Such devices can be somewhat complicated to operate if you’re new to using them and may require assistance. Rely on your doctor’s recommendations on what type of leg lymphedema compression device you should purchase which may include one of several popular brands (see below). Tips for selecting a lymphedema compression deviceġ. This lymphedema compression allows the heart to empty its blood easier thus freeing it from having to work to return blood to the heart and decreasing the work of the heart contraction. This duration occurs after each heartbeat, every other heartbeat or every third heartbeat, and is then at rest during moments of heart contraction and arterial inflow into the lower extemities. The duration of compression is typically 11 seconds with a 60 second relaxation period between compressions depending on the brand of the unit and its configuration. The chambers of the garment are sequentially inflated from ankle to knee (or mid thigh) to a maximum pressure of 45-50 mmHg at the ankle, 35 mmHg at the calf, and 30 mmHg at the thigh (hence the term “gradient” compression). A SCD is relatively comfortable to wear and will not restrict leg movement.Īir pressure creates gradient compression on the legs muscles and veins (often over thromboembolic stockings) to provide a massaging effect which imitates the natural flow of lymph from the distal end of the limb (foot) toward the trunk of the body, mimicking the action of leg movement, such as walking, to move blood and fluids through the veins towards the heart.
LEG COMPRESSION MACHINE FOR SWELLING SERIAL
This serial compression on the muscles and veins mimics the action of walking and results in moving blood through the veins towards the heart and preventing pooling of blood in the lower limbs. The plastic garment is applied over or around the arm or leg (for the purpose of this article I will speak to only a SCD for the leg), depending on the type (configuration) and model, and the pumping unit inflates and deflates its inner chambers with air in a predetermined sequence which applies pressure to the muscles of the legs, and a corresponding sequential compression to the veins of the legs. If continued, a Doppler may be used on the patient to make sure no new clot(s) has or have formed. Any mobility, such as getting our of bed and sitting in a chair, if even for only an hour, the usage of an SCD should generally be discontinued. A SCD should only be used intermittently on hospital patients who are bed-ridden. Leaving it off for even 1-2 hours and then putting it back on may cause an embolus or blood clot(s). Note: A word of warning when using lymphedema compression device home units without the supervision of a physician If you are at risk for DVT or recovering from a recent acute DVT, you should NOT use a SCD intermittently. Physicians often prescribe pneumatic compression leg devices for venous and lymphatic conditions, e.g., blood pooling or clotting, when the tendency is expected or when if symptoms have not responded to less extensive therapies such as elastic compression, elevation, exercise or complex decongestive therapy (CDT).
Most SCD home unit garments* typically contain 4-8 inner chambers, depending on the brand or model and size and length, while most hospital grade lymphedema compression garments can contain up to 10 inner chambers, or air pockets. Most patients on bed-rest, are prescribed SCD’s unless they are contradicted by wounds, fractures (broken bones), blood clots or burns. Note: SCD’s are typically used in critical care units.
Battery powered units are compact and do not use tubes.
LEG COMPRESSION MACHINE FOR SWELLING SERIES
A stand alone unit consist of a pneumatic pump, a garment and a tube or series of tubes that connect the two. There are two types, stand alone, powered by a 120 volt pump and battery powered which is portable. Lymphedema pneumatic therapy is any form or method of therapy that massages the vascular and muscle group of the lower limbs using pneumatic, or air, pressure that is either powered electrically or by battery that applies a strong pneumatic pressure in sequence to the muscle group and venous system of the lower limbs to help prevent blood and fluids from pooling.Īn pneumatic leg compression device typically consist of an inflatable garment that is worn over the leg as a boot, sleeve or wrap.
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