What are Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stockings, why are they used?
G&N are the proud manufacturer of the Fitlegs Anti-Embolism stocking, we brought this product to market over 10 years ago and have now been the market leader in the UK hospital setting for the last 6 years. An Anti-embolism stocking is a medical-grade graduated compression garment that conforms to a very specific profile.
A graduated compression stocking means that the highest point of compression is at the ankle and gradually decreases as you move further up the leg. Fitlegs anti-embolism stockings are manufactured to conform to Sigel’s compression profile, which is clinically proven to be the best level of compression to reduce venous stasis (Sigel, 1975). The increased circulation of blood in the lower limbs caused by Anti-Embolism stockings reduces the risk of a deep vein thrombosis occurring, these are blood clots which can form in the veins. The specific compression values of the Sigel’s profile can be seen in the graphic below.
Anti-Embolism stockings can be used both during a hospital stay and shortly after being sent home from the hospital as part of a patients post-operative care. Doctors and other healthcare professionals can prescribe AES stockings for the long term treatment of patients. This is why you can buy Fitlegs AES from our online store, however before ordering you should be measured correctly for a Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stocking by a medical professional.
Upon entry to the hospital, every patient will receive a mandatory VTE risk assessment carried out by a healthcare professional. If the patient is deemed to be at significant risk of developing a DVT then the appropriate prophylaxis will be prescribed, often in the form of anti-embolism stockings.
Who is most at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
- Those over the age of 60
- Anyone with a history of DVT
- Anyone undergoing a major surgery
- Anyone that is immobile or will temporarily have decreased mobility
How do you use, apply and measure for Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stockings?
Now that you understand what Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stockings are and the reason that they are present both within a hospital setting and at home, it is now vital to know how the stockings used, applied and measured correctly. This can be seen in our “How to use” video below.
Key things to remember:
Measuring:
- Measure two finger-widths above the ankle bone.
- Ensure that limb proportions are observed and any abnormalities are taken into account.
- Both ankles should be measured.
- If a measurement falls between two sizing ranges, then choose the larger size.
Application:
- Toes should be covered.
- The black patch on the Fitlegs stocking should sit at the bottom of the heel.
- The soft patch should sit at the back of the heel.
- The non-slip band should sit two finger widths below the knee crease.
- Do not fold or roll down the stocking.
Why Fitlegs AES is a market leader in the UK?
When G&N brought the Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stocking to the market over ten years ago, we had identified an issue within the market. The measuring and fitting process was extremely complicated, which lead to patients across the UK being fitted with stockings that were the incorrect size due to measurement errors or having the stockings applied incorrectly. The product range that we brought to market was made with the patient, healthcare professional and healthcare facility at the forefront of our minds.
Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stockings are manufactured with a specific Duofit technology in the stitching of the stocking, which allows a larger two-way stretch, meaning that we have been able to reduce the number of sizes in our range, along with simplifying the measuring process whilst still fitting a wide range of patients. This provides the following benefits to the hospitals, healthcare professionals and patients that use our Anti-Embolism Stockings.
- Inventory stock reduction for hospitals, Fitlegs AES has 6 sizes in the below-knee range and 4 sizes in the thigh-length range. Only one leg length variation is necessary to fit the entire range of patients with Fitlegs AES stockings, significantly reducing the number of product lines and stocked inventory required for a hospital to deliver patient care.
- In a simplified measuring system, fewer measurements are required in the fitting process for Fitlegs AES stockings, just one simple ankle measurement two finger-widths above the ankle bone for below knee and 1 extra thigh circumference measurement is required for the thigh-length stocking. This reduces nursing time within hospitals and results in a more accurate and simplified fitting process for patients.
- One universal colour-coded sizing system, which translates through to the packaging, inspection hole on the stocking and the measuring tape which helps to reduce human error. Fitlegs Anti-Embolism Stockings have one leg length measurement throughout the range, meaning that a second sizing system to differentiate is not necessary, further simplifying the measuring and fitting process.
- Eco-friendly packaging, G&N have invested in reducing our carbon footprint and have developed plastic-free packaging that is made with recycled cardboard. An initiative that we are extremely proud of and that aligns with the journey of the NHS to become carbon net zero.
Thank you for reading, G&N will continue to support patients, hospitals and healthcare professionals with our products and service. Please leave a comment below with any questions of thoughts you have around this blog post
