INTELLIGENT CONNECTION
Wireless identification technology and unique connectors provide flexible and easy-to-operate compression system for deep-vein-thrombosis prophylaxis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when people develop blood clots in the deep veins of their legs, has been widely associated with sitting in long-haul flights--cases that have came to be known as "economy class syndrome."
But according to the United States National Institutes of Health, there is a more serious occurrence every year--hospitalization-related DVT. The NIH says about 600,000 of hospitalized patients in North America have DVT-related problems, which may be fatal in about 10 percent of cases once they lead to pulmonary embolism. It remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitalized patients worldwide.
One of the safest and most effective ways to prevent DVT in hospitals is the use of mechanical devices that automatically squeeze the feet and lower legs, a procedure known as intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). Pneumatic compression devices consist of an inflatable garment for the leg and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills the garment with compressed air.
Over the past 30 years Huntleigh Healthcare Limited (Luton, United Kingdom) has built up a leading position in the market for IPC devices for the prevention of DVT. In further developing the internationally renowned Huntleigh Flowtron range, designed to work in conjunction with the body's own natural functions, Huntleigh's product-development department wanted to extend the IPC range beyond their two successful systems: the Flowtron Excel for calf and thigh garments and the FP5000, which delivers intermittent pneumatic compression to the foot. To take the product to the next stage of development, they worked closely with their long-time partner, Colder Products Company (CPC), a leading provider of controlled performance connections.
"Hospitals have to purchase different systems for different needs," says David Hampson, technical manager with Huntleigh Healthcare Limited. "Calf and thigh intermittent pneumatic compressions use low pressure over a longer period, while foot compression demands higher pressure in shorter intervals. Our vision was to offer one system that could handle all therapies that would be easy to use."
Flexibility and simplicity
Shortly after Hampson and his design team developed the idea for a more flexible system, they turned to CPC to create a cost-effective solution for quick connections that would work with their new product. A team of engineers from CPC at the company's headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, worked closely with Huntleigh Healthcare to create unique, custom-made connections for the Flowtron Universal IPC system. There were several requirements. The coupling had to be a one-hand, push-button-disconnect coupling. It also had to communicate the type of garment to the pump's computer-assisted pressure-control unit.
The new system consists of double-lined stockings with a bladder that intermittently inflates stimulating and maintaining pulsatile blood flow in the deep veins. The calf, thigh, or foot garments are connected to the Flowtron pump by flexible tubes. The pump has two integral antikink tubes that are permanently attached to the top of the compact and lightweight system. The specification for the connections of the garments to the pump called for a custom design.
Unique and intelligent
"We challenged the engineers at CPC with our idea of an 'intelligent' connection that would enable the pump to recognize what garment is attached and what therapy cycle should be used," recalls Hampson. "Thanks to their knowledge and complete range of services, they provided us with a customized solution that makes the Flowtron Universal a totally unique product in the market."
Backed by 3-D modeling and prototyping capabilities, the CPC engineers around Dennis Downs designed a coupling that uses wireless identification technology. The coupling insert on the tube coming from the garment includes a tag that stores information on what kind of garment it is attached to. The coupling body on the pump hose includes a reader that powers the communication. The coupling automatically exchanges the data at the time of connection and the reader receives the information stored on the tag. The state-of- the-art pump technology recognizes not only what kind of garment is used, but also when only one garment is connected. The pump then automatically switches to the single-garment-use therapy.
"Our unique Smartsense garment-recognition system allows the pump to automatically identify the type of garments attached and adjusts the therapy cycle accordingly, ensuring optimal prophylaxis every time," says Hampson. "This system makes the Flowtron Universal simple to use and the automatic controls reduce nurse-training time and ensures trouble-free handling."
As with all CPC couplings an audible "click" confirms the connection is secure and tight.
Pneumatic compression
Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Blood clots occur most often in the calf or thigh and can partially or completely block the flow of blood in the deep veins that pass through the center of the leg, surrounded by the muscles. The complications associated with DVT can be fatal. A piece of clot lodged in the vein may break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lung, where it can block a pulmonary artery. This may cause severe breathing difficulties leading to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. More rarely, a part of the clot may lodge in other organs like the heart and the brain, and lead to severe heart problems or a stroke.
A DVT may develop after a major surgery because it increases coagulation in response to damage to the body and blood loss. Anesthesia and surgery cause immobility; the calf pump muscle is not being activated leading to low blood flow and stasis in the veins. Research has shown that the longer the surgery the higher is the risk of developing DVT.
Several studies have proved that intermit-tent pneumatic compression is an effective, noninvasive method of preventing DVT. IPC has been shown to lessen edema and post-operative pain, enhance circulation, assist in wound healing, and provide a drier post-operative field.
"The Flowtron Universal's simple three-in-one design provides the clinician with a choice of foot, calf, or thigh compression from a single pump," says Hampson. Its optional battery pack allows the pump to be used independently of an AC power outlet and enables uninterrupted therapy even when electricity is not available. A clear and informative liquid-crystal display and the 200-degree visible power and alarm indicators allow for quick checking and ensure confidence for the operator.
The CPC engineers also found a way to make the new connectors backward compatible with older garments. "That is a huge benefit for our clients," says Hampson. "They can use not only our new garment line, but also the garments they are already using."
"CPC and their excellent work helps Huntleigh to offer a unique product with a great potential for new product innovations based on the Smartsense technology," concludes Hampson. "The connections make all the difference."
AB Isacson Associates
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