Patient education: Intermittent pneumatic compression devices (The Basics)

What is an intermittent pneumatic compression device? — Intermittent pneumatic compression, or "IPC," devices are inflatable cuffs that go over the legs (figure 1). They are often used to help prevent blood clots, but are also used for other conditions.

"Intermittent" means on and off. "Pneumatic" means using air. "Compression" means to squeeze. Using an IPC device helps with circulation, and lowers the chances of a blood clot. There are some other benefits, too.

The leg cuffs are joined to a pump that inflates the cuffs with air. This squeezes the legs. Then, the air is released from the sleeves. The device squeezes and releases a few times each minute.

Some IPC devices are worn over the calf. Others are worn over the thigh and calf. Most apply pressure to the lower part of the leg, and then the upper part. These are called "sequential" compression devices.

Why might I need an IPC device? — Your doctor might recommend this if you are at risk of developing a blood clot. This includes people who:

●Are very sick

●Had surgery

●Cannot move around

Other reasons you might need an IPC device include:

●Having veins that don't work well

●Having lymphedema (a buildup of fluid)

How do I use an IPC device? — You can wear the IPC sleeves over or under your clothes. It might be more comfortable if there is a layer of cloth between the cuff and your skin. Do not wear the cuff over a wound.

Wear the IPC device on your legs when you are in bed or sitting in a chair. Take the cuffs off before you get up or walk around. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly when you should wear them.

Some people use their IPC device at home. If so, you will work with a durable medical equipment, or "DME," company to get the supplies you need. Their staff will teach you how to:

●Put on and take off the cuffs

●Connect the cuffs to the pump

●Turn the pump on and off

●Take care of the cuffs and pump

They will also talk with you about how long you need to wear the IPC device.

Using an IPC device might feel strange at first when it squeezes your legs. But it should not hurt.

What else should I know?

●Move your feet and ankles while lying in bed, even if you have an IPC device on. You can do ankle circles or point and flex your toes. Moving your feet and ankles can also help prevent blood clots.

●Take short walks a few times each day if you can. This can also help your circulation.

●Check your skin under the IPC sleeves a few times each day.

●Your doctor might want you to wear compression stockings when you are not wearing the IPC sleeves. These are special socks that fit tightly over your ankle and leg.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●You feel short of breath or have trouble breathing.

●You have sharp or severe chest pain when you breathe.

●You are coughing up blood.

●You have signs of stroke, like sudden:

•Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body

•Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding

•Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes

•Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

•Severe headache with no known cause

Call the doctor or nurse for advice if:

●You notice new or worsened swelling in your leg.

●Your leg becomes numb or very painful to touch.

●Your leg hurts when you walk.

●Your leg turns blue or gray.

●You start to have discomfort when you take a deep breath.

●You notice that the cuffs are not inflating in the right sequence.

●Your leg hurts because the cuff is squeezing it too hard.

More on this topic

Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) (The Basics)
Patient education: Peripheral lymphedema after cancer treatment (The Basics)

Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Lower extremity chronic venous disease (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Lymphedema after cancer surgery (Beyond the Basics)