Pneumatic Compression Device - Mechanism, Function, and Uses

Introduction

The intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPC) prevents obstruction in the deep vein and helps the blood flow. It is used on legs after major surgery or during any ailments in the lower limbs. The clot in the deep vein blocks the blood flow and causes deep vein thrombosis in the legs. It is a sleeve-like device worn on the legs, so it is also called a compression sleeve. It improves blood circulation in the legs.

What Is the Mechanism Behind Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) Devices?

• The intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device comprises a cuff with straps to adjust.

• The cuff is attached to the controller, and the intensity can be adjusted using the controller.

• The sleeves are worn over the calf muscles in the legs.

• The sleeve works with inflation and deflation. The sleeves inflate for about 20 seconds to one minute.

• After every inflation, there is deflation. The process of inflation and deflation repeats for every cycle. Hence the device is also called a sequential compression device (SCD).

What Is the Function of an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) Device?

• The main aim of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices is to support blood circulation.

• The deep vein should not have any blood clots for proper blood circulation. The clots can be prevented by the compression mechanism in the pneumatic compression device. During compression, the blood flows toward the heart from the body. During relaxation, the blood flows in the blood vessels of the legs.

• The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is enhanced by intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices.

• During compression, various substances are released from the blood. These substances prevent clots in the deep veins.

What Are the Uses of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices (IPC)?

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are used during the recovery period from surgery.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis: The intermittent pneumatic compression device is used for people who are unable to perform activities like walking and stretching their legs. If the lower limbs are inactive for a longer period, there is a chance of blood clot formation. This life-threatening condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis involves the vein in the thigh or lower limbs. An intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device prevents thrombosis and assists the blood flow to the legs.

• Stroke: Stroke is a condition in which the blood vessel in the brain is blocked. This causes paralysis, the inability to move the upper and lower limbs. The person will be extremely weak due to numbness in the nerves. The nerve cells responsible for the movement of the body parts are damaged. The inability to walk produces clots in the vein of the legs. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are used to support blood circulation in paralyzed people.

• Lymphedema: The fluid drains into the lymphatic system. Any disruption of the lymphatic system drains the fluid into the soft tissues. The common causes of lymphedema are radiation therapy for cancer, pregnancy, obesity, and trauma. Lymphedema is common in the lower limbs. It is a long-lasting condition and can be avoided using a pneumatic intermittent compression device. This device prevents the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissues. It pumps the fluid back into circulation. It acts as an external containment and prevents swelling.

• Leg Surgery: Any trauma in the legs requires surgery for healing. After surgery on the legs, the patient will be uncomfortable moving the legs. They feel heaviness in their legs while lifting or walking. Also, the legs must be kept in a stabilized position to prevent dislodgement. The on and off pressure created during the compression prevents the clot and helps in blood circulation. It also reduces the risk of infection. The sensation produced by the pneumatic compression device feels like a massage in the legs.

• Bleeding Disorders: There is a high risk of clotting in patients with a clotting disorder. There is increased inflammation in the walls of the blood vessels due to the clotting disorder. The inflating mechanism in the compression device prevents clotting and improves blood flow.

What Are the Instructions to Follow While Using an Intermittent Compression Device?

• People with deep vein thrombosis are advised to use intermittent pneumatic compression devices along with anticoagulants. Blood-thinning drugs like Warfarin are used to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

• Avoid wearing small-sized cuffs. Choose the correct cuff size and adjust the straps as and when required. The cuff should not be too tight or loose to wear. The cuff size depends on the measurement of the lower limbs.

• Apply necessary skin creams for the sores produced under the cuff.

• Wear the sleeves while lying down during rest. Try to do some simple exercises with the legs during the daytime. The flexing and relaxation of the lower limbs help in blood circulation.

• Remove the sleeves during the bath and walk. Keep the sleeves free from moisture. Keep the sleeves clean after every use.

• Contact the healthcare provider if there is no sign of inflation in the sleeves.

What Are the Disadvantages of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices?

• The inflation and deflation produced by the sleeves give a weird sensation in the early days of use.

• The cuff covers the major part of the lower limbs, so the patient feels uncomfortable and sweats while wearing the cuff for a longer duration.

• Rashes develop due to the dryness in the skin because there is less air circulation inside the cuff.

• If the cuff is too tight, it damages the nerve or produces marks on the skin due to high pressure.

• Patients with burns, ulcers and peripheral vascular disease in the lower limbs cannot use the intermittent compression device.

Conclusion

Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are mostly used in hospitals by medical professionals. Ask the medical professional to change the cuff if there is any swelling or redness in the legs or shortness of breath. Stop using the device after complete recovery from deep vein thrombosis. Increase five to ten steps every day and try to walk after the surgery because motion reduces thrombosis.