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Improving
Circulation, The A-V Impulse System®
If you are entering
hospital for an operation your surgeon may decide to include the A-V Impulse System as a
part of your treatment. You might hear this device called the "foot pump".
It includes a pair of
ImPads®, like open toed slippers, that wrap around your feet. These are attached by 2 air
hoses to the controller.
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This System will play a vital role in your successful recovery. The following pages will
explain how.
The Natural Process
Your heart pumps blood
through your arteries to every part of your body.
Veins then carry this blood back to your heart.
However it is a long way from your feet back to your heart, so nature has provided you
with a return pump in your foot.
In the sole of every foot is a collection of large veins known as the venous plexus.
These veins naturally fill with blood. When walking, each time your foot hits the ground
it is flattened, stretching and squeezing the venous plexus. This pumps blood back up
through the veins to your heart.
A diagram of the foot showing the venous plexus
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The Natural Pump in Your Foot
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This X-Ray shows the foot just before
it is pressed against the ground. The venous plexus can be clearly seen filled with blood.
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When the foot is pressed against the ground, the venous plexus is emptied
(shown in the X-Ray) sending the blood through the veins in the leg and back to the heart.
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After your Operation
During your stay in hospital you may be spending much of your time in bed
or sitting and will not be able to walk as much as usual.
As a result your blood will
be moving more slowly.
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If blood is not kept
moving, it can become sluggish and clot inside your veins. This clotting mechanism is
known as thrombosis and surgery can increase its likelihood.
Blood clots can be
dangerous or may complicate your condition.
If untreated thrombosis can
be troublesome as well as painful.
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Why the A-V Impulse System will Help
During the time
after your operation when you are unable to move around much, the A-V Impulse System takes
over.
When you have been fitted with your ImPads they will be connected to the controller. Then
by alternately inflating, they will squeeze the bottom of each foot. In this way the
device mimics the effect of weight-bearing and will keep your blood moving.
You should feel this squeeze on the sole of your foot, in the middle of the arch. The
sensation may seem a little strange at first, but you will quickly grow accustomed to it
and come to find it quite reassuring.
This treatment is an important part of your recovery and will help to reduce your chances
of a blood clot. Please try to use the device whenever you are sitting, lying down or
sleeping. However there is no substitute for walking, so please try to get up and about as
much as possible.
Lastly, may we wish you a speedy recovery and remember that if you have any questions your
nursing staff are fully trained and will be pleased to help.
Guide
for Patients (pdf)
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Soft Tissue Care