Sequential Compression Device – SCD Machine

Sequential Compression Devices – Top Compression Devices – SCD

Sequential compression devices are medical equipment that help improve circulatory function in people with poor circulatory flow. These devices can be used in hospitals and are approved for at-home use. Continue reading to learn more about the Sequential Compression Device (SCD).

What is a Sequential Compression Device?

The SCD medical abbreviation stands for sequential compression device. The main goal of sequential compression devices is to recirculate the blood in a person’s body. Sometimes, people experience circulatory issues due to certain diseases or limited mobility. If people are bedridden, the blood is unable to flow to each vein in the extremities. By limiting blood flow, the necessary organs cannot receive the nutrients, oxygen, and water that are carried in the blood. When the blood cannot be distributed, the patient’s safety is at risk. Limited blood flow may cause a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that can get lodged in the lungs or into the heart. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. A sequential compression device works by applying pressure to recirculate blood, allowing it to flow to all vital organs and extremities. The device is placed on the extremity with severe swelling. Air is pumped into the chamber and put on the swollen body part. After the pressure is applied, the blood can flow freely through the extremity. SCD machines work not only to reflow blood but also to prevent deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.

Do Sequential Compression Devices Work?

Intermittent pneumatic compression is an established method used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Inflatable compression sleeves, jackets, or boots enclose the limb that requires treatment. Pressure lines are connected between the controller pump and the sleeves, and when turned on, the sleeve, jacket, or boot inflates with air. Typically, the sleeve, jacket, or boot has multiple chambers that work together to inflate in a series to squeeze the limb in a “milking action”. The most distal chambers will inflate first, and then subsequent packets will follow in the same manner to help squeeze the blood from the underlying deep veins. When the sleeves deflate, the veins will replenish with blood again. The intermittent compression of the sleeves, jackets, or boots ensures the movement of venous blood.

These devices have been shown to increase the amount of tissue plasminogen activator -tPA. Tissue plasminogen activator is a protein that is involved in the breakdown of blood clots. This protein is found in the cells that line the blood vessels. Synthetic tPA is a medication that is used to break up clots in a heart attack patient.

How Long Can a Sequential Compression Device be Worn?

To be effective in preventing both DVT and VTE, SCDs should be worn for 90% of 24 hours. Patients should wear SCDs for 21 hours a day. SCDs should be applied pre-operatively or intra-operatively; they can also be applied post-operatively.

Do Doctors Use a Sequential Compression Device During Surgery?

Sequential compression devices can be used preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. There has been research showing that early initiation of SCDs helps prevent DVT/PE even more. It’s also recommended to use SCD therapy during prolonged laparoscopic surgery to counteract altered venous blood return from the lower extremities.

Why Are SCDs Used on Immobile Patients?

Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs) are often applied to the legs of immobile patients to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). By gently inflating and deflating, they promote healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

SCDs for Home Use

An SCD machine can be used at home. With proper training, a caretaker or a trusted family member can use this compression machine on a loved one. This allows patients to have treatment in the comfort of their homes. Perhaps they may be bedridden or are unable to move due to mobility issues or stairs. This device relieves their circulatory pain without having to go to a medical office.

Top 3 SCDs

We offer a variety of refurbished products for sale. Below are three SCDs, along with their features and specifications. Soma Tech Intl only refurbishes the top products currently in the medical equipment market. After reading this article, you can ask any of our sales representatives questions or compare them.

Kendall SCD 700

The Kendall SCD 700 is excellent. This device features smart compression controls to deliver compression to legs, feet, or both, and to aid in the prevention of venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolisms. This machine is designed to be portable for either a hospital or at-home use. Features of this device include a measure for venous refill time using Vascular Refill Detection technology, and it can automatically customize compression cycles. 100% of blood is moved every hour, and this device facilitates the tracking of patient therapy by detecting that the garments are actively working. This machine is very quiet, to disturb patients. A smooth, groove-less surface and slim profile make this device compatible with home and hospital cleaning agents.  This machine measures approximately 7 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and has a depth of about 7.3 inches when not in use. This device weighs about 5 pounds and is portable for any place the patient can be in, either a chair, a bed, or somewhere else. The battery can run for between 6 and 8 hours and has a charge time of only 4 hours. The compression cycle for the legs is 11 seconds; the foot cuff cycle is 5 seconds. Are you interested in a Kendal SCD 700 rental? Soma Tech Intl also offers SCD rentals.

