Disc Pump has enabled development of a new generation of vascular compression therapy
LEE Ventus have developed a wearable compression system, powered by Disc Pump; designed to revolutionise treatment of vascular and lymphatic circulatory conditions. The new discrete, wearable system provides the efficacy of hospital-based compression therapy in a device that allows full mobility and freedom from restrictive conventional therapies.
The LEE Ventus compression system combines the pneumatic power and silent micropump technology of Disc Pump with pioneering product design and clinical insight. The system represents a breakthrough in compression therapy, providing a solution to common vascular and lymphatic circulatory issues that may lead to development of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), oedema (swelling) and dermatological ulcerations.
This innovative light-weight system is easier to use and more comfortable to wear than static stockings or bandages, and delivers the effectiveness of clinic-based Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) devices without the need for bulky, noisy equipment and administration by a healthcare professional.
The LEE Ventus compression system comprises a light-weight leg cuff containing a powerful integrated pump system that administers pressure to the appropriate leg muscles (usually the calf) in a cyclical pattern. This enables the muscle to act as a peristaltic pump to promote active circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid.
This practical, washable system can be worn over dressings and under clothing. The silent operation allows the system to be worn discretely throughout the working day and in social settings or at night without causing sleep disturbance. Minimal training is required to enable patients to fit and remove the device independently.
The LEE Ventus compression system has the potential to offer tangible benefits in terms of patient outcomes and efficient use of health resources in the management of common vascular issues. There is a role within both the consumer and healthcare market for a silent, discreet, everyday wearable compression system that can be personalised to the correct therapeutic pressure.
Tom Wainwright, Associate Professor at the Bournemouth University Orthopaedic Research Institute
Vascular/lymphatic injury or poor vascular circulation associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes may lead to swelling in the legs and/or ankles, DVT, lymphoedema (swelling caused by blockage of the lymph vessels), and breakdown of the skin (e.g. leg ulcers). If left untreated or poorly managed, these issues can lead to severe complications, which may result in infection and potentially limb amputation.
Compression therapy is the main treatment option for the management of circulatory and lymphatic conditions. It promotes return blood flow to the heart via the veins and delivery of oxygenated blood to the limbs via the arteries. It also minimises the build-up of lymphatic fluid and swelling. Compression more than doubles the chances of venous leg ulcers healing.1 It reduces pain and recurrences, and increases quality of life associated with these debilitating conditions.
The cost of caring for patients with chronic wounds such as leg ulcers is estimated at £2.3billion – £3.1billion per year.2 Recurrence is common and effective treatment may take up to 6 months. Optimal treatment usually requires specialist nursing care within the hospital setting, potentially including IPC therapy to provide controlled cyclic pressure to the leg muscles and improve vascular/lymphatic circulation.
Community-based treatment using compression stockings and dressings tend to be associated with poorer outcomes.3 Application of compression bandages or stockings usually requires expert fitting and may not provide the correct pressure for effective treatment. Unlike IPC therapy, the static pressure applied via stockings or dressings cannot compensate for the gravitational effect of lying, sitting or standing.
The LEE Ventus vascular compression system is currently undergoing clinical evaluation.
This exciting development in the management of circulatory issues offers a potential therapeutic solution that can be applied across a broad range of significant health issues from vascular problems associated with common chronic conditions such as diabetes through to ankle oedema during pregnancy and avoidance of DVT in high risk populations.
The highly sensitive, silent and controllable system can be adjusted to provide a personalised approach to therapy, enabling the correct amount of pressure to be applied for optimal treatment outcomes.
The LEE Ventus compression system may also help to ease the burden on health service resources required to manage vascular issues in both community and clinic-based settings. The user-friendly design minimises the time required to administer compression therapy and, in many cases, the patient will be able to fit the compression system themselves without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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