Six months ago, I had a total knee replacement. After the operation, I used pumps on my legs to prevent blood clots. They were very bulky and uncomfortable. I’m planning to have my other knee joint replaced next month. Is there any way I can skip using those pumps?

Blood clots or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is very common after knee surgery. In fact, without some form of prevention, up to 84 percent of all patients develop DVT. DVT are dangerous because they can break off from the blood vessel wall and travel to the lungs or brain.

Studies show that compression pumps work well to prevent blood clots. These are favored over drugs because there are no side effects with them. There is a new device that has been developed for patient comfort and ease of use. It’s called the PlexiPulse® foot pump. This pump produces a burst of air with enough pressure to move blood from the foot into the calf. In a study at Cornell Medical College in New York, doctors, nurses, and patients rated it highly.