What Is a Pneumatic Compression Device?

Pneumatic compression devices are an essential piece of medical equipment for patients who have recently undergone surgery or are suffering from lymphedema. 

Our experts here at the medcom group explain exactly what these medical devices are, who should use them, and some of the most popular types available for purchase and rental.

How Does a Pneumatic Compression Device Work?

Pneumatic compression devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all offer a form of compression therapy. 

Each device has a sleeve or garment that applies pressure to the affected area, whether that be a leg, arm, or torso. This compression is helpful for two main groups of patients:

Immobilized patients (short-term)

After surgery, many patients aren’t able to move much as they work through the beginning stages of their recovery. When someone isn’t walking, they have a much higher risk of developing blood clots in their legs. 

To increase circulation and decrease the risk of clots, the sleeve of a pneumatic compression device is put around the leg. Then, the device slowly inflates and deflates to help get the blood moving in the extremities. 

Patients with lymphedema or vein issues

While some people may only need to use a pneumatic compression device for a short period of time, others use them to manage chronic conditions. This includes patients with lymphedema or venous insufficiency. 

For these patients, the compression device’s gentle increase and decrease of compression pushes excess fluid back toward their lymphatic system, promoting the natural movement the body requires.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Pneumatic Compression Devices?

With one of the largest inventories of any orthopedic rehabilitation equipment company, the medcom group offers a variety of compression devices. Below, we’ve highlighted three commonly prescribed devices.  

Sequential Compression Device (SCD):

Some patients are at a particularly high risk for blood clots after a surgery, including people with a history of blood clots and those who aren’t able to take blood thinners. In these cases, their doctor may recommend they use a sequential compression device (SCD). 

The SCD is a machine that pumps air into a sleeve that goes around your leg. The sleeve has multiple chambers that fill with the air sequentially, distally to proximally (from your foot toward your hip). This compression up the leg forces blood through your venous system and back toward the heart. The SCD keeps the blood flowing, minimizing the risk of blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Lymphedema Pump:

A lymphedema pump is beneficial for a variety of patients, such as people who have had their lymph nodes removed, those with chronic venous insufficiency, and patients with lymphedema. 

The lymphedema pump works similarly to the SCD discussed above, but it can be used on just about every part of your body. The garments go over the affected body part, whether that is your arm, leg, torso, or chest. The machine inflates, distally to proximally, squeezing the excess fluid back toward your lymphatic system. 

Since lymphedema garments are designed for long-term use, they’re made out of a different material than the SCD machine sleeves. These garments are made from ballistic nylon (originally designed for World War II flak jackets!) as compared to the lightweight cotton of the SCD sleeves. 

AVI Foot Pumps:

If you have any of the conditions listed above, your physician may also recommend using the AVI foot pump. The foot pump has a rigid sole and a chamber that inflates into the arch of the foot. It inflates rapidly with high pressure, pushing on the plantar plexus, mimicking the natural pressure of walking. 

Premium Pneumatic Compression Device Supplier 

We often get asked if other types of equipment - like a normatec massager - do the same thing as pneumatic compression devices. Most of the time, they do not, so be sure to inquire with our friendly staff to ensure you’re getting the right solution for your needs. 

No matter which pneumatic compression device your doctor recommends, we have an option for you. Please contact us today to learn more about our high-quality compression equipment!