A randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of intermittent surface neuromuscular stimulation using the geko™ device compared with intermittent pneumatic compression to prevent venous thromboembolism in immobile acute stroke patients
Chief Investigator: Professor Christine Roffe, Keele University
ISRCTN11175235
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of preventable death and long-term disability after stroke. Current recommended preventative treatment is the use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC). However, about 30% of patietns have contraindications to or do not tolerate IPC. An alternative form of mechanical thromboprophylaxia is electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve, which improves venous flow in the leg by muscle contraction. The aim of this study is to determine if stimulation of leg muscle contraction using the geko™ device is more effective at preventing VTE in immobile acute stroke patients than the current IPC standard of care treatment.
We will enrol 1200 patietns will from 10-20 acute stroke units in the UK into a randomized controlled trial comparing the geko™ device intermittent pneumatic compression (study summary) .
The GEKO study is funded by NIHR i4i.
We are still looking for centres. Please contact Christine Roffe or Wing To (Study manager) if you are interested in running the study at your hosptial.