A Sequential Compression Device (SCD), often called a leg pump, is a mechanical device designed to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by promoting blood flow in the legs. The device uses inflatable sleeves, or garments, that wrap around the limbs and sequentially squeeze the muscles, working from the ankle toward the knee or thigh. This mechanical action mimics the natural muscle contractions that occur during walking, which effectively propels venous blood back toward the heart. The primary goal of this intermittent pneumatic compression is to counteract venous stasis, or the pooling of blood in the deep veins, which is a major risk factor for clot formation.
Prescribed Duration of Use
The duration a patient needs to use a leg pump relates directly to the time they are at risk for developing a blood clot. For optimal effectiveness in a hospital setting, the device is generally prescribed for continuous use, ideally for at least 18 to 20 hours out of every 24-hour period. This near-constant application is necessary because the beneficial effects of the compression, such as increased blood flow velocity and the activation of natural clot-dissolving agents in the body, are short-lived. Studies show that these prophylactic effects diminish rapidly, often within minutes of the device being removed.
Usage typically begins immediately upon hospital admission or before a surgical procedure to establish the protective effect as early as possible. For patients who are bedridden or have severely limited mobility, the SCD is worn 24 hours a day, only being removed temporarily for hygiene, skin checks, or short periods of ambulation. The continuity of the therapy is paramount to maintaining the necessary changes in blood flow and chemistry that prevent clot formation.
Equipment Lifespan and Maintenance
The question of how long a leg pump lasts can also refer to the physical longevity of the equipment, which includes two main components: the main pump unit and the compression sleeves. The electronic pump unit, which generates the air pressure and controls the inflation cycles, is a durable piece of medical equipment designed for extended use in a clinical setting. These main units are built to withstand heavy use over several years, often requiring only routine preventive maintenance, like fan and filter cleaning, to ensure consistent performance. Some portable units also incorporate a rechargeable battery, which typically provides up to eight hours of operation, offering mobility to the patient when away from a wall outlet.
In contrast, the compression sleeves or garments are designed for single-patient use and are the components with a limited lifespan. Sleeves are available as disposable, single-use items or as reprocessed items that can be cleaned and sterilized for a new patient. Disposable sleeves are intended to be used by one patient for the duration of their prescribed therapy, which may be days or weeks. They must be replaced if they become soiled, damaged, or lose their structural integrity, as this can compromise the precise compression pattern.
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the system. The sleeves should be checked daily for kinks, tears, or air leaks, and the connecting tubing must be securely attached to the pump unit. The pump itself should be placed where its vents are not obstructed, allowing the internal components to cool properly. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and inspection helps ensure the machine delivers the correct pressure and inflation sequence, preserving the integrity of the long-term mechanical prophylaxis.
Criteria for Discontinuing Use
The medical decision to discontinue the use of a leg pump for DVT prevention is primarily determined by a reduction in the patient’s risk profile. The single most important factor signaling the end of therapy is the patient’s return to independent and sustained ambulation. When a person is fully mobile and walking around regularly, their calf muscles are naturally contracting, which effectively replicates the pumping action of the SCD. This restoration of natural blood flow through movement alleviates the high-risk state of venous stasis.
Discontinuation should always be a deliberate medical order rather than a patient decision, based on a comprehensive venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment. For many post-surgical patients, the device is used until they are discharged from the hospital and have achieved a functional level of mobility. If a patient is transitioning to a home setting but still has limited movement, a portable SCD unit may be prescribed for continued use until their mobility improves further.
The device is also stopped if there are contraindications, such as a confirmed or suspected deep vein thrombosis, as the compression could potentially dislodge the clot. Other reasons for stopping include the development of a skin breakdown, a pressure ulcer, or an infection on the limb where the sleeve is applied. In all cases, the healthcare provider weighs the patient’s diminishing risk of DVT against any potential complications of continued use, making the final determination when the therapeutic effect is no longer warranted.