Phlebo Press® DVT uses air and a soft, conforming, inflatable garment (“sleeve”) to apply compression to the leg. This replicates the action of walking and increases blood flow in the deep veins of the legs. The pump is used until the patient is ambulatory or according to physician orders.

The muscle pump and foot pump

Blood flow in the deep veins is significantly affected by physical activity. The deep veins are surrounded by muscles that press against the vein walls. As the muscles contract and extend during normal physical activity, the veins are compressed, causing the blood inside them to flow towards the heart. One-way valves inside the veins keep the blood from moving in the wrong direction.

Two powerful mechanisms for propelling this venous blood are the calf muscles on the back of the lower leg (the “muscle pump”), and the vein bed located on the sole of the foot (the “foot pump”).

When you walk, the veins on the sole of the foot are compressed and released. This “pumping” action squeezes the blood inside the veins upwards, to the heart. At the same time, the powerful muscles on the back of your lower leg contract and extend, applying and releasing pressure to the veins of the legs, also propelling the venous flow.

In fact, the blood-moving action of the “muscle pump” is so effective that this mechanism is often called the “peripheral heart.”

When a patient is immobile for long periods, such as during and after surgery, recovering from injury, or as a result of illness or stroke, the “muscle pump” and “foot pump” are in disuse.

Under these conditions, venous blood may stagnate in the legs, allowing clots to form. Other risk factors aside from immobility may further increase risk of clot formation.

DVT and PE can both be effectively treated, but prevention is by far the best method of defense.

Phlebo Press® DVT is a pneumatic compression therapy device for prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

It works by mimicking the action of the muscle pump and the foot pump on the veins of the leg by applying pressure, first to the sole of the foot, and then sequentially up the calf. The sleeve then deflates, allowing the veins to refill.

Phlebo Press® DVT products offer two modes of compression: sequential and intermittent.

Sequential compression uses four chambers, inflating in sequence, to create a directional pressure wave.

Intermittent compression uses a sleeve containing one chamber.

Both types are very effective at increasing blood flow . The sleeve inflates, holds briefly, and then deflates and pauses. The process then repeats.