Evaluating the use of compression stockings to prevent blood clots in low-risk surgical patients
Examining the Benefit of Graduated Compression Stockings in the Prevention of vEnous Thromboembolism in Low-risk Surgical Patients: a Multicentre Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (PETS)
This study is testing if wearing compression stockings can help low-risk surgical patients avoid blood clots after their short hospital stay.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 21472 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 9 sites (Barnsley and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05347550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) among adults undergoing short-stay surgical procedures. It focuses on low-risk patients who are typically discharged within 48 hours and assesses whether the use of these stockings is beneficial in reducing the incidence of blood clots. The study aims to determine if the costs associated with providing these stockings are justified by their potential benefits, given the discomfort they may cause. By analyzing outcomes in this specific patient population, the research seeks to provide clarity on the necessity of this common practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-59 scheduled for low-risk surgical procedures with a hospital stay of less than 48 hours.
Not a fit: Patients who are at moderate or high risk of developing VTE or have contraindications to wearing graduated compression stockings will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more informed decisions regarding the use of compression stockings, potentially reducing unnecessary costs and discomfort for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of compression stockings is common, this study addresses a specific low-risk population, making it a novel investigation in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (18-59 years of age) scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure with a hospital stay \<48 hours * Individuals assessed as being at low-risk of developing VTE as per the DHRA Tool (i.e. no assessed thrombosis risk factors / scoring 0) Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a contraindication to GCS * Individuals assessed as being at moderate or high-risk of VTE as per the DHRA tool * Individuals requiring therapeutic anticoagulation * Individuals with thrombophilia/ thrombogenic disorder * Individuals with a previous history of VTE * Individuals requiring intermittent pneumatic compression therapy beyond theatre and recovery * Individuals requiring extended thromboprophylaxis beyond discharge * Female patients of childbearing age who have a positive pregnancy test * Individuals with lower limb immobilisation * Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Barnsley and 8 other locations
- Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — Barnsley, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust — Camberley, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — East Grinstead, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Imperial College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Middlesbrough, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — Nottingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust — Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust — Taunton, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alun Davies — Imperial College London
- Study coordinator: Sarah Whittley
- Email: s.whittley@imperial.ac.uk
- Phone: 0203 311 7371
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.