Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

A type of compression therapy for chronic or acute edema, venous insufficiency
Contraindicated for arterial disease, more severe pathology treated first
Important in preventing venous leg ulcers
Edema inhibits wound healing by affecting perfusion
Can be used to facilitate venous return as an adjunct to other compression forms

Cost ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars
Pump designs range from single-chamber to multi-chamber (more advanced units)
Multi-chambered pumps inflate sequentially from distal to proximal, creating pressure to ascend the extremity, improving edema evacuation
Also known as Sequential Compression Device (SCD)
Pressure levels vary, typically 40-60 mmHg for upper extremities; 80-90 mmHg for lower

Intermittently forces air into inflatable sleeves or boots (UE/LE)
Applied pressure elevates interstitial fluid pressure above that of blood vessels
This gradient moves interstitial fluid toward the venous and lymphatic vessels
Air pressure is applied intermittently, acting like a pump to move fluid back toward the heart

Treatment time varies based on the patient's condition. Examples include 2-hours on, 30-minutes off and 18-hours on, 9-hours off (for low mobility, post-surgery)
Compression pressure is generally between a patient's diastolic and systolic blood pressure

Variety of styles & fabrics (custom and off-the-shelf)
Varying pressure levels (12-25 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg)
Standard garments are not suitable for patients with significant deviations in circumference or limb deformities or unusual shapes
Measurements for custom-made garments are done after 10-15 days of treatment to allow for proper fit
Garment fit is crucial for patient comfort and compliance

Easier to don and doff
Can be worn under short stretch wraps or alone
Can be customized, suitable for specific body parts (e.g. for a person who cannot independently apply a more fitted support garment)
Useful for individuals with compromised or fragile skin. Often chosen by patients for nightly use instead of bandaging.

Venous wounds require short-stretch bandages with high working pressure, low resting pressure
Arterial wounds ideally require little or no compression, or light compression, practitioner involvement is crucial for decision-making
Neuropathic wounds need more detailed evaluation considering blood flow considerations
Lymphedema requires short-stretch compression for 23 hours a day until goal is reached, then transition to moderate/high compression garments depending on swelling's location and severity

Cellulitis and Dermatitis are skin infections caused by bacteria or skin breakdown, respectively
Lymphedema bandaging can include the foot, ankle, calf, and upper extremity
Measurement tapes for compression wraps can be used on upper and lower extremities
Compression sleeve with separate gauntlet, custom-made
Custom and off-the-shelf sleeves, gloves and other garment types exist for application on upper & lower extremities