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Recent Research in IPC for Lower Limb Ischemia

Lower limb ischemia caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease is a hot topic in medicine. Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy is being used to treat patients with ischemic limbs where conventional treatments (namely surgery) fail or cannot be used.

If you are interested in learning more about arterial pneumatic compression pump therapy to treat ischemic ulcers, ACI Medical encourages you to explore the growing research surrounding the ArtAssist® device.

The latest research comes from a presentation at the Society of Vascular Surgery Annual Meeting in June 2015. Excerpt from abstract:

Enhancing Neovascularization in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Objectives: The shear stress stimulus needed to switch on arteriogenesis, attenuated in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI), can be restored with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). IPC also increases inflow of
oxygenated nutritive blood, clears waste products of metabolism, and enhances the traffic of elements needed for neovascularization (NV). The circulating progenitor cell (CPC) population is also depressed in CLI. We hypothesize that NV will be promoted by IPC and CPC mobilization.

Continue reading…

Additional research begins to explore the effect of leg IPC on nitric oxide (NO) levels in the arm. Excerpt from abstract:

The effect of intermittent pneumatic compression of legs on the levels of nitric oxide related species in blood and on arterial function in the arm

Background: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of legs exerts beneficial local vascular effects, possibly through local release of nitric oxide (NO). However, studies demonstrating systemic transport of nitrogen oxide species and release of NO prompt the question of whether IPC could also exert nonlocal effects. We tested whether IPC (1) affects systemic levels of nitrite, S-nitrosothiols and red blood cell (RBC) NO, and (2) exerts vasoactive effects in the brachial artery (BA), although this hypothesis-generating pilot study did not investigate cause and effect relationship between (1) and (2).

Continue reading…

Additional studies surrounding the treatment of lower limb ischemia with IPC can be found on the Clinical Studies page under the Limb Salvage & CLI heading.

Contact ACI Medical to discuss all aspects of arterial IPC treatment, from ongoing research to how patients can easily obtain the ArtAssist® device for home use:

Toll Free (888) 453-4356 or info@acimedical.com

Oct 21, 2015 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD

5th Annual Native American Health Care Conference – The ArtAssist® Device

The Fifth Annual Native American Health Care Conference takes place November 12-14, 2014 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California.

ACI Medical will be there with the ArtAssist® device to present and discuss solutions to diabetes-related complications in the Native American community, particularly in regards to diabetic foot ulcers.

According to the CDC:

American Indian and Alaska Native adults are twice as likely to have diagnosed type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites
Rates of diagnosed diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives younger than 35 doubled from 1994–2004.
Data from the 2009 Indian Health Services’ (IHS) National Patient Information Reporting System (NPIRS) indicate that
14.2 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 20 years or older who received care from IHS had diagnosed diabetes
In 2012, diabetes and its related complications accounted for $245 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages. This figure is up from $174 billion in 2007

Having diabetes increases a patient’s chances of foot ulcers that are slow to heal. If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers will grow, become infected, and can eventually lead to limb amputation. It is of utmost importance that diabetics educate themselves on proper foot care and make regular visits to their health care teams.

Some patients have difficulties managing their diabetic foot ulcers and are now facing the prospect of a major amputation. The ArtAssist® device has been shown to restore circulation to the ulcer, facilitating wound healing and limb salvage. The system is non-invasive, user-friendly, and can be used at home or at a clinic.

Over 25 clinical studies from multiple, independent centers confirm that the ArtAssist® device is responsible for a significant increase in arterial blood flow to affected limbs.

Doubles or triples pain-free walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication
86-94% limb salvage rate
Opens and strengthens collateral arteries, resulting in long-term benefits (arteriogenesis)

For more information, please visit these resources:

Oct 6, 2014 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®

ACI Medical to Exhibit at VEITHsymposium ™ in November 2013

ACI Medical will be joining VEITHsymposium ™ as an exhibitor this year. VEITHsymposium ™ is one of the largest gatherings of vascular specialists in the US. If you would like to visit the ACI Medical booth at the meeting, we will only be exhibiting for one day.

WOUNDS Exhibit
Tuesday, November 19 in the South Corridor, 2nd Floor
Booth #406

VEITHsymposium ™ is scheduled from Tuesday, November 19 through Saturday, November 23. During this time, vascular specialists from around the world will be giving hundreds of short presentations on the latest advances in vascular medicine.

On Thursday, November 21 at 4:21 PM, Professor Andrew N. Nicolaides is scheduled to present on ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device® and what it can do to medically treat critical limb ischemia.

Use of the ArtAssist® device in the treatment of CLI: How does it work and when should it be used

andrew nicolaides veithsymposium presenter

Prof. Andrew N. Nicolaides

Professor Nicolaides is one of the foremost experts on the relatively new arterial pump technology. Nicolaides was part of a team that evaluated and optimized the ArtAssist® device to maximize circulation. Since having laid the groundwork for this medical device, the ArtAssist® device has been shown in many clinical trials to facilitate wound healing and limb salvage by effectively doubling and tripling blood flow.

ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device®

For discussions and questions prior to and after Professor Nicolaides’ presentation, ACI Medical welcomes you to visit our booth. As the pioneers of the most advanced arterial pump technology to date, ACI will be able to go into depth with you about the science and engineering behind the ArtAssist® device.

