Know more about Anti-Embolism stockings

Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on August 8, 2022

Anti-embolism stockings are hosiery products that help reduce the threat of blood clots forming in the legs. Anti-embolism stockings improve blood circulation in the leg veins by applying graduated compression. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Thrombosis is clot formation. Embolism is the breaking off of small particles from clots. Thrombosis blocks the blood vessel at a narrowing where emboli can block healthy vessels. If the clot somehow travels and reaches the lungs it is called a Pulmonary Embolism.

What causes Thromboembolism?

• Lying or sitting in the same place for a long period of time, the blood flow speed through the legs becomes slower which may cause it to clot.
• Inactivity, the effects of certain drugs, muscle relaxants or anesthetics can cause the veins to become wider and tear. Blood clots are more likely to adhere to the tears in the wall of the vein.
• Changes can occur in the way blood clots. Certain medications and inactivity may change blood’s normal coagulation process, leading to blood clots.

Why wear Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Stockings are the elastic garment that is worn around the leg. Anti-embolism stockings are effective in reducing the risk of Thromboembolism. The purpose of anti-embolism stockings is to apply appropriate pressure on legs varying from 8mmHg to 50mmHg, that helps prevent the occurrence of, and guards against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis.

For how long should you wear Compression Stockings?

The duration may differ according to the severity and the recommendation of your healthcare professional. It could be 2 weeks or more. After surgery it is recommended to wear anti-embolism stockings until you are able to move around freely and comfortably. Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, lengths and colors. They're also available with different strengths of compression. You may need to wear them on both legs or on just one leg. You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again in the morning.

Cleaning and Caring for Anti-Embolism Stockings

Cleaning should be frequent enough to remove the natural bodily secretions and skin flakes, which if you let remain may cause damage to stocking fiber and decrease the life span of the garment. You should choose two stockings, keeping in mind that you are wearing one and the other is in reserve. Hand washing your stockings at about 40 °C /104F (comfortable hand temperature) and dry them away from direct heat in the air. Do not place them in the dryer.

How to put on the Compression Stockings?

Step 1: Insert your hand and grab the stocking at the top of heel pocket.
Step 2: While still holding the heel pocket turn the top of the stocking down toward the toe.
Step 3: Open the stocking and slide your foot in until your toe and heel are positioned in place.
Step 4: Grab the top of your stocking and pull up over your ankle and calf.
Step 5: For optimal fit ensure that the material is evenly distributed on the leg by massaging the garment into place.
Step 6: You’ll know it is on correctly when it is about 2 finger widths below to the bend of your knee.

Who should wear Ted Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Nurses, flight attendants and anyone standing for long hour shifts should wear them comfortably. Even people while traveling choose to wear them. Ladies who have undergone C-Section (Caesarean section) can also wear anti-embolism stockings.

Who should not wear Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Stockings are not recommended for patients with the following:

• Any local leg condition in which stockings would interfere, such as dermatitis, immediate post-operative vein ligation, gangrene or recent skin graft.
• Severe arteriosclerosis or other ischemic vascular disease.
• Massive edema (swelling) of legs or pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure.
• Extreme deformity of the leg.

Top Five Anti-Embolism Stockings of 2023

1. Covidien Kendall Closed Toe Thigh Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

Covidien Kendall Closed Toe Thigh Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings for Continuing Care are designed for recuperating patients. They provide graduated compression and are clinically proven to reduce thromboembolic disease. These socks improve blood flow through the femoral vein and reduce the chances of blood clots. It promotes a comfortable fit without the constriction caused by harsh seams and ridges. It is designed to reduce DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) incidence by 50% which has been proven in a wide variety of medical/surgical specialties. It helps ensure uninterrupted baseline protection whatever the patient’s level of risk or when pneumatic/impulse compression is interrupted.

