DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT); Deep vein thrombosis (often called DVT) is a common and potentially life-threatening complication that can affect any immobilized patient. "Thrombosis"
means blood clot. A DVT is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg or groin. While these can be painful and cause swelling in the leg below the clot, the most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism. "Embolus" means to travel. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels into the blood vessels of the lung. The clot blocks off the circulation and prevents oxygen from entering the blood stream. DVT can break apart and
cause pulmonary embolism. Collectively, any condition that causes clot formation in a vein that has the potential to embolize (travel in the blood vessels) if referred to as Venothromboembolic (VTE) events. To prevent VTE and pulmonary embolism, patients in critical care are often place on a low dose of an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Heparin or other anticoagulants are injected under the skin to
prevent clots from developing. You may notice small bruising on the patients arms, legs or abdomen from the injections. Most patients will also have white, elastic stocking on their legs. These stockings are called Thrombo-Embolic-Deterrent stockings. Most people refer to them as "TED stockings". The patient is fitted for these stockings to get the correct size. The stocking compresses the leg in a graduated fashion to increase the return of blood up
the leg veins (Image 1). If patients are at very high risk or are unable to take an anticoagulant, they may also have Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs) applied to the leg. These air-filled sleeves are placed over the leg and connected to a pump. The pump with gradually and in sequence, inflate the sleeves from the ankle to the thigh to promote the return of blood up the legs (Image 2). Image 1: TED stockings Image 2: Sequential Compression Device (SCDs) Last Updated: October 23, 2014
Venothromboembolic Event (VTE):
PULMONARY EMBOLISM
TED STOCKINGS;
SEQUENTIAL COMPRESSION DEVICES;
HEPARIN
Sequential Compression Devices – Top Compression Devices – SCD
Sequential compression devices are medical equipment devices that help to improve circulatory function in people who have poor circulatory flow. These devices can be used in hospitals and are approved for at-home use. Continue reading to learn more about the Sequential Compression Device (SCD).
What is a Sequential Compression Device?
The SCD medical abbreviation stands for sequential compression device. The main goal of sequential compression devices is to recirculate the blood in a person’s body. Sometimes, people have circulatory issues from some diseases, or because they have limited mobility. If people are bedridden, the blood is unable to flow to each vein in the extremities. By limiting blood flow, the nutrients, oxygen, and water in the blood cannot be distributed to the necessary organs. When the blood cannot be distributed, the patient’s safety is at risk. Limited blood flow may cause a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that can get lodged in the lungs, or into the heart. Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot is formed in a vein. A sequential compression device works by applying pressure to recirculate blood and allow blood to flow to all vital organs and extremities. The device is put on the extremity that has severe swelling. Air is pumped in the chamber and put on the swollen body part. After the pressure is applied, the blood is able to flow freely through the extremity. SCDs work to not only reflow blood but to prevent deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.
Do Sequential Compression Devices Work?
Intermittent pneumatic compression is an established method used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Inflatable sleeves, jackets, or boots enclose the limb that requires treatment. Pressure lines are connected between the controller pump and the sleeves and when turned on, the sleeve, jacket, or boot inflates with air. Typically the sleeve, jacket, or boot has multiple chambers that work together to inflate in a series to squeeze the limb in a “milking action”. The most distal chambers will inflate first, and then subsequent packets will follow the same manner to help squeeze the blood from underlying deep veins. When the sleeves deflate the veins will replenish with blood again. The intermittent compression of the sleeves, jackets, or boots ensures the movement of venous blood.
These devices have been shown to increase the amount of tissue plasminogen activator -tPA. tissue plasminogen activator is a protein that is involved in the breakdown of blood clots. This protein is found on the cells that line the blood vessels. Synthetic tPA is a medication that is used to break up clots in a heart attack patient.
How Long Can a Sequential Compression Device be Worn?
In order to be effective in preventing both DVT and VTE a SCDs should be worn for 90% of a 24 hour period. The patient should wear SCDs for 21 hours a day. SCDs should be applied pre-operatively or intra-operatively, they can also be applied post-operatively.
Do Doctors Use a Sequential Compression Device During Surgery?
Sequential compression devices can be used pre-operatively, intraoperative, and also postoperatively. There has been research shown that early initiation of SCDs helps prevent DVT/PE even more. It’s also recommended to use SCD-therapy during prolonged laparoscopic surgeries to counteract altered venous blood return from the lower extremities.
SCDs for Home Use
SCDs can be used at home. with proper training, a caretaker, or a trusted family member can use this machine on a loved one. This allows patients to have treatment in the comfort of their homes. Perhaps they may be bedridden or are unable to move due to mobility issues or stairs. This device relieves their circulatory pain, without having to go to a medical office.
