Intermittent compression therapy, also known as intermittent pneumatic compression, uses an inflatable sleeve that fits over the leg and is attached to a pump. The pump provides sequential compression from the feet to the thighs to mimic the natural pumping action of leg muscles in order to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Intermittent compression therapy is commonly used for 30-60 minutes twice per day at pressures of 30-50 mm Hg to treat conditions such as venous insufficiency and help heal venous ulcers. Contraindications include suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

1. INTERMITTENT COMPRESSION
THERAPY

2. INTRODUCTION
 Also known as: intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC).
 Intermittent pneumatic compression devices consist of a sleeve that fits
over the leg and attaches to a pump. Various pneumatic pumps with
different specifications are available.
 Since the early 1950s, pneumatic compression systems have been used
in the management of swelling. Over the past decades, the technology
has improved substantially.
 The initial pneumatic compression pumps were single chamber non-
segmented, nonprogrammable, pumps providing a single uniform
compression to the limb.

3.  Intermittent pneumatic compression devices come with either single-
chamber or multi-chamber sleeves. The multi-chamber sleeve provides
sequential compression that “milks” the fluid from distal to proximal,
whereas the single-chamber sleeve inflates and deflates all at once.
 The multi-chamber sequential compression has been shown to be more
effective in achieving venous return than the single-chamber compression.
 For patients with venous insufficiency these devices are generally applied
for 30-60 minutes twice per day at pressures of 30-50 mm Hg.

5. CHARACTERISTIC OF IPC DEVICES
 Non-segmental- Single cuff that expands (inflation) and contracts (deflation)
applying pressure against the limb. No manual control over pressure
gradient exists. Not optimal for lymphedema management Adjustable pressure
(therapeutic range 25-30mmHg) Pre-set inflation/deflation cycle.
 Multi-Chamber segmented without manual control Commonly have 3-4
chambers which inflate sequentially from distal to proximal until all are inflated
May have limited pressure programming options and are not independently
so that each chamber has the same pressure and pressure gradient is achieved
contours. These pumps can treat one or two legs or arms simultaneously.

6. MECHANISM
 Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are inflatable sleeves.
 The inflating and deflating movement of the IPC device supports your
circulation. Healthy movement of blood in the body prevents blood clots
forming.
 When the sleeves compress, it helps the blood move through your body to
heart. When they relax, oxygen-rich blood flows to your leg arteries. The
also help your body release substances that can prevent clots.

7. INDICATIONS
1. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices may be used to relieve
edema and may promote healing in patients with venous ulcerations.

8. APPLICATION
 The pressure used should not exceed the patient’s diastolic blood pressure.
Maximum pressure ranges used for treating the upper extremity are 40-60 mm
Hg and 60-100 for the lower extremity.
 Cover the area to be treated with stockinette. Make sure there are no wrinkles
as this can cause high pressure areas and subsequent bruising.
 Encourage the patient to perform gentle ROM exercises (wiggle fingers or toes)
during the off time. Instruct the patient to notify you if pain or a “tingling”
feeling occurs.

9. CONTRAINDICATION
suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism