Patent attributes
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices facilitate fluid circulation in a body by providing alternating higher pressure and a lower or no pressure in an associated inflatable cuff. A source of air at a pressure less than 130% of the higher pressure at the inflatable cuff communicates to the inflatable cuff through a large-cross-section, continuously-open passageway. A large vent valve on that passageway opens for a lower or no pressure condition and closes to achieve a higher pressure within 0.1 second. For the lower or no pressure state, the vent valve not only vents the inflatable cuff, but also vents continuing air flow from the source of air pressure, until the next rapid pressure rise. The periods between successive compressions are from 2 to 10 seconds, with compressions from 0.35 to 5 seconds. While most of the inflatable cuff is not transparent, portions adjacent the heel and toes are.
