Examining the Benefit of Graduated Compression Stockings in the Prevention of vEnous Thromboembol… (NCT05347550) | Clinical Trial Compass
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Examining the Benefit of Graduated Compression Stockings in the Prevention of vEnous Thromboembolism in Low-risk Surgical Patients
United Kingdom21,472 participantsStarted 2022-09-08
Plain-language summary
Hospital acquired thrombosis describes blood clots that form in the legs and lungs after someone is treated in hospital. Clots in the leg can cause swelling, pain and other problems. If a clot in the leg travels to the lungs, it may be life threatening. Having surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots.
People having short-stay surgery (who either go home the same day or who stay overnight but go home shortly afterwards) are at a much lower risk of developing a blood clot than those who stay in hospital for longer. These low-risk people are often given elastic stockings (which squeeze the leg muscles) to reduce the chance of a blood clot.
The risks of wearing the stockings are low but they can be uncomfortable. In the UK, there are over a million short stay surgeries performed each year and most of these people are given elastic stockings to wear. Stockings cost the NHS a lot of money and it remains unknown if they work.
This study will investigate if it is worthwhile to continue using elastic stockings in people having surgery where the risk of developing blood clots is low. Adults (over 18-years) who are at low risk of developing blood clots (assessed using a nationally recognised tool) will be included.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 59 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.