How cabin class and compression stockings may affect vein size after long flights
Official title: Prospective Stratified Randomized Four-Group Study of Cabin Class and Graduated Compression Stockings on Popliteal Vein Dilation After Long-Haul Air Travel After Aesthetic Surgery
Run by Research Inc · NCT07808931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| 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 | NCT07808931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with a commercial itinerary to Bogota (at least 4 hours total flight time) and prebooked economy or premium cabin, who can undergo standardized ultrasound and adhere to randomization.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with current DVT, pregnancy, anticoagulation therapy, or conditions that limit use of compression stockings may not benefit and are excluded from the study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this four-group study, adults booked to fly to Bogota are stratified by their prebooked cabin (economy or premium), then randomized to wear knee-high compression stockings or not during the flight. Bilateral popliteal vein ultrasounds are done before departure, within 2 hours of arrival, and at 24 and 48 hours after landing to measure vein diameter and cross-sectional area. The analysis will use mixed-effects models to examine the interaction between cabin class and stocking use, adjusting for factors like ambulation and hydration. The protocol also tracks seat characteristics, adherence, symptoms, and safety events to ensure data quality and participant safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide personalized travel recommendations to reduce venous dilation and potential clot risk after long flights.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has used similar ultrasound and stocking approaches in travel-related venous studies, but the factorial design and cabin-stratified randomization are relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 years. * Commercial itinerary to Bogota with at least 4 hours of total airborne time. * Prebooked premium business/first-class or economy-class cabin documented before randomization. * No medical requirement for or contraindication to graduated compression stockings. * Ability to complete standardized ultrasound before flight and through 48 hours after arrival before surgery. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Current deep venous thrombosis, therapeutic anticoagulation, or severe peripheral arterial disease. * Pregnancy. * Lower-extremity skin, neurologic, or anatomic condition preventing safe stocking use or ultrasound. * Cabin upgrade or downgrade after randomization that changes the prespecified stratum. * Surgery or major intravenous fluid therapy before the 48-hour examination. * Inability to follow the randomized stocking assignment.
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
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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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Does cabin class affect popliteal vein size after long flights?
This study tests whether flying in premium versus economy cabin changes the size of the popliteal vein after a long international flight.
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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.