Compression Flashcards
application of mechanical external compressive forces over the upper and lower limbs for improving venous, arterial, and lymphatic circulation:
Limb compression:
The rationale behind application of limb compression therapy is to provide practitioners with a therapeutic means to
enhance peripheral venous, arterial, and lymphatic circulation after injuries and surgery, as well as in the presence of disease and prolonged immobilization.
graded compression means that the pressure gradient will be the highest ….
distally on the limb
Edema is
an excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space that causes swelling.
The major causes of edema are
trauma, venous insufficiency, and impaired lymphatic circulation.
Venous edema is caused by what?
venous insufficiency resulting from dysfunctional valves and lack of activity.
Lymphedema is…
an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid in subcutaneous tissues or body cavities resulting from inefficiency of the lymphatic drainage system.
The primary goals for reactive compression is the
control peripheral edema caused by vascular or lymphatic dysfunction:
The primary goals of proactive compression are:
Prevention of DVT in patients with moderate and high risk
Other goals for using compression agents aside from DVT prevention and control of peripheral edema are:
- reshaping residual limb after amputation, aides to minimize keloid formation.
- Healing venous SKIN ulcers: associated with venous stasis.
How does the mechanical energy used in compression create an upward volumetric displacemet?
- by increasing hydrostatic pressure in the interstitial spaces relative to the vessels; high to low pressure.
- and to push arterial blood into soft tissues, thus enhaning their oxygenation.
What is the function of the lympatic system?
- Aides in inmunologic responses
- Carries fluids from peripheral tissues to veins
What are the two physiological vascular pumps?
- Calfs muscles: via muscle contraction
- Plantar venous plexus or venous pump at the sole of the foot: via weight bearing.
Types (modes) of compression:
- Compression garmet: sock-like
- Pneumatic: air-inflatable
- Compresing bandaging: elastic and inelastic
What is the compression (mmHG) usually used fro ambulatory patient?
30-40 mmHg
Which type of compression agent provides high resting pressure but low working pressure?
High elastic bandages (ACE)
Where are the lymphatic capillaries located?
in the dermis
Which type of bandages provide low resting pressure but high working pressure during muscle activity?
low/short stretch bandage
which type of compressive banadge is used for lymphedema patients who are usually active?
Low/short stretch bandage
Wich type of compressive bandage can control edema and improve circulation in inactive/flaccid extremity?
High elastic bandage
Which type of compression agents prevent DVT and venous thromboembolism. Particularly for bedridden and post-surgical patients?
Intermittent Compression Pumps
Should you have motion using the low-elastic bandage?
yes
true or false:
limb compression can benefit patients with arterial occlusive diseases such as intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia.
true (text book, p 351)
what is the recommendation range for upper extremity compression?
30 to 60 mmHg
what is the recommendation range for lower limb compression?
40-80 mmHg slow
what is the recommendation range for foot compression?
Up to 130 mmHg fast to mimic cycles of ambulation
*Indications for compression are the prevention of:
- edema
- venous thrombosis
- ischemia
- and skin ulcers
Text book