Top 3 SCDs
There are a few different products that we sell refurbished. Below are three SCDs, along with their features and specifications. Soma Tech Intl only refurbishes the top products currently in the medical equipment market. After reading this article, you can ask any of our sales representatives about any questions, or to compare them!
Kendall SCD 700
The Kendall SCD 700 is a great SCD. This device features smart compression controls to deliver compression to legs, feet, or both, and to aid in the prevention of venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolisms. This machine is designed to be portable for either in a hospital or at home use. Features on this device include a measure for venous refill time using Vascular Refill Detection technology and can customize compression cycles automatically. 100% of blood is moved every hour, and this device facilitates the tracking of patient therapy by detecting that the garments are actively working. This machine is very quiet, so as not to disturb the patient. A smooth, groove-less surface and slim profile make this device compatible for at home and hospital cleaning agents. This machine is about 7 inches high, 8 inches wide, and has a depth of about 7.3 inches when not in use. This device weighs about 5 pounds and is portable for any place the patient can be in, either a chair, a bed, or somewhere else. The battery can run for between 6 and 8 hours and has a charge time of only 4 hours. The compression cycles for legs is 11 seconds; foot cuff cycle is 5 seconds. Are you interested in a Kendal SCD 700 rental? Soma Tech Intl also offers SCD rentals and SCD rentals!
Kendall SCD Express 9525
The Kendall SCD Express is a larger version of the SCD 700. The Kendall SCD Express system consists of a controller, non-disposable tubing, and single patient use leg garments. The compression sleeve has three bladders to deliver circumferential, sequential and gradient compression to ensure clearance of the deep veins without risking distal blood trapping. The SCD 9525 features delivery compression to the leg, foot, and both. This device can deliver 5-second 130mmHg foot compressions. This flexible and transportable design is ideal to be moved between patient rooms, or between rooms in a house for home use. An ergonomic handle and versatile bed mount can be used if you want to make this device immobile. The total weight is a little under 9 pounds, 6 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and has a depth of about 4.5 inches. The leg sleeve compression happens in 11 seconds, while the foot cuffs happen in about 5. The run time of the batter is 6 to 8 hours and has a charge time of 4 hours. Is your facility interested in a Kendall SCD Express rental?
A-V Impulse
The Kendall A-V Impulse Foot Compression System is also made by the brand Covidien. Covidien is a trusted brand, for which, we refurbish so many of their products. This device, as well as the other two, prevents DVT and pulmonary embolisms. The ImPad rigid sole foot covers on the A-V Impulse, are designed with a hard sole that contains and directs the impulse to the bottom of the foot. This action mimics the natural hemodynamic effect of ambulation and has been clinically proven to reduce this incidence of VTE as well as post-operative swelling and pain utilizing the A-V Impulse. This machine is very safe. An automatic pressure adjustment assures delivery of the pre-set operating parameters regardless of any changes in patient position. There are low and high-pressure alarms to sound if there is too little or too much pressure applied to the garments. This machine weighs about 7.5 pounds and it easy to transport between patient rooms. An easy to read pressure display provides constant confirmation of the appropriate therapy.
The Refurbishing Process
Because Soma Tech Intl is an ISO 13485 certified facility, we have a strenuous refurbishment process to make certain that all of our products are in great working condition. First, our purchasing team buys units from medical facilities. Once these medical units ship to our one of our five large warehouses, it is tested by highly trained biomedical engineers. Once necessary parts are replaced, the unit is sent to cosmetics for sanding, painting, and replacement of decals. After cosmetics, the unit is brought back to the biomedical engineers and tested again to make certain that the machine functions like new, and is up to original equipment manufacturer specifications. Finally, the machine is carefully packaged and shipped to your medical facility for immediate use.
Where to Buy a Sequential Compression Device
Soma Tech has a wide range of medical equipment options, so of course, we have SCDs! These devices are refurbished back to OEM specifications. If you are not sure which of these devices is right for you, please talk to one of our sales directors. Our sales directors can help you pick out an option that is right for you, or right for your medical facility.
Sequential Compression Device Rental
If you are not ready to purchase one, or you would like to test out the different models, we offer medical equipment rental options, and rent-to-own options as well. There are benefits to renting SCDs. Your facility can avoid acquisition and maintenance costs on your rented equipment. Equipment will be ensured to meet immediate needs. There is no downtime in operations due to repairs or preventative maintenance. In the unlikely event that a machine has an issue, we have a great service department.
Service Department
In the very rare and unlikely case that your machine encounters a problem either within our competitive warranty period or after the period is over, we have a great SCD service department. We will assist you in getting a biomedical engineer to your facility, or arranging for technical support over the phone. We offer lifetime free technical phone support.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever used an SCD? Are the features on this device that you would change or some that you actually enjoy using? Is there a brand of medical equipment that you trust the most? Comment below!