Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Application of Consistent Massage-Like Perturbations on Mouse Calves and Monitoring the Resulting Intramuscular Pressure Changes
Published on: September 20, 2019
Intermittent pneumatic compression - systems and applications
1Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. morrisrj@cf.ac.uk
Primary Objective:
The purpose of this review is to survey the types of intermittent pneumatic compression systems that are currently used, and their medical applications.
Main Outcomes And Results:
Intermittent compression devices have taken many forms since their initial development, but medical justifications for particular properties of cuff design, compression timing and pressure are often weak. Intermittent compression is well established, and effective in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduction of lymphoedema. Other therapeutic applications, such as in chronic arterial and venous disease, are not yet as well accepted, but may become more popular as published evidence increases.
Conclusions:
The full potential of intermittent pneumatic compression has probably not yet been realized, and requires better quality research. System design must follow physiological evidence, and while complexity in that design may allow greater therapeutic flexibility, it may incur greater financial cost, difficulty in use, and in the prevention of DVT in particular may be unnecessary.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Application of Pascal's Law
Hydraulic systems are used to operate automotive brakes, hydraulic jacks, and numerous other mechanical systems. We can derive a relationship between the forces in a simple hydraulic system by applying...

