The effects of intermittent pneumatic compression on the arterial and venous system of the lower limb: a review.
A better understanding of lower limb haemodynamics and the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression on the lower limb has led to an increasing awareness of the potential value of intermittent pneumatic compression in both venous and arterial disease. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used in both the primary and secondary care settings, with its advantages being further enhanced by excellent patient compliance and very low rate of complications. Intermittent pneumatic compression has a proven role in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and there is some evidence that it is a useful adjunct in the management of venous ulcer disease. With laboratory and more recent clinical studies demonstrating augmentation of arterial inflow with intermittent pneumatic compression, its use in arterial diseases is being increasingly explored. Further studies are needed to define the precise role of intermittent pneumatic compression in arterial disease but any treatment regimen which reduces the need for referral or intervention in the claudicant or critically ischaemic limb will be a valuable addition to those managing arterial disease.
Kumar
Senthil
S
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, Cumbria.
Walker
Michael Alexander
MA
D004867:Equipment Design; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D011312:Pressure; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*