Effectiveness of the A-V impulse hand pump

Abstract

Acute swelling of the hand is a common problem after trauma or surgery and is associated with both pain and loss of function. We describe a prospective study of 47 patients in which we assessed the effects of a pneumatic compression device (A-V impulse hand pump) on the swollen hand. The pump reduced swelling by increasing the velocity of venous return as demonstrated by Duplex scanning of the median cubital vein. Continuous use of the pump for 48 hours gave a reduction of 78.6% in swelling of the injured hand compared with the opposite, uninjured side. Even when used intermittently, with the pump on for 12 hours out of 24, a statistically significant effect was seen. There was a subjective reduction in pain and an objective improvement in function of the hand. Use of the pump resulted in a nearly normal hand by the time of discharge from hospital after, on average, 48 hours.

Efficacy of the A-V Impulse System versus cryotherapy in the reduction of postoperative oedema of the hand: a prospective randomised trial

“…Intermittent compression therapy was used in this randomised trial for the treatment of post-traumatic and postoperative oedema of the hand [1, 9]. …”

“…Ramesh et al [9] investigated the correlation between pneumatic compression of the hand and cubital vein blood flow. He found that continuous use of a pneumatic compression device (A-V impulse hand pump) for 48 h resulted in reduction in swelling of 78.6%, and intermittent use a reduction of 69.4%; they also found subjective reduction in pain perception and objective improvement in hand function.…”

Therapeutic Modalities—An Updated Review for the Hand Surgeon

“…Intermittent pneumatic compression pumps have long been considered an effective tool for reducing acute and chronic edema, although there are varying treatment protocols with regard to pressure, duration, frequency, and type of model. [142][143][144][145][146][147] Intermittent compression therapy has also been suggested as an option for wound healing, pain control, and mobilizing stiff fingers.…”

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine: Review

“…ППК зменшувала набряковий біль в руці після травм [24] та біль при розтягненні коліна [25]. Водночас, застосування ППК не впливало на біль при поверненні до фізичних навантажень після тібіального переламу [26] і не давало переваг в реабілітації після дистального променевого переламу [27].…”

“…Важливим ефектом ППК при переломах у передопераційному періоді є зменшення посттравматичного набряку [22,32] і скорочення терміну передопераційної підготовки [21,33]. Після оперативного втручання або в період іммобілізації та після її зняття ППК зменшує гострий і хронічний набряк [34], за рахунок чого покращує функціональну спроможність травмованої кінцівки [24] Abstract. The purpose of the study was to characterize the clinical value of intermittent pneumatic compression in sports medicine according to the scientific literature.…”