Biotech Values

[poorgradstudent]

>I think you and dewophile are using the word systemic differently than I am. Yes, leg compression has some beneficial effect all over the body. But would leg compression be considered a valid means of preventing a clot in, say, the coronary arteries following a stent procedure? <

People suffering from MI achieve better myocardial salvage at 24 hours when they're getting a repeat inflation-deflation cycle (200 mm Hg) from a cuff around their *arm* during transport to the hospital (Lancet article from 2010).

This doesn't mean that the procedure is directly resolving a clot in your coronary artery and that you should take a pass on PCI or anticoagulants. However, the fact that the compression is occurring around the left arm yet is having an impact on rescuing myocardium supports the notion that the benefit is achieved through a systemic mechanism.