Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis remains an issue for patients who are at high risk after surgeries or traumatic events. Sequential pneumatic compression devices are very useful in lessening the risk of DVT and blood clots. But these devices have limitations as many must be plugged in and are quite cumbersome when trying to move around operating rooms, hospital beds, and emergency rooms.
In the early 2000s, the American Venous Forum conducted a study showing how portable pneumatic compression devices helped improve compliance and, in time, would lessen the chances of DVT. As we enter into 2012, the latest in portable DVT care is the Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System. At the size of a book and one pound to carry in the over-the-shoulder case, the system is easy to use. Plus the battery works for 15 hours for single-leg therapy and 8 hours for dual-leg therapy.
So now when patients need to get out of bed, get transferred from the OR or ER to their hospital room, patient compliance can improve. The patient can wear it as he or she is getting radiographic studies, physical therapy, or other procedures. Compliance goes up, the device is easier to function in different settings, and the chances of DVT and blood clots goes down. As the study showed with a portable device, “…to be effective, they (devices) must be in use continuously; there is no effect that lasts beyond the time they are applied and functioning on the legs.”
Health care professionals will also have peace of mind that the functionality is the same as plug-in devices. The Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System has two segmented cuffs, wraps around the legs, and compresses veins to promote blood flow. The cuffs are comfortable and can be hand washed as needed.
As the previous American Venous Forum study showed, some medical professionals are concerned about the risk of bleeding in the early stages after an injury. Portable pneumatic compression devices can last for a long time and give everyone peace of mind that they are taking a proactive approach. And after a daylong worth of use, it can be plugged in and still used. Within 3.5 hours it is completely recharged again.
For the hospital setting, these devices can offer far more compliance than standard compression devices and thus are becoming more commonplace for doctors to prescribe. Portable devices can also be prescribed by the doctor for the home setting, as the system is made to be on the go.
To learn more about a Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System, pneumatic compression device, or Lymphedema boots, visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.
