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What Is a Sequential Compression Device?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A sequential compression device is a piece of medical equipment used to inflate cuffs on the arms and legs to stimulate circulation. Use of the device may be recommended by a physician in a patient at risk of clotting and swelling in the extremities. It can be operated by a nurse or technician if a patient cannot successfully handle the equipment. In other cases, people may use the device at home after receiving instruction and advice on its use from a care providers.

Most commonly, the sequential compression device is used in a patient who is immobile because of trauma, disease, or other medical issues. Patients who spend long amounts of time in bed can be at a high risk of deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema. These can create pain and discomfort in addition to exposing the patient to other risks, like strokes caused by clotting. One option to manage clotting and swelling is to offer medications and control fluid intake, but mechanical means can also be helpful.

A sequential compression device may be used to promote good circulation and to prevent blood from clotting or pooling in the veins.
A sequential compression device may be used to promote good circulation and to prevent blood from clotting or pooling in the veins.

This equipment attaches to a sleeve with three or more chambers that slips over an arm or leg. When the sequential compression device is turned on, it inflates the chambers one after another. This applies even, firm compression to the extremity. Circulation should be stimulated by this compression, especially when it is applied on a regular basis and at an appropriate pressure setting.

Compression stockings can reduce the risk of getting blood clots in the lower legs by supporting blood circulation of the limbs.
Compression stockings can reduce the risk of getting blood clots in the lower legs by supporting blood circulation of the limbs.

Better circulation can decrease the risk of clotting by keeping the blood moving through the extremity, rather than allowing it to pool. It can also prevent edema by forcing fluid into the trunk of the body, where it can be recirculated or eliminated in the urine, depending on the patient’s level of hydration. Patients who use a sequential compression device regularly may not require more invasive treatments, like high doses of anti-clotting medication. The devices can also reduce the risk of bed sores, another common problem for immobilized patients.

A sequential compression device can help with leg edema.
A sequential compression device can help with leg edema.

It is important to comply with usage recommendations from care providers. This includes properly checking and inflating the device at each use and not skipping sessions, although they may be boring and uncomfortable. Patients who experience a problem like extreme pain while using the sequential compression device can report it to a care provider. A medical evaluation can determine the nature of the problem; for example, the compression setting might be too high, and an adjustment could potentially resolve the issue.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A sequential compression device may be used to promote good circulation and to prevent blood from clotting or pooling in the veins.
      By: roblan
      A sequential compression device may be used to promote good circulation and to prevent blood from clotting or pooling in the veins.
    • Compression stockings can reduce the risk of getting blood clots in the lower legs by supporting blood circulation of the limbs.
      By: Andreja Donko
      Compression stockings can reduce the risk of getting blood clots in the lower legs by supporting blood circulation of the limbs.
    • A sequential compression device can help with leg edema.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A sequential compression device can help with leg edema.
    • A sequential compression device may help reduce the risk of bed sores.
      By: vichie81
      A sequential compression device may help reduce the risk of bed sores.
    • Patients who spend long amounts of time in bed may be at a high risk of deep vein thrombosis.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      Patients who spend long amounts of time in bed may be at a high risk of deep vein thrombosis.
    • Patients who spend long amounts of time sitting can be at high risk of developing peripheral edema.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Patients who spend long amounts of time sitting can be at high risk of developing peripheral edema.