摘要 |
Apparatus for therapeutically or prophylactically treating a diagnosed or potential deep-vein thrombosis involves intermittent application of tourniquet action to the leg at a location preferably close to the ankle, i.e., at the distal-calf region of the leg, in time-coordinated relation to artificially stimulated foot-pump action; the level of tourniquet action is such as to reduce the availability of superficial veins to carry the venous-return flow that is stimulated by foot-pump action, and the level of tourniquet action is also insufficient to materially affect access to deep-veins which are the primary target of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment. In a modification, the sequencing of tourniquet and foot-pump action is changed to enhance the priming of blood in the plantar veins of a foot which must remain elevated above the heart level of a patient confined to bed, whereby circulation can be more effectively stimulated by foot-pump action.
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