A number of manufacturers produce IPC devices. The devices are of different types and vary in ways which may influence how effective they are.
- Thigh length which compress the calf and thigh, calf only and foot only
- Sequential or Single compression – some systems squeeze the lower calf, then upper calf, then thigh to milk the blood out of the leg – others squeeze all together
- Some squeeze around the circumference of the leg, others press just the back
- Slow or fast inflation
- Fixed frequency compression or frequency controlled by rate of venous filling
- Various styles and materials of sleeves which might influence patient comfort, and therefore adherence.
The CLOTS 3 trial tested the Kendall SCD Express system
Page last reviewed: 23 Apr 2020
