Does cabin class affect popliteal vein size after long flights?
Official title: Prospective Comparative Cohort Study of Premium Versus Economy Cabin Travel and Popliteal Vein Diameter After Long-Haul Flight After an Aesthetic Surgery
Run by Research Inc · NCT07810179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether flying in premium versus economy cabin changes the size of the popliteal vein after a long international flight.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Research Inc Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Bogotá) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07810179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–65 years planning a long-haul flight to Bogota with a documented premium or economy class seat and willing to undergo serial leg ultrasounds.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent lower-extremity surgery, active DVT, pregnancy, or inability to complete all ultrasound assessments may not benefit from or participate.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study follows adults aged 18–65 traveling to Bogota by long-haul flight. It measures popliteal vein diameter with ultrasound before travel and at 0, 24, and 48 hours after arrival, comparing premium cabin travelers to economy travelers. The analysis uses mixed-effects models and propensity weighting to account for confounders and nonrandom cabin assignment. Data on travel behavior, hydration, alcohol, sedatives, and use of compression stockings are collected to understand factors influencing vein dilation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If premium cabin travel is linked to smaller or shorter-lived venous dilation, travelers and clinicians could consider cabin choice or preventive strategies for venous health after long flights.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational work has explored travel-related venous changes, but this study is among the first to directly compare cabin classes with standardized ultrasound follow-up.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 years. * Commercial flight to Bogota with at least 4 hours of total airborne time. * Prebooked premium business/first-class or economy-class seat documented before enrollment. * Standardized preflight ultrasound within 24 hours before departure. * Arrival, 24-hour, and 48-hour ultrasound completed before surgery. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or prior unprovoked deep venous thrombosis requiring therapeutic anticoagulation. * Therapeutic anticoagulation during the study window. * Current pregnancy. * Lower-extremity condition preventing standardized bilateral popliteal ultrasound. * Surgery, prolonged immobilization, or major intravenous fluid administration before completion of the 48-hour scan. * Use of cabin upgrade after baseline or inability to verify the actual cabin flown.
Where it's running
-
Clinica INO
Bogotá, Colombia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hugo Aguilar
- Study coordinator: Hugo Aguilar, MD, Plastic surgeon
- Email: havplasticacademy@gmail.com
- Phone: +57 301 6918526
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Moderate knee-high compression stockings for reducing popliteal vein dilation during long-haul flights after cosmetic surgery
This study tests whether wearing knee-high compression stockings during a long flight can prevent dilation of the popliteal vein after cosmetic surgery.
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How cabin class and compression stockings may affect vein size after long flights
This study tests whether wearing knee-high compression stockings during long-haul flights changes the popliteal vein size after travel, depending on whether you fly economy or premium cabin.
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Popliteal Vein Size After Long-Distance Air Travel Before Plastic Surgery
We will test whether the popliteal vein stays enlarged after international air travel to Bogota, by doing ultrasound checks before travel and at 2, 24, and 48 hours after arrival.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.