On the Definition of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

Abstract

Background. The last two decades have been characterized by the widespread use of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) technologies, the emergence of a wide range of uniform devices, and the use of trade names as terminology. The lack of standardization of terminology at both the international and national levels puts healthcare professionals in the position of having to conduct identity and differentiation expertise for various hardware models and techniques. Understanding what intermittent sequenced pneumatic compression (ISPC) is and is not, and how it relates to similar types of therapy, is necessary for the application of this technology in scientific research, licensing, and medical insurance.Aim. Based on the classification and terminology that have emerged in the field of PCT, provide definitions of PCT and ISPC.Methods. The classification being developed is aimed at practicing medical professionals and includes two levels: a synthetic level that contains generalized groups of tools primarily described from an engineering and technical perspective, and an applied level that includes specific therapeutic tools characterized from both engineering and clinical-biological perspectives. The terminology used comes from both modern English-language scientific medical literature sources and the practice of using terms that has developed in Ukraine over the past 20 years. The definitions provided are based on the identified relationships of subordination and affinity within the classification.Results. The definition of ISPC remains a challenge. In our opinion, reduction or description is the optimal approach, as attempts to provide a direct definition of ISPC have been unsuccessful. Typically, any clear definition is incomplete [1, 2], while a relatively complete definition is incomprehensible. Such multifaceted phenomena as ISPC are better suited to large descriptive definitions [3], which, however, are not suitable for practical application. In some cases, it is considered better not to provide a definition and move directly to practical aspects [4,5,6].Among all types of external pressure application used for therapeutic purposes, three groups can be distinguished: Variant where pressure is provided by the weight or muscle force of a person: manual and instrumental massage, acupressure, etc.; Variant where pressure is provided by tissue products (bandages, stockings, dressings, corsets, orthoses, etc.); Variant where pressure is provided by gels, fluids, powders, or gases. In the latter case, the working environment is most often air, so this group of therapeutic effects is conveniently called pneumatic compression therapy, PCT.