAPTER SIX

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Brands to Go For

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-embolism stockings come in variety of colors, lengths, and sizes. You can

choose them as per your need. For instance Kendall offers the comfortable and

durable stockings. Its product Covidien Kendall Thigh Length TED Anti-Embolism

Stockings For Continuing Care is designed for continued care of the recuperating

patient. They provide graduated compression and are clinically proven to reduce

thromboembolic disease. These socks improve blood flow through the femoral

vein and reduce the chances of blood clots.

You can even have a look at the BSN Jobst Anti-Embolism Stockings that offers

Chap Style and Waist High length as well with variety of materials like Spandex,

Nylon, Cotton and Polyester. Product like BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Knee High

Seamless Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings is specifically designed to combat

thromboembolism. They feature a convenient inspection window located on top of

the foot so the patient’s skin never touches the floor. These stockings apply

gradient compression greatest at the ankle and gradually decreasing to the knee

without tourniqueting or impeding the venous return.

One of the products like Medline EMS Thigh Length 16mmHg Anti-Embolism

Stockings provide tailored, contour fit in right amount of gradient pressure. These

stockings also provide the most amount of pressure at the ankle, gradually

decreasing over length of the entire leg. They are constructed of 85 percent nylon

and 15 percent spandex with an open-knit weave. Spandex guarantees excellent

counter pressure for the life of the stocking.

Other well known reputed brands that offer quality anti embolism stockings are

FLA, Cardinal, ITA-MED, & Venosan.

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“Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect

nothing. To depend on nothing.”

Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead “ 22

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