Kendall SCD Express 9525

The Kendall SCD Express is a larger version of the SCD 700. The Kendall SCD Express system consists of a controller, non-disposable tubing, and single patient-use leg garments. The compression sleeve has three bladders to deliver circumferential, sequential, and gradient compression to ensure clearance of the deep veins without risking distal blood trapping. The SCD 9525 features delivery compression to the leg, foot, and both. This device can deliver 5-second 130mmHg foot compressions. This flexible and transportable design is ideal for moving between patient rooms or between rooms in a house for home use. An ergonomic handle and versatile bed mount can be used if you want to make this device immobile. The total weight is a little under 9 pounds, 6 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and has a depth of about 4.5 inches. The leg sleeve compression occurs in 11 seconds, while the foot cuffs take about 5 seconds. The run time of the battery is 6 to 8 hours and has a charge time of 4 hours. Is your facility interested in a Kendall SCD Express rental?

A-V Impulse

The Kendall A-V Impulse Foot Compression System is also made by the brand Covidien. Covidien is a trusted brand, for which we refurbish so many of their products. This device, as well as the other two, prevents DVT and pulmonary embolisms. The ImPad rigid sole foot covers on the A-V Impulse are designed with a hard sole that contains and directs the impulse to the bottom of the foot. This action mimics the natural hemodynamic effect of ambulation. It has been clinically proven to reduce the incidence of VTE as well as post-operative swelling and pain utilizing the A-V Impulse. This machine is very safe. An automatic pressure adjustment assures delivery of the pre-set operating parameters regardless of any changes in the patient’s position. There are low and high-pressure alarms to sound if there is too little or too much pressure applied to the garments. This machine weighs about 7.5 pounds, and it is easy to transport between patient rooms. An easy-to-read pressure display provides constant confirmation of the appropriate therapy.

The Refurbishing Process

Because Soma Tech Intl is an ISO 13485-certified facility, we have a strenuous refurbishment process to make certain that all of our products are in great working condition. First, our purchasing team buys units from medical facilities. Once these medical units are shipped to one of our five large warehouses, they are tested by highly trained biomedical engineers. Once the necessary parts are replaced, the unit is sent to the cosmetics department for sanding, painting, and the replacement of decals. After cosmetics, the unit is brought back to the biomedical engineers and tested again to make certain that the machine functions like new and is up to the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications. Finally, the machine is carefully packaged and shipped to your medical facility for immediate use.

Where to Buy a Sequential Compression Device

Soma Tech has a wide range of medical equipment options, so of course, we have SCDs! These devices are refurbished to OEM specifications. If you are not sure which of these devices is right for you, please talk to one of our sales directors. Our sales directors can help you select an option that is right for you or your medical facility.

Sequential Compression Device Rental

If you are not ready to purchase one or would like to test out different models, we also offer rental and rent-to-own options. There are benefits to renting SCDs. Your facility can avoid acquisition and maintenance costs on your rented equipment. Equipment will be ensured to meet immediate needs. There is no downtime in operations due to repairs or preventative maintenance. In the unlikely event that a machine has an issue, we have a great service department.

Service Department

In the very rare and unlikely case that your machine encounters a problem either within our competitive warranty period or after the period is over, we have a great SCD service department. We will assist you in getting a biomedical engineer to your facility or arranging for technical support over the phone. We offer lifetime free technical phone support.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever used an SCD? Are there any features on this device that you would change, or are there some that you enjoy using? Is there a brand of medical equipment that you trust the most? Comment below!