Intermittent pneumatic compression—systems and applications

Abstract

Primary objective: The purpose of this review is to survey the types of intermittent pneumatic compression systems that are currently used, and their medical applications.

Main outcomes and results: Intermittent compression devices have taken many forms since their initial development, but medical justifications for particular properties of cuff design, compression timing and pressure are often weak. Intermittent compression is well established, and effective in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduction of lymphoedema. Other therapeutic applications, such as in chronic arterial and venous disease, are not yet as well accepted, but may become more popular as published evidence increases.

Conclusions: The full potential of intermittent pneumatic compression has probably not yet been realized, and requires better quality research. System design must follow physiological evidence, and while complexity in that design may allow greater therapeutic flexibility, it may incur greater financial cost, difficulty in use, and in the prevention of DVT in particular may be unnecessary.

Keywords:

• Intermittent pneumatic compression devices
• Review
• Venous thrombosis
• Lymphoedema
• Vascular diseases