Stratified Meta

594 Words2 Pages

Author: Chris Iliades
Medical reviewer: Farrokh Sohrabi, MD

Please list the references and clinical resources that you use in your review of this document. These references should support any clinical or extensive revisions or additions that you make. Aside from known common best practices, references are required. We reserve the right to request additional references. References and resources used:

Circulation, Stratified Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the Lower Limbs to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients, http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/128/9/1003.long
(Accessed 7/11/16)
Lymphology, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy: A Systematic Review, https://www.alfp.org/docs/systematic%20review_intermittent%20compression%20therapy.pdf …show more content…

A sequential compression device is an inflatable cuff that you wear around your leg or foot. The device works like the muscles of your leg by compressing your blood vessels. It inflates at a programmed rate to force old blood out of your legs and let in freshly oxygenated blood.

You may need this device if your legs are swollen from poor circulation. You may also need it to prevent a blood clot from forming in your legs. Blood clots can form in your legs if you are on bed rest at home or in the hospital. Blood clots in your legs can travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause life-threatening problems.

To use the device, you lie still while the cuff inflates around your leg. Your health care provider will decide when you should use the device, how often it will inflate, and how much pressure it will apply to your leg.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING THIS DEVICE?
Risks of using this device include:
• Irritated or sore …show more content…

If the device puts too much pressure on your legs, this nerve may temporarily stop working normally. If this happens, your ankle will feel numb or weak.
• Developing a condition in which too much pressure on your leg makes it hard for blood to reach the muscles of the lower leg (compartment syndrome). This condition can result in an injury to your leg muscles. This is a rare complication.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING THIS DEVICE?
The main benefit of using this device is improved circulation in your legs. Using the device may:
• Reduce swelling (edema) in your legs.
• Improve healing if you have leg or foot ulcers from poor circulation.
• Lower your risk of a blood clot and of pulmonary embolism.
• Help you start walking and recovering sooner after surgery or bed rest.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS?
Other ways to prevent blood clots in your leg include:
• Taking a blood-thinning medicine
• Wearing compression

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