Aug 12, 2013 By acimedical ACI Medical, ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®

Taiwanese PAD patients have improved quality of life & better walking distances in this new IPC study

Unlike other studies for the ArtAssist® device, these researchers examined the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)

ArtAssist Arterial Assist Device IPC therapy

ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device®

therapy on PAD patients suffering from infrapopliteal diffuse or multiple segmental lesions and who were at risk of amputation.

Click here to view the abstract.

Patients were separated into study (n=23) and control (n=8) groups and were given the following tests before and after the study period:

6-minute walking test to examine claudication distance.
Results: duration and initial and absolute claudication distances significantly increased in study group
Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2).
Results: significantly increased in distal end of target limb after IPC therapy
Quality of Life (Short-Form 36 questionnaire):
Results: significant changes in physical functioning, physical and emotional role functioning, bodily pain, and general and mental health after IPC therapy

The study group received ArtAssist® device therapy for three months, three hours per day. The ArtAssist® device rapidly compresses the foot, ankle, and calf at 120 mmHg approximately every 17 seconds. The rapid inflation and deflation of the cuffs is instrumental to the arteries’ vasodilation.

The significant improvements in walking distance, oxygen levels, and quality of life show both medical and lifestyle benefits for patients who are not candidates for surgical intervention.

To read more about the clinical trials conducted with ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device®, please visit the Clinical Studies Page.

Jul 11, 2013 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD

Abstract: “How The ArtAssist Pneumatic Compression Device Can Heal Ulcers From CLI & Relieve Rest Pain Noninvasively”

The abstract “How The ArtAssist Pneumatic Compression Device Can Heal Ulcers From Critical Limb Ischemia And Relieve Rest Pain Noninvasively” presented by Prof. Andrew Nicolaides, MS, FRCS at VEITHsymposium 2012 is now available for download from the VEITHsymposium website. We have also included it on our References/Clinical Studies page.

Enjoy! http://www.veithsymposium.org/abstracts/vei/208.pdf

ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device®

Dec 12, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®

Dr. Paul van Bemmelen talks about treating PAD without surgery on eHealth Radio

Just in time for PAD Awareness Month is an interview by the very kindly Eric Michaels on the eHealth Radio podcast, “ArtAssist treatment helps poor circulation with Dr. Paul van Bemmelen“.

For being only 7 minutes long, this interview covers a lot of ground with the ArtAssist® device in a way that only Dr. van Bemmelen, as a key developer, can articulate. Listeners from all walks of life can learn a little bit from him as he exposes the harsh (yet unfortunately common) realities that patients with non-surgical PAD endure and more importantly, what your doctor can do to help you.

Excerpt:

Now, you have developed a device with ACI Medical to assist the arteries with the circulation called the ArtAssist®. What is it and how does that work?

Humans are unique because we are upright, and as long as we keep moving, our leg muscles are squeezing the blood back to the heart and assist in the circulation work. But modern humans are typically not active enough. The ArtAssist® is essentially a strong massage device that people can use at home. It obtains the good effects of walking – that is, increased blood flow – without the bad effects of walking, such as the need for more oxygen in the leg muscles with more pain. Also, real walking can worsen the friction between the skin and the shoes, which causes problems in diabetes.

So go ahead and tune in! You definitely won’t be sorry you did.

Visit the eHealth Radio website to gain access to this interview and many more health-related topics, or click here to open the media player.

Also be sure to check out Dr. van Bemmelen’s most recent article for faim.org, “Walking therapy and pneumatic compression: the natural cures for poor leg circulation”

Thanks! I hope you enjoy listening!

Sep 18, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD

A PAD Patient with Less Pain | Margie C. on the ArtAssist® Device

Margie tells us that when she had first received the ArtAssist® device from us at ACI Medical, her problems were pretty common for a patient with severe PAD (peripheral arterial disease):

Leg pain when walking, leg cramps mostly at night, toe nails coming off + not growing back normally, swelling in feet and legs from poor circulation.

These days, her testimonial tells us that since Margie has started to use the ArtAssist® device, we are glad to hear that she has gone from having rest pain and imminent tissue loss to being a claudicator.

I still have some pain when walking, the leg cramps seldom, toes are better, and bad swelling only when I overdo. I believe the [ArtAssist®] machine has kept me from worse and I will continue to use it.

Though her symptoms have not completely dissipated, we at ACI are relieved to have provided her with the means to get her out of the danger zone. Her advice to other PAD sufferers:

I would advise anyone with PAD to give it a try.

Thank you for your story, Margie! We are, of course, here for you as your ArtAssist® device therapy continues and we wish you all the best.

Sep 5, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD

Don’t wait around for insurance to save your leg! – Mark H. in Brattle Boro, VT

Mark has been using the ArtAssist® device for almost 15 years! We are also glad to report that his device has saved his left leg from amputation not once, but twice.

Here is Mark’s letter to us:

“Out of many therapies I tried to heal my ulcer, the ArtAssist device was clearly the most effective. Other treatments generally require a certain amount of circulation to the ulcer, while the ArtAssist device addresses the underlying problem by restoring the blood flow necessary for healing.
I quickly started renting the ArtAssist device and then worried about insurance. If I had waited for insurance approval, I’m convinced I would have lost my leg below the knee – a tremendous expense which they WOULD pay for!”
– Mark H., Brattle Boro