Leg Trough (43 x 28 x 18 cm)
- Tapered DVT Knee Flexion - the THS-43 tapers from knee to ankle and provides slight knee flexion, which helps reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by reducing pressure on the popliteal vein; this dual function - heel offloading and DVT risk mitigation - makes the THS-43 the indicated choice where both pressure ulcer prevention and venous circulation are clinical concerns.
- U-Shaped Heel Offloading - U-shaped trough contours elevate the heel completely from the bed surface, achieving the floating heel position specified in NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 for pressure ulcer prevention; pressure is distributed evenly along the calf while the heel and Achilles tendon are suspended free of all contact, preventing further tissue damage at existing pressure sites.
- Wipe-Clean Vapour-Permeable Cover - multi-stretch, wipe-clean, vapour-permeable fabric cover allows moisture vapour to pass away from the skin surface while maintaining an infection-control-compatible outer surface; the cover is machine washable to 95°C for thermal decontamination per HTM 01-04 and must be matched to its original trough body after laundering.
- Clinical Assessment Required - selection and ongoing use of the THS-43 must be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional following assessment per local pressure care and infection control policy; suitable for high-risk patients and Stage I-II heel pressure damage; CQC Regulation 12 compliance supported when documented in the tissue viability care plan.
Thorpe Mill Leg Trough THS-43 - 43x28x18cm - Tapered - DVT Knee Flexion
The Thorpe Mill Leg Trough THS-43 is a clinically developed, tapered U-shaped heel offloading device measuring 43x28x18cm, with a knee-to-ankle taper that provides slight knee flexion to help reduce DVT risk alongside heel pressure ulcer prevention. The combustion-modified polyurethane foam body is covered in a wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable fabric washable to 95°C. The THS-43 tapers from knee to ankle for improved anatomical fit, distinguishing it from the consistent-profile THS and the longer THS-61 models. Clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is required before use.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-THS43 |
| Dimensions | 43 x 28 x 18 cm |
| Profile | Tapered knee to ankle |
| Additional Feature | Slight knee flexion - DVT risk reduction |
| Construction | Combustion-modified polyurethane foam |
| Cover | Wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable |
| Wash Temperature | Machine washable to 95°C |
| Origin | Designed and manufactured in the UK |
Regulatory Compliance
NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 specify complete heel suspension as the standard for effective pressure ulcer prevention. The THS-43 taper and slight knee flexion additionally address DVT risk by reducing sustained pressure on the popliteal vein at the posterior knee, which is a recognised risk factor for venous thromboembolism in immobile patients. The device should be used following professional clinical assessment and included in a documented tissue viability and venous risk management care plan per local policy. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) documentation should record the clinical rationale for THS-43 selection over the THS standard model, the assessment date, and the inspection schedule. Cover should be washed at 95°C and matched to its original trough per HTM 01-04 linen management requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clinical relevance of the THS-43 knee flexion for DVT prevention?
The THS-43 tapers from knee to ankle so that the knee sits slightly higher than the ankle, creating mild knee flexion. This position reduces sustained compression of the popliteal vein at the posterior knee - a recognised risk factor for DVT in immobile, bed-bound patients. For patients assessed as having both heel pressure ulcer risk and venous thromboembolism risk, the THS-43 addresses both concerns in a single device. The clinical team should determine whether the degree of knee flexion is appropriate for the individual patient's vascular and orthopaedic status before use.
How does the THS-43 differ from the standard THS model?
The standard THS (NCL-THS, 43x22x20cm) maintains consistent dimensions throughout, providing a uniform support profile along the calf without knee flexion. The THS-43 (43x28x18cm) tapers from knee to ankle, providing slight knee flexion that helps reduce DVT risk in addition to heel offloading. Where DVT risk is not a clinical concern and uniform calf support is preferred, the THS is the appropriate choice. Where both heel pressure and venous risk require management, the THS-43 is indicated. The THS-61 offers the same tapered profile in a longer format for taller patients.
NCL-THS43
Viewed products
- Tapered DVT Knee Flexion - the THS-43 tapers from knee to ankle and provides slight knee flexion, which helps reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by reducing pressure on the popliteal vein; this dual function - heel offloading and DVT risk mitigation - makes the THS-43 the indicated choice where both pressure ulcer prevention and venous circulation are clinical concerns.
- U-Shaped Heel Offloading - U-shaped trough contours elevate the heel completely from the bed surface, achieving the floating heel position specified in NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 for pressure ulcer prevention; pressure is distributed evenly along the calf while the heel and Achilles tendon are suspended free of all contact, preventing further tissue damage at existing pressure sites.
- Wipe-Clean Vapour-Permeable Cover - multi-stretch, wipe-clean, vapour-permeable fabric cover allows moisture vapour to pass away from the skin surface while maintaining an infection-control-compatible outer surface; the cover is machine washable to 95°C for thermal decontamination per HTM 01-04 and must be matched to its original trough body after laundering.
- Clinical Assessment Required - selection and ongoing use of the THS-43 must be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional following assessment per local pressure care and infection control policy; suitable for high-risk patients and Stage I-II heel pressure damage; CQC Regulation 12 compliance supported when documented in the tissue viability care plan.