What Are Antiembolic Stockings?

DVT

• According to a paper prepared by the Adelaide Wound Management Clinical Network, antiembolic stockings help prevent DVT. DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism in the body.
  
  

How They Work

• The stockings compress superficial veins in the leg. This compression forces blood to flow to deep veins within the leg.
  
  

Proper Use

• Antiembolic stockings should be worn continuously for ultimate DVT prevention. A proper fit is essential because without it, tissue damage, pain or inadequate compression may result.
  
  

How They're Worn

• They're worn on the leg, either above the knee or thigh-high. Some types even go up to the waist. They fit tight and are usually flesh-colored.
  
  

Surgery

• High-risk surgery patients wear antiembolic stockings before and after surgery. Wearing these stockings after surgery reduces the patient's risk of forming blood clots by 50 percent.