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What Are Antiembolic Stockings?

Antiembolic stockings are also known as gradient elastic stockings. They come in a variety of sizes depending on the size of a patient’s leg and foot. They are usually prescribed by a doctor for those most at risk of developing blood clots in the legs or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

  1. DVT

    • According to a paper prepared by the Adelaide Wound Management Clinical Network, antiembolic stockings help prevent DVT. DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism in the body.

    How They Work

    • The stockings compress superficial veins in the leg. This compression forces blood to flow to deep veins within the leg.

    Proper Use

    • Antiembolic stockings should be worn continuously for ultimate DVT prevention. A proper fit is essential because without it, tissue damage, pain or inadequate compression may result.

    How They're Worn

    • They’re worn on the leg, either above the knee or thigh-high. Some types even go up to the waist. They fit tight and are usually flesh-colored.

    Surgery

    • High-risk surgery patients wear antiembolic stockings before and after surgery. Wearing these stockings after surgery reduces the patient’s risk of forming blood clots by 50 percent.

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