Objective:To explore the effectiveness and safety of intermittent pneumatic compression(IPC)in the prevention of venous thromboembolism(VTE)for critical ill patients and to provide reasonable and effective evidences for use of IPC. Methods:Databases were retried to collect randomized controlled trial on prevention of IPC in patients with VTE hospitalized in intense care unit. Data were statistically processed using Rev Man5.3 software. Results:A total of 19 articles were included. The incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis was significantly lower in IPC group than in control group(RR=0.25

95%CI=0.15 to 0.41

P=0.000)

despite of the extensive heterogeneity(I2=63%

P=0.000);its subgroup analysis showed that the incidence was significantly lower in IPC group than in control group(RR=0.17

95%CI=0.11 to 0.27

P=0.000)

(RR=0.23

95%CI=0.16 to 0.33

P=0.006);in terms of the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism

there was no significant decrease(RR=0.66

95%CI=0.43 to 1.02

P=0.060). VTE incidence was also significantly reduced in IPC group than in control group(RR=0.37

95%CI=0.17 to 0.79

P=0.010)

despite of extensive heterogeneity(I2=73%

P=0.005). Sub-grouping according to different time points of IPC intervention can eliminate the heterogeneity(RR=0.76

95%CI=0.66 to 0.88

P=0.000)

(RR=0.15

95%CI=0.07 to 0.35

P=0.000). There was no difference in VTE incidence between ICP group and those using anticoagulants(RR=2.47

95%CI=0.79 to 7.75

P=0.120)

but the risk of bleeding can be significantly lowered by using anticoagulants(RR=0.45

95%CI=0.22 to 0.92

P=0.030). Conclusion:IPC can effectively prevent total incidence of VTE and incidence of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(DVT)among critically ill patients. Compared with anti-coagulant drugs

IPC can effectively circumvent the risk of bleeding as well as prevent the lower extremity DVT

with the same anti-coagulating effect.