Medical devices are crucial in modern healthcare, aiding in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Among these innovations are sequential compression devices, which offer important support in specific medical scenarios.
Understanding SCDs
Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs) are non-invasive medical devices that help promote blood circulation. They consist of inflatable sleeves, resembling cuffs or wraps, placed around a patient’s limbs, most commonly the legs. These sleeves connect to a pump unit that controls their inflation and deflation.
Primary Medical Purpose
SCDs primarily prevent blood clot formation, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT forms when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the legs, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness.
If a DVT portion breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, it becomes an embolus. Should this embolus reach the lungs and block a pulmonary artery, it causes a pulmonary embolism (PE), leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, and a rapid heartbeat. SCDs reduce the risk of these dangerous clots.
How SCDs Function
SCDs operate by applying intermittent pneumatic compression to the limbs. The sleeves contain multiple air chambers that inflate and deflate in a specific sequence, typically starting from the ankle and progressing upwards towards the knee or thigh. This sequential inflation creates a “milking” action, which gently squeezes the veins and pushes blood from the lower extremities back toward the heart.
This rhythmic compression mimics the natural muscle contractions that occur during walking, promoting healthy blood flow and preventing blood from pooling in the veins. By enhancing venous return and reducing blood stasis (slow blood flow), SCDs help to decrease the likelihood of clot formation. The device’s control unit regulates the pressure and duration of these inflation cycles.
Situations Requiring SCDs
SCDs are recommended for patients at increased risk of blood clots due to reduced mobility. This includes individuals recovering from surgery, especially major operations like orthopedic, abdominal, or neurosurgery, where prolonged bed rest or limited movement is anticipated. Patients with medical conditions increasing clot risk, such as chronic lung disease, heart failure, or cancer, may also benefit.
The devices are also used for patients with prolonged immobility from hospitalization, critical illness, or disability. By promoting blood circulation, SCDs mitigate risks associated with inactivity. Healthcare providers determine the duration of SCD use based on individual patient needs and risk factors.