Mediven Travel "Airline Travel, Thrombosis and Stockings" What the Researchers say: Recently there have been many reports relating to incidents of thrombosis (or blood clots) occurring in deep veins of the legs of otherwise healthy people who had recently flown long distances. Such reports referred to this problem as "Economy Class Syndrome", but in fact, the reports showed that this medical condition also occurred in passengers who had traveled in "Business Class". A number of detailed studies were conducted bringing together all the incidents reported and looking at a large group of patients suffering from Thrombosis in the deep veins of the leg. These studies were unable to establish flying as a contributory cause of this type of Thrombosis. Then in May 2001 the results of the first objective study were published in Britain’s premier Medical Journal "The Lancet". A group of researchers from The Middlesex Hospital, London headed by Vascular Surgeon, Thrombosis Expert and Aviator John Scurr and Haematologist Professor Sam Machin examined the veins and blood from 231 volunteers before they embarked on long haul flights (more than 8 hours). On their return to London they were again examined and it was found that in one group of 116 volunteers 10% of the passengers had a thrombosis in the deep veins of their legs. These clots were detected by ultra sound examination and the patients received immediate treatment without which the condition may have become more serious. However, a single mild incidence of deep vein thrombosis can predispose to further incidents of a more serious nature. The second group of 115 volunteers had been fitted with Mediven Travel Stockings. These are elastic compression stockings selected to provide a compression designed to meet clinical requirements yet at the same time still be comfortable to wear. In this group of 115 volunteers not one person showed any thrombosis in the deep veins of the legs. Why might air travel result in some people suffering a Deep Vein Thrombosis? There are a number of factors in any form of long distance travel which are thought to predispose to a condition in the legs when a thrombosis may form:- Immobility. Passengers, particularly those not seated in aisle seats, may remain immobile for long periods of time. The return of blood from the legs to the heart is greatly slowed down. Dehydration Passengers who experience dehydration will have a reduced blood volume, the blood is thickened and more likely to clot. Dehydration can result from the very dry air in most jet aircraft, the consumption of alcohol and to a lesser extent coffee and from the inadequate intake of water and non-alcoholic drinks. Reduced cabin pressure and oxygen levels in aircraft. What action can I take to reduce the chance of getting a thrombosis in the deep veins of my leg? Mediven Travel compression stockings are the only clinically proven elastic stockings to have been shown to almost completely remove the risk of contracting a deep vein thrombosis on a long haul flight. Even when wearing Mediven Travel stockings it is important to exercise your legs during the flight. If you are in an aisle seat and circumstances permit then walk up and down. If you are unable to get out of your seat you should exercise your legs by alternately raising your heels and pressing down on your toes and then raising your toes and pressing down on your heels. Set yourself the task to do this 25 times every half hour. It is better not to fall asleep in a cramped position for hours at a time. You should drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic drinks during the flight. If you take an alcoholic drink you should also consume at least twice the volume of water or fruit juice. Likewise if you drink coffee you should also consume extra water. How can I order mediven Travel Stockings for the next time I travel long distances? When you order Mediven Travel stockings you will be sending for a medical product which is approved by the German Hohenstein Institute as a correctly constructed medical compression stocking of Class 1 compression. For this reason we have to ensure that you receive a garment which will correctly fit your legs. We must therefore have a basic measurement for each of your legs. Your Mediven Travel stockings come with easy to follow washing instructions (they may be machine washed) and will last you for several long distance travels over three or four years On the order forms below we request certain basic measurements. If your legs are of very different sizes it will be necessary for us to supply you with two pairs of Mediven Travel stockings thus allowing you to wear different size garments on your left and right leg. The measurements which we require are easy to take and only consist of:- The measurement around your left ankle The measurement around your right ankle Your height measured without shoes. Before you order We must ask you if you suffer from arterial disease, diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. If you do then before you order you should ask your doctor whether it is advisable for you to wear a Class 1 compression stocking (German Hohenstein Classification) Additionally if you have an ongoing medical condition you should consult your General Practitioner before flying. If you have previously suffered from a Thrombosis it is also advisable to consult your General Practitioner. If you have varicose veins on the upper part of your leg or particularly behind the knee then before purchasing Mediven Travel stockings, which are only knee length garments, you are advised to consider wearing thigh length stockings. Our Mediven Travel Customer Service Department will assist you and can be contacted as below. If you are now ready to order your Mediven Travel Stockings you may do so by:- Following This Link to find your nearest medi Office, contact them to get your nearest fitment center. |   Company History  |   medi Products  |  Medical Information  ||   Send us e-Mail  |  International Addresses  ||   Home  |This Internet site is Copyright © by Orthopaedic Suppliers.mtravel.htm