The inflating sleeves on your calves that prevent blood clots.
When you are confined to a hospital bed, your leg muscles are not moving enough to help pump blood back toward your heart. This lack of movement allows blood to pool in your lower legs. These devices, called sequential compression devices or SCDs, use air to gently squeeze your calves in a rhythmic cycle. This pressure keeps your blood circulating, which lowers your risk of developing a dangerous blood clot.
A blood clot that forms in the deep veins of your leg is known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. If a piece of this clot breaks off, it can travel through your bloodstream and block an artery in your lungs. This event, called a pulmonary embolism, is a serious medical emergency that we work hard to prevent. These sleeves are a simple, effective tool to keep your blood moving so those clots do not have a chance to form.
The sleeves are connected to a small pump by flexible plastic tubing. This pump inflates the air chambers inside the sleeves in a specific order, starting at your ankle and moving up toward your knee. This motion mimics the natural way your calf muscles work when you walk. You will hear a periodic 'hiss' or 'thump' sound from the machine as it cycles, which is completely normal.
These devices work best when you wear them as much as possible, including while you sleep. If they become too hot or itchy, tell your nurse so we can check your skin or adjust the fit. You can disconnect the sleeves to use the bathroom or walk around, but remember to put them back on as soon as you return to bed. Consistent use is the only way to ensure they remain effective.