A novel approach on pneumatic compression therapy for deep vein thrombosis

Sequential compression technique using external cuff is one of the well established treatment methods to prevent deep vein thrombosis in surgical especially the bed ridden patients. The proposed project describes equipment named EPCE (EXTERNAL PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION EQUIPMENT) for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) treatment. This device has an array of bladders which is placed inside a cuff. The bladders are provided with closed loop monitoring of pressure levels in each bladder and are controlled by employing pneumatic valves which is driven by a microcontroller. The device is equipped with a more efficient air pump. This model ensures an increased life span of the air pump by controlling the timing chains of bladder inflation and deflation by PWM switching from the microcontroller. A power supply back up is also included in the device to serve in case of power failure for longer runs.