Original studies were conducted during development and subsequent use of the ArtAssist® device, developed by ACI Medical for the medical treatment of patients at risk of permanent limb damage or amputation due to insufficient blood flow. FlowDyn uses this same technology.

Physiological Optimization

Investigations into Physiological Effects of Compression and Device Optimization began as early as 1991. These studies set out to assess the physiological effects of intermittent pneumatic compression and to determine the optimal parameters for increasing arterial blood flow to the lower extremities: timing, patient positioning, air bladder dimensions, pressure, and so on. Over time, ACI Medical made adjustments with the sole purpose of maximizing arterial blood flow to the tissue.

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After numerous investigations at multiple academic and clinical centers, the engineers at ACI Medical incorporated these important factors of increasing flow:

• Rapid sequential compression and decompression (under 0.5 seconds)

• Patient in an upright sitting position

• Large air bladders encompassing the limb

• 120 mmHg compression

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Recommended Reading:

• “Augmentation of Blood Flow in Limbs with Occlusive Arterial Disease by Intermittent Calf Compression” van Bemmelen, et al. 1994

• “Intermittent Calf and Foot Compression Increases Lower Extremity Blood Flow” Eze, et al. 1996

• “Intermittent Foot and Calf Compression: Effects on Arterial Blood Flow and Value in the Treatment of Intermittent Claudication” Nicolaides, Delis. 1997

• “The Contributions of Arterial and Venous Volumes to Increased Cutaneous Blood Flow During Leg Compression” Eze, et al. 1998

• “Acute Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Popliteal Artery Blood Flow” Labropoulos, et al. 1998

• “Optimum Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Stimulus for Lower-limb Venous Emptying” Delis, et al. 2000

• “Rapid Intermittent Compression Increases Skin Circulation in Chronically Ischemic Legs with Infra-popliteal Arterial Obstruction” van Bemmelen, et al. 2000

• “Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the Calf and Thigh on Arterial Calf Inflow: A Study of Normals, Claudicants, and Grafted Arteriopaths” Delis, et al. 2000

• “Haemodynamic Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the Leg After Infainguinal Arterial Bypass Grafting” Delis, et al. 2004

• “Integrity of Venoarteriolar Reflex Determines Level of Microvascular Skin Flow Enhancement with Intermittent Pneumatic Compression” Husmann, et al. 2008