venous plexus foot pump


venous plexus foot pump

A device that alternates between applying pressure and no pressure on the sole of the foot. The change in pressure allows venous blood vessels to alternately fill and then empty, thus imitating the effects of walking on the veins of the lower extremities. The pump is used to prevent deep vein thromboses (DVTs) in patients at high risk because of a previous history of DVTs, hypercoagulable states, or prolonged bedrest. See also: pump