Can an intermittent pneumatic compression system monitor venous filling in the leg?
OBJECTIVE: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) systems are used for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. Both legs are wrapped with inflatable sleeves connected to a pneumatic controller to allow compression of the legs causing expulsion of venous blood. Venous refill between inflation periods causes leg expansion, which can be tracked by measuring pressure changes in the sleeve. The aim of our study, which utilized the SCD RESPONSE compression system in conjunction with an independent pressure transducer, was to investigate whether factors such as temperature changes within the sleeves during inflation and deflation affect the measured venous refill time (VRT). METHODS: Transducers were used to measure air pressure in the middle chamber of the sleeve. A thermocouple was also inserted into the bladder to measure temperature changes. Inflation, deflation and refill measurements were made with the sleeves around model systems (static, rigid plastic pipes or compliant paper rolls,
