Rehabilitation Device Helps Reduce Thromboembolism Risk

A novel deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention device helps hospitals control readmission related costs, while supporting clinician treatment plans.

The VPULSE System is single user, postsurgical rehabilitation device designed to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) in the hospital, clinic, and home environments. The system consists of a control unit, tubing set, and a choice of various joint-specific application wraps that deliver the therapeutic treatments. These include intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy to prevent hospital-acquired VTE; intermittent dynamic compression therapy to reduce swelling; and controlled cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling.


Each of the separate treatment modalities is considered essential for effective postoperative rehabilitation and the prevention of complications. The patient can apply one or two sequential compression therapy pads to the calves for preventative treatment of VTE; and/or one thermal-compression pad to a specific body part such as the knee or shoulder for cold therapy; and/or dynamic compression therapy to manage pain and swelling for post-operative recovery. The VPULSE System is a product of Cothera (Plano, TX, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval.

“The VPULSE System combines DVT prevention and post-orthopedic procedure rehabilitation and places these effective therapies and significant convenience in the hands of the patients,” said Howard Edelman, general manager of Cothera. “The fact that the VPULSE can be used continuously from the hospital to home setting, while providing physicians with compliance data via a data card, will dramatically reduce instances of DVT complications.”

DVT refers to the development of blood clots, or thrombi, within a deep vein. Typically it occurs in the thigh or calf and can develop after any major surgery. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or no signs at all. DVT risk is greatest between two and five days after surgery, with a second peak risk period at about 10 days after surgery (after the patient has been discharged). A consecutive PE can occur when a clot breaks free and lodges in the lungs. PE has been reported to occur in over one third of DVT patients and frequently causes sudden death.

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