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A Sequential Compression Device, or SCD, combats the pooling of blood in the legs by gently squeezing the legs from the ankles up to the knee or from the ankles up to the thigh. This gentle squeezing takes the place of walking or running and works to move the blood back towards the heart where it can refresh. The problems associated with pooled blood are often eliminated simply from using the SCD machine.
Why should I use an SCD machine?Do you spend a lot of time in bed?
Is your mobility limited?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, a Sequential Compression Device (SCD) may help protect you from life threatening conditions.
When you walk or run, your circulatory system works well. Blood pumps back towards your heart with each step that you take. When you spend a great deal of time seated or in bed, your body's natural ability to push blood back towards the heart slows way down. This slow down causes blood to begin to pool in the legs.
Why is it dangerous to have blood pool in the legs?
Blood needs a constant refresher. Each time it heads to the heart and lungs, it picks up oxygen and other nutrients and delivers them to the body. When it can't return and refresh, it becomes stagnant and the blood cells eventually die. As this dead or stagnant blood pools in the legs it can:
- break down the walls of the veins and begin to seep out into other areas of the legs
- become a blood clot (DVT)
- lead to venous stasis ulcers
- lead to amputation in severe cases
Download our Patient Guide to SCD Machines.
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