T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings

Clinically Proven Graduated Compression for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention

The T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings from Cardinal Health are graduated compression stockings designed to support venous circulation and help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis in appropriate hospitalised and surgical patients.

The stockings apply a controlled graduated pressure pattern along the leg, with the highest pressure at the ankle and progressively lower pressure through the calf, knee and thigh.

Correct sizing and application are essential to ensure the intended compression profile and provide optimal clinical benefit.

Key Features

• Graduated Compression: Delivers different pressure levels along the leg to support venous blood flow
• 18 mmHg at the Ankle: Highest compression is applied at the ankle
• 14 mmHg at the Calf: Graduated reduction in pressure moving upward
• 8 mmHg at the Popliteal Area: Reduced compression around the knee region
• 10 mmHg at the Lower Thigh: Controlled compression continues through the thigh
• 8 mmHg at the Upper Thigh: Graduated compression extends to the upper leg in thigh-length styles
• Multiple Styles: Available in knee-length, thigh-length and thigh-length-with-belt configurations
• Multiple Sizes: Broad sizing options accommodate different calf, thigh and leg measurements
• Inspection Toe: Designed to assist with routine observation of the patient’s toes
• Washable and Reusable: Designed for repeated use when cared for according to manufacturer instructions

Clinically Proven Graduated Pressure Pattern

T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings apply a graduated compression pattern designed to support venous blood flow through the lower extremities.

Designed to Support Venous Circulation

The graduated pressure profile is designed to compress the deep venous system and promote increased blood-flow velocity in the legs.

According to the Cardinal Health brochure, T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings have been clinically studied for reducing the damaging effects of venous distension that may occur during surgery and hospitalisation.

Correct Sizing is Essential

Correct patient measurement is important because stockings that are too tight or too loose may affect the intended compression profile.

Healthcare professionals should measure the patient’s legs before selecting the appropriate stocking size.

Thigh-Length Stockings

• Measure the patient’s thigh circumference
• Measure calf circumference at the greatest dimension
• Measure leg length from the gluteal furrow to the base of the heel
• Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart to select the appropriate stocking
• If the right and left legs measure differently, different stocking sizes may be required

Knee-Length Stockings

• Measure calf circumference at the greatest dimension
• Measure length from the bend of the knee to the base of the heel
• Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the correct size

Available Styles

• Knee Length: Designed for compression from the foot to below the knee
• Thigh Length: Extends compression through the thigh
• Thigh Length with Belt: Incorporates a belt-style upper attachment for additional positioning support

Application Guide

Proper application helps maintain the intended graduated pressure pattern and patient comfort.

1. Insert the hand into the stocking as far as the heel pocket.
2. Grasp the centre of the heel pocket and turn the stocking inside out to the heel area.
3. Position the stocking over the foot and heel.
4. Ensure the patient’s heel is centred correctly in the heel pocket.
5. Gradually pull the stocking over the ankle and calf.
6. Continue working the stocking smoothly up the leg rather than pulling or tugging excessively.
7. For thigh-length stockings, position the upper section according to the manufacturer’s guide.
8. Smooth out wrinkles after application.
9. Align the inspection toe beneath the patient’s toes.

Correct Heel Placement

Correct heel positioning is important for maintaining the intended compression gradient.

The patient’s heel should remain centred in the stocking heel pocket and the stocking should be checked routinely to ensure it has not shifted.

Inspection Toe

The stocking incorporates an inspection toe area to support routine clinical assessment.

The brochure advises positioning the inspection opening beneath the toes rather than allowing the toes to protrude incorrectly from the stocking.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance helps preserve stocking performance and supports patient comfort.

• Daily Removal: Properly sized stockings should be removed daily during bathing when possible so the skin can be inspected
• Removal Period: The brochure advises not leaving the stockings off for more than approximately 30 minutes
• Washing: Wash every 2 to 3 days to remove bodily secretions
• Machine Wash: Temperature should not exceed 70°C
• Machine Dry: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes with temperature not exceeding 80°C
• Avoid Oils: Keep stockings free from ointments, oils, lanolin and substances that may deteriorate the elastic material
• Expected Use Life: With correct care, stockings may last approximately 2 to 3 months or around 30 washes

Skin Inspection and Patient Monitoring

Patients wearing anti-embolism stockings should have routine skin and fit assessments according to facility procedures.

The manufacturer guide recommends particular attention to areas including the ankles and heels.

• Check correct heel and stocking placement
• Inspect skin routinely
• Monitor the patient’s comfort or discomfort
• Remeasure if the patient’s weight or limb size changes
• Reduce unnecessary pressure, friction and shear around the legs and heels

Contraindications

The manufacturer guide states that T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings are not recommended for patients with certain conditions, including:

• Local leg conditions where the stockings may interfere, including dermatitis
• Immediate postoperative vein ligation
• Gangrene
• Recent skin graft
• Severe arteriosclerosis or other ischemic vascular disease
• Massive leg edema
• Pulmonary edema associated with congestive heart failure
• Extreme deformity of the leg

T.E.D.™ Thigh-Length Selection Examples

T.E.D.™ Knee-Length Selection Examples

Product Information

• Product: Anti-Embolism Stockings
• Product Name: T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings
• Brand: Cardinal Health / T.E.D.™
• Compression: Graduated compression
• Ankle Pressure: 18 mmHg
• Calf Pressure: 14 mmHg
• Popliteal Pressure: 8 mmHg
• Lower Thigh Pressure: 10 mmHg
• Upper Thigh Pressure: 8 mmHg
• Available Styles: Knee Length, Thigh Length and Thigh Length with Belt
• Care: Washable and reusable according to manufacturer instructions