SEQUENTIAL GRADIENT COMPRESSION DEVICE

摘要

A self-contained mechanical prophylaxis device and method is provided in which a non-rigid extremity compression sleeve, such as an elastic stocking is provided with an inflatable bladder system to apply pressure to the extremity, and inflation and control components are provided on or in stocking itself. The inflation and control components are preferably located within a common housing and held within a pouch or pocket on or near the compression sleeve. One or more bladders may be pneumatically inflated by the inflation components, which respond to inflation and/or venting commands issued by the control component. Preferably, the bladders are inflated in a sequential pattern to enhance the effectiveness of the VTED protection. The control program may include a single inflation control program, or may be one of several selectable control programs provided to the control component.