In the clinical setting the applying of the antiembolism<unk>  is performed by physicians, nurses and other trained personnel. First the proper size<unk> is determined by measuring the legs. Aseptic technique is not necessary unless the skin is open. The person is placed in the supine position in bed for fifteen minutes prior to measuring for fit. This allows for venous return and stability before measuring.<unk>  are best applied upon waking before the person has gotten out of bed, has been sitting or standing and before venous stasis or edema has had a chance to develop. Fit is critical to the therapeutic effect of<unk> . A study listed in the American Journal of Nursing in August 2008 showed that<unk>  were incorrectly sized in just under 30% of the cases studied. It found that additional education was needed not only for patients, but also for medical staff. Gradient These<unk>  are designed to remedy impaired "musculovenous pump" performance caused by incompetent leg vein valves. They are woven in such a way that the compression level is highest around the ankle and lessens towards the top of the hose. Doctors will typically recommend these<unk>  for those who are prone to blood clots, lower limb edema, and blood pooling in the legs and feet from prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. They are also frequently used to address complications caused by diabetes, lymphedema, thrombosis, cellulitis, and other conditions. They are worn by those who are ambulatory in most cases, helping calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood to the heart. In some cases, they are worn by those at increased risk of circulatory problems, such as diabetics, whose legs are prone to excessive swelling. A common indicator for the prescription of such<unk>  is chronic peripheral venous insufficiency, caused by incompetent perforator veins. Low-pressure<unk>  are available without prescription in most countries, and may be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supply store.<unk>  with a higher pressure gradient, say, above 25–30 mmHg, may require a prescription from a doctor. There are several crucial cautionary steps that need to be taken before using<unk> : # A patient's ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) must be >1.0 per leg to wear<unk> , otherwise the<unk>  may obstruct the patient's arterial flow. The ABI indicates how unobstructed a patient's leg and arm arteries are. Any competent doctor or nurse can measure and calculate a patient's ABI. # It is crucial that<unk>  are properly sized. The compression should gradually reduce from the highest compression at the smallest part of the ankle, until a 70% reduction of pressure just below the knee. Vascular doctors and nurses may use special pads to ensure uniform higher pressure around the circumference of the ankle (to smooth out the irregular cross-sectional profile.) Self-prescription is reasonably safe assuming that the compression gradient is 15–20 mmHg, the ABI (for both legs) is >1.0 and that the<unk>  fit correctly. "Firm" gradient<unk>  (20–30 mmHg and 30–40 mmHg) should generally be worn only on medical advice. Although current research reports mixed results of compression socks on athletic performance, there is anecdotal evidence from athletes that they can benefit from such<unk> . Knee-high versus thigh-high Knee-high and thigh-high anti-embolism<unk>  The graduated (gradient, graded)<unk>  and anti-embolism<unk>  come in knee-high and thigh-high length. A meta-analysis by Sajid et al. was done to compare knee-high and thigh-high graded<unk>  in regards of deep vein thrombosis prevention in medical and surgical patients. The analysis determined that there was a 6% risk of developing deep vein thrombosis when wearing knee-high<unk>  and 4% when wearing thigh-high<unk> , but also found significant heterogeneity, and thus it concluded that there is not enough evidence that that one length is superior to the other, and suggests that knee-high<unk>  should be the first choice for the deep vein thrombosis prevention in medical and surgical patients. Knee-high<unk>  are more comfortable, easier to apply, and wearing them increases patients' compliance with treatment. Knee-high<unk>  are easier to size for limb measurement than thigh-high<unk> . Thigh-high<unk>  may create a tourniquet effect and cause localized restriction when rolled down. A study of patients treated for post-thrombotic syndrome, performed in Italy, revealed that redness and itching of the skin was reported in 41% of patients wearing thigh-high and 27% in patients wearing knee-high<unk> . Consequently, 22% of thigh-high wearers and 14% of knee-high wearers stopped the treatment. Compression classes<unk>  are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb, aiding in circulation.<unk>  are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the<unk>  is mmHg. They are often sold in a variety of pressure ranges. Over-the-counter support is available in 10-15 or 15-20 mmHg. Higher pressure<unk>  require a prescription and a trained fitter. These higher pressures range from 20-30 mmHg to 50+ mmHg. Other pressure levels used by manufacturers for custom-made, flat-knitted products in the US and Europe range from 18-21 mmHg to >50mmHg.
Compression stockings
Angioplasty
Elastography
Cohesive bandage
Cold compression therapy
Esmarch bandage
Carotid endarterectomy
Embolectomy