Question - What makes IPC an improvement over an Unna Boot or Compression Bandages? IPC is easier to use. The patient simply slips the arm or leg appliance over the affected limb and turns-on the control unit.  The waves of dynamic compression mimic calf muscle function, reduce venous and lymphatic pooling or swelling, lowers venous hypertension, and accelerates the healing of venous stasis ulcers. 

The IPC device is programmed to deliver inflation cycles of 60 seconds and deflation cycles of 30 seconds for compressing and managing edematous limbs due to venous and lymphatic overload. The IPC device automatically shuts-off at the end of the one-hour therapy session. The therapy sessions are performed in the privacy of the patient’s home.

Question - Why is calf-muscle function so important? The act of walking initiates calf muscle function which compresses and propels venous and lymphatic blood back towards the heart for recirculation. Typically patients suffering with lymphedema, edema, or venous stasis ulcers have health conditions which do not allow for daily walking/exercise. As such, these individuals suffer with calf muscle dysfunction which leads to the pooling of deoxygenated blood that eventually leads to edema, lymphedema, or venous ulcerations.

The IPC device mimics the calf muscle function even though the patient is relaxing throughout the therapy session. In essence, an in-home IPC therapy device promotes circulation which helps keep the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease in check.

Question – Does Medicare and other third party insurance companies cover IPC therapy devices? Yes. Insurance companies including Medicare typically review copies of the patient’s progress notes to see if conservative treatments such as elevation, exercise, compression stockings, etc. have been tried before approving the purchase of the device.