Features of Covidien Kendall Closed Toe High Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

• Provide easy access for medical examinations
• Protect critical popliteal area and promotes free leg movement
• Easily adjustable, minimize slippage
• Significantly reduces venous distention to combat clot formation
• Increase blood flow in femoral vein by 38%
• Prevent tourniquet effect with an interrupted band and functional two-ply panel
• Protect patients after discharge

Covidien Kendall Closed Toe Thigh Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

2. BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Knee High Seamless Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings

BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Knee High Seamless Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings are specifically designed to combat thromboembolism. They feature a convenient inspection window located on top of the foot so the patient’s skin will never touch the floor. These stockings apply gradient compression greatest at the ankle and gradually decreasing to the knee without a tourniquet like pressure or impeding the venous return. BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Knee High Seamless Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings are latex-free

Features of BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings

• Intended for non-ambulatory bed-ridden patients or post-surgical wear
• Help to prevent blood clots forming in the veins
• Generally made for short duration of wear during a hospitalization
• Size to be determined by Calf measurement

BSN Jobst Anti-EM/GP Knee High Seamless Anti-Embolism Elastic Stockings

3. Covidien Kendall Open Toe Knee Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

Medtronic Covidien Kendall Open Toe Knee Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings help reduce venous stasis below knee when thigh length styles are contraindicated medically. Inlay circumferential knit offers one-way horizontal stretch and well-defined heel pocket ensures correct placement, preventing slippage. Clinically-proven graduated compression pattern of TED Anti-Embolism Stockings helps ensure optimum blood flow velocity. Toe opening allows for easy inspection of the skin and pedal pulse. TED Anti-Embolism Knee Length Stockings are available in different sizes and two lengths, fitting a calf circumference of up to 26 inches.

Features of Covidien Kendall Open Toe Knee Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

• Open-Toe Stockings provide easy access for medical examination
• Reduce DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) incidence by 50%, which is proved in a variety of medical/surgical studies
• Help ensure uninterrupted baseline protection whatever the risk level of patient is or when pneumatic/impulse compression is interrupted
• Protect patients after discharge
• Easily adjustable and minimize slippage

Covidien Kendall Open Toe Knee Length TED Anti-Embolism Stockings

4. Medline EMS Thigh Length 15-18mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings

Medline EMS Thigh Length 16mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings provide a tailored, contour fit in the right amount of gradient pressure. These stockings also provide greatest pressure at the ankle and gradually reduces throughout length of the leg. They are constructed of 80 percent nylon and 20 percent spandex with open-knit weave. Spandex guarantees excellent counter pressure for the life of the stocking. Medline EMS Thigh Length 15-18mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings are latex-free. It offers the greatest pressure at the ankle at 18mmHg, gradually reducing throughout the length of the leg to 15mmHg

Features of Medline EMS Thigh Length 15-18mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings

• Unique color code system for fast, positive product identification
• It has accurate patient fitting
• Measuring tapes to assist in determining correct patient sizing
• Provide the right support in all the right places

Medline EMS Thigh Length 15-18mmHg Anti-Embolism Stockings

5. Covidien Kendall TED Knee High Anti-Embolism Stockings

TED Knee High Anti-Embolism Stockings help prevent blood clots in legs by promoting the return of venous blood from the feet and legs. Mild compression of knee-high TEDs assists the veins and lymphatic vessels to enhance the blood flow towards the heart and lymphatic fluid through its normal circulation. The Elastomer system in TED Anti-Embolism Stockings is specifically designed to ensure optimum blood flow velocity by providing most compression at the ankle and gradually diminishing compression up to the calf.

Features of Covidien Kendall TED Knee High Anti-Embolism Stockings

• Provide easy access for medical examinations
• Increase blood flow in femoral vein by 38%
• Easily adjustable, minimize slippage
• Made of nylon
• Offer full-foot without an inspection toe

Covidien Kendall TED Knee High Anti-Embolism Stockings

Where to buy Compression Stockings?

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