The Effect of Neuromuscular Stimulation on Post-Transplant Leg Edema

This will be a randomized, controlled trial involving kidney and kidney pancreas transplant patients. There will be 2 groups and patients will be randomized to one of the two; one will receive standard of care IPC or TED stockings to help with circulation, the other group will use the geko device which is a newer device with Health Canada approval. Clinical outcomes will be compared for those in each group and clinical differences between patients who receive routine medical therapy with IPC/TEDS versus the Geko device will also be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female
• At least 18 years old
• Undergoing kidney or kidney pancreas transplant surgery as the recipient
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Absence of known peripheral vascular disease
• Body Mass Index of between 18 and 34
• Leg circumference at site of geko™ device placement is 24" or less

Exclusion criteria

• History of deep vein thrombosis
• Temporary or permanent cardiac pacing
• Patient is pregnant
• Any patient which may be excluded by way of warnings in the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use
• Any patient who requires an ECG electrode applied on the leg for continuous monitoring throughout therapy
• Previous leg(s) amputation
• Presence of any of the following in the site of intended device placement: cancerous lesion, swollen or infected or inflamed areas or skin eruptions i.e. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins
• History or signs of haematological disorders (especially in relation to clotting or coagulation disorders) including presence or history of thrombus formation
• BMI index >36
• Patients with any neurological disorder or disease that would interfere with proper assessment and or conduct of the trial
• History of implantable brain or other stimulator
• Patients who can not tolerate the stimulation from the GEKO device