Sequential pumps with calibrated gradient pressure have proven to be the best devices for reducing the amount of excess lymphatic fluid in a limb in a comfortable and efficient manner. These pumps function in much the same manner as the body does when it utilizes its own “muscle pump.” The body uses various muscle groups to move the lymphatic fluid through the channels.
Please go to our how-to video.
Suggested protocols have been provided with your pump. Follow these suggestions unless otherwise directed by your physician or therapist. Never increase the pressure unless told to do so by your physician or therapist. Should you reach a plateau in your treatment and feel as though you are not achieving further reduction, decrease the pressure and monitor your progress. It is possible that you may be using too much pressure.
The suggested protocols provided with your pump are designed to help you gain the maximum benefit from your therapy. Again, you should follow these instructions unless otherwise directed by your physician or therapist. In some cases, the physician and/or therapist may deviate from the provided protocols based on your condition.
The pump can be used on patients with venous ulcers and/or open wounds as long as there are no signs of an untreated infection/cellulitis. If you have cellulitis you can use the pump once antibiotics have been administered for at least 72 hours. Signs and symptoms of infection are an abnormal sensation of heat in extremity, a rash, red streaks, pain, or fever. If one or more of these symptoms occur while you are under compression therapy treatment, discontinue your treatment and contact your physician. Wounds must be covered with the appropriate dressings and it is recommended that daily dressing changes be ordered. You should clean and change your dressing immediately following your treatment with the pump. Wounds will drain significantly during pump therapy; this is normal.
The patient must be taught meticulous skincare, especially with the edematous limb. Because of the increased fluid levels under the skin, the skin is much more susceptible to rips and tears than is non-edematous skin. Any breakdown in the integrity of the skin results in susceptibility to bacteria, infection, and cellulitis, the most serious of complications facing the patient. Teach the patient to treat all cuts, burns and bruises, hangnails, ingrown toenails, ingrown hairs, razor rashes, blisters, scrapes, mosquito bites, etc., as potential sites for infection.
Should the patient notice any signs or symptoms of infection or cellulitis they should contact their doctor immediately. Delay in treatment will enable the infection to spread to other areas throughout the body.
Some pregnant women will develop lymphedema lasting the entire term of their pregnancy, but which disappears when the baby is born. However, others can continue to have a problem with edema even after delivery. The patient should wear a compression pantyhose and elevate their limbs as often as possible. Using a pump during pregnancy has been proven effective. The pressures for the pump are set according to the protocols used for primary lymphedema.
Active CHF is a contraindication for a compression pump. However, some doctors will prescribe compression therapy for a patient with a history of CHF when the disease is not in an active state. The physician should be asked whether the patient’s CHF is well controlled. If the condition is well controlled, compression therapy is beneficial. Remember to have the patient in a sitting position while using the compression therapy pump. Teach the patient to monitor him- or herself for any problems, including shortness of breath or chest pain. Should they experience any of these symptoms they should immediately stop their therapy and contact their physician.
A patient with an active DVT is not an appropriate candidate for a compression pump. However, if the patient has had a DVT and it is resolved, they are a candidate for a compression pump. DVTs are often prevented with the use of compression therapy. It is always a good idea to make the physician aware that an active DVT is a contraindication. Request a copy of the last Doppler (within six months) for your records.
There has also been some question about using compression therapy with patients who have a history of DVTs and who have filters. These patients are also candidates for compression therapy, with the same conditions as stated above and with lower compression used during therapy. The only difference would be the physician will generally use less compression for treatment. Teach the patient the signs and symptoms of an active DVT. If it hurts, something is wrong. Stop and contact your physician.
Yes, a patient can use a pump over a multi-layer bandage system.
Bio Compression Systems warrants Model SC-2004-OC, SC-2004FC-OC, SC-3004-DL, SC-3008-DL, SC-2008-OC, BioCryo Model SC-2004-C, Bio Arterial Plus Model IC-BAP-DL, Multi-FLO DVT Combo Model IC-1545-DL the for a period of three (3) years, and the VascuEase Portable DVT System Model IC-1200-WH for a period of six months after delivery to the original user and guarantees that this product is free from defects in workmanship and material under normal use and service.
In addition, Bio Compression Systems warrants the accompanying appliances to the Model SC-2004-OC, SC-2004FC-OC, SC-3004-DL, SC-3008-DL, SC-2008-OC, BioCryo Model SC-2004-C, and BioArterial Plus IC-BAP-DL for a period of one (1) year for each appliance. All accompanying appliances to the Multi-FLO DVT Combo Model IC-1545-DL and VascuEase IC-1200-WH Portable DVT System have a warranty of 30 days.
Bio Compression Systems’ obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement or repair, at Bio Compression Systems’ option, completely without charge for material or labor, for any part found defective by Bio Compression Systems.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, and any representations or promises inconsistent with or in addition to this warranty are unauthorized and shall not be binding on Bio Compression Systems. In no event shall Bio Compression Systems be liable for any special or consequential damages, whether or not foreseeable.
This warranty shall be void if the product has been subjected to misuse or damage by negligence or accident, or has been altered by anyone other than an authorized agent of Bio Compression Systems.
