Abstract: In order to inhibit thrombotic processes locally rather than systemically, higher levels of antithrombotic drugs in the deep veins of the legs than in the systemic circulation are obtained using devices and methods that provide venous cannulation in the dorsum of the foot of a patient while applying pressure to the foot proximal to the venous cannulation, potentially as far up the leg as the knee, in an amount sufficient to compress the superficial veins and divert the venous drainage in the deep venous system into the venous plexus.

Abstract: In order to inhibit thrombotic processes locally rather than systemically, higher levels of antithrombotic drugs in the deep veins of the legs than in the systemic circulation are obtained using devices and methods that provide venous cannulation in the dorsum of the foot of a patient while applying pressure to the foot proximal to the venous cannulation, potentially as far up the leg as the knee, in an amount sufficient to compress the superficial veins and divert the venous drainage in the deep venous system into the venous plexus.

Abstract: In order to inhibit thrombotic processes locally rather than systemically, higher levels of antithrombotic drugs in the deep veins of the legs than in the systemic circulation are obtained using devices and methods that provide venous cannulation in the dorsum of the foot of a patient while applying pressure to the foot proximal to the venous cannulation, potentially as far up the leg as the knee, in an amount sufficient to compress the superficial veins and divert the venous drainage in the deep venous system into the venous plexus.

Abstract: Deep venous thombosis with the attendant risk of pulmonary embolism and post phlebitic syndrome is a frequent complication in older patients who have undergone surgery, suffered trauma or who have serious illness such as malignancy or sepsis. In any category patients who are 40 years of age or older are considered to be at greatest risk. Deep vein thrombi vary from a few millimeters in length to long tubular masses that partially or completely fill the deep main veins of the leg. These thrombi start as small nidi and initially grow in size by deposition of successive red and white layers. The white layers are rich in platelets and neutrophils interspersed with fibrin while the red layers contain most erythrocytes entrapped in fibrin (Hume et al, p. 26-30). Beyond a certain stage of growth venous thrombi become mostly red, resembling clotted blood, i.e., the bulk of a clinically significant thrombus is composed mostly of erythrocytes entrapped in fibrin.