How does a sequential compression device SCD work?
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Sequential Compression Devices, or SCD’s, (also known as Lymphedema pumps) are designed to limit the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Peripheral Edema in immobile patients. When a patient is immobile for long periods of time, as in recuperation from an injury, blood tends to pool in the calf area of the lower leg. Show
SC-3008-DL Sequential CirculatorModel SC-3008-DL Sequential Circulator is a gradient, sequential, pneumatic compression device, intended for the primary or adjunctive treatment of primary or secondary Lymphedema. The device is additionally intended for alternate treatment of chronic venous stasis ulcers and associated venous insufficiency, as well as general treatment of swelling of the extremities. The SC-3008 is intended for home or hospital use. Key Features: • Unilateral and/or Bilateral Functionality • Non-peristaltic • Custom Garment Availability • Light Weight and Portable • Easy to Use • 3 Year Warranty Benefits: •Reduces Pain • Improves Lymphatic and Vascular Flow • Promotes Wound Healing • Prevents Infection • Provides Effective Prophylaxis for Venous Thrombosis • Reduces Dynamic Edema Contraindications: Pneumatic compression is contraindicated for patients with the following: • Congestive heart failure; • Deep Vein Thrombosis; • Inflammatory phlebitis or episodes of pulmonary embolism; • Infections in the limb, including cellulitis, without appropriate antibiotic coverage; • Active Cancer except for palliative care SC-2004-OC Sequential Circulator®Model SC-2004-OC Sequential Circulator is a gradient, sequential, pneumatic compression device, intended for the primary or adjunctive treatment of primary or secondary Lymphedema. The device is additionally intended for alternate treatment of chronic venous stasis ulcers and associated venous insufficiency, as well as general treatment of swelling of the extremities. The SC-2004 is intended for home or hospital use. Key Features: • Unilateral and/or Bilateral Functionality • Non-paristaltic • Custom Garment Availability • Light Weight and Portable • Easy to Use • 3 Year Warranty Benefits: •Reduces Pain • Improves Lymphatic and Vascular Flow • Promotes Wound Healing • Prevents Infection • Provides Effective Prophylaxis for Venous Thrombosis • Reduces Dynamic Edema Contraindications: Pneumatic compression is contraindicated for patients with the following: • Congestive heart failure; • Deep Vein Thrombosis; • Inflammatory phlebitis or episodes of pulmonary embolism; • Infections in the limb, including cellulitis, without appropriate antibiotic coverage; • Active Cancer except for palliative care What are intermittent pneumatic compression devices?Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are used to help prevent blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. The devices use cuffs around the legs that fill with air and squeeze your legs. This increases blood flow through the veins of your legs and helps prevent blood clots. Veins are the blood vessels that bring oxygen-poor blood and waste products back to the heart. Arteries are the blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the body. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body. In most cases, this clot forms inside one of the deep veins of the thigh or lower leg. The veins in your legs have tiny valves that help keep blood moving back up toward the heart. But a DVT may damage one or more of these valves. This causes them to weaken or become leaky. When this happens, blood starts to pool in your legs. This can also happen if you are immobile for a long period of time. Normally, muscles in the leg help blood move up in the veins when the muscles contract. When blood flows very slowly through the veins, this increases the risk that cells in the blood will stick together and form a clot. DVT is a common condition, especially in people over age 65. Post-thrombotic syndrome affects a large number of people who have had DVT. It can happen in men and women of any age. DVT is a serious medical condition that can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness in your leg. In some cases, a deep clot in a leg vein can break free and stick in a vessel in the lung. This can cause a blockage in the vessel called a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can cause severe shortness of breath and even sudden death. While using an IPC device, your calf or whole leg is enclosed in a cuff. The cuff fills with air and squeezes the leg, much like a blood pressure cuff. Then the cuff deflates and relaxes. The process then repeats over and over. The compression helps move blood through your veins towards your heart. IPC also promotes the natural release of substances in your body that help prevent clots. Between compressions, the cuffs of the device relax, and oxygen-rich blood continues to flow in the arteries of your leg. Why might I need to use intermittent pneumatic compression devices?You might need to use IPC devices if you have a high risk of getting a DVT. Anything that slows the movement of blood through your veins increases your risk of DVT. A variety of conditions can increase your chance of getting a DVT, such as:
IPC is one way to help prevent DVT. A blood-thinning medicine such as warfarin is also used to treat people who are at high risk for DVT. These medicines may work better than compression devices in preventing DVT. But they have other risks. If you have a high risk of excess bleeding from a blood thinner, your healthcare provider may be more likely to advise IPC instead. In some cases, your provider might advise both blood thinners and IPC. IPC is used most often for people who have just had surgery. It may also be used after a stroke or to help treat lymphedema. What are the risks of using intermittent pneumatic compression devices?All procedures have risks. The risks of this procedure include:
Careful attention to skin care can help prevent these complications. It’s also important that your cuff size is correct. Some people with certain health conditions should not use IPC devices. For example, people with leg ulcers, burns, or peripheral vascular disease have a higher risk for problems. Older adults may be more at risk for skin breakdown. Talk with your provider about the risks that most apply to you and any concerns you may have. How do I get ready for using intermittent pneumatic compression devices?A healthcare provider may measure your leg, to make sure you get the right size cuff. If you are to use the device at home, you will also be instructed how to correctly put on the cuff. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the device or why it is being used. What happens during use of intermittent pneumatic compression devices?In most cases, an IPC is used in the hospital. Or you may be instructed how to use it at home. There are many types of IPC devices. Yours might cover your calf, or it might go around your whole leg. Some inflate all over the leg with the same pressure. Others may first apply pressure to the lower and then the upper part of the leg. Some inflate quickly, and others inflate slowly. A healthcare provider will show you how to put on your IPC cuff. They often use Velcro straps to close. The cuff can be put on over or under your clothes, whichever is more comfortable. When fastened around your leg, the cuff should feel snug, but it shouldn’t hurt. You should be able to place a finger between the cuff and your leg. Next, you attach the cuff to the compression machine. This machine will cycle between inflating and deflating the cuff. This may feel a little strange at first. Let your healthcare provider know if it is too uncomfortable. Changing a cuff to stop discomfort can help prevent complications. You can remove your IPC cuff when you need to shower. Check your skin when the device is off and alert your provider if there are any areas of tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, or skin breakdown. Make sure to put it back on as soon as possible. The more you use it, the more you will lower your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Your healthcare team may give you other instructions about what to do with your IPC device. What happens after use of intermittent pneumatic compression devices?Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can stop using the device. This will be at the point your risk of DVT goes down. If you have just had surgery, try to get up and move as soon as possible. With increased mobility, your risk of DVT will go down. Your provider may give you other instructions about ways to prevent DVT. These may include drinking plenty of water and getting physical activity. Follow all of your healthcare provider’s instructions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Next stepsBefore you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
How do sequential compression devices work?A sequential compression device works by applying pressure to recirculate blood and allow blood to flow to all vital organs and extremities. The device is put on the extremity that has severe swelling. Air is pumped in the chamber and put on the swollen body part.
Why do we use SCDs in the hospital?SCDs are a form of mechanical thromboprophylaxis with inflatable sleeves that are connected to a machine. The sleeves intermittently compress the extremities, improving extremity blood flow and potentially decreasing the risk of DVT.
Why are sequential compression devices SCDs used on patients?Objectives: Sequential compression devices (SCDs) help prevent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients; however, clinicians often decline to use this therapy because of a perceived increased risk for patient falls.
How long should you wear SCDs after surgery?Wear them after you go home until there is no tendency to swell, usually around 10 to 30 days. Your surgeon will tell you how long to wear the compression stockings. In the hospital, you will also wear a sequential compression device to help circulate the blood in your legs.
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