Intermittent pneumatic compression on top of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in intensive care: added value or added cost?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of in-hospital morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients at intensive care units (ICU) (1). Hypercoagulability, venous stasis and vascular injury, but also the frequent use of highly coagulable catheters and extracorporeal support devices predispose this patient group to thromboembolic complications. Therefore, efficient strategies for the prevention of thrombosis that do not cause excessive bleeding are paramount in critically ill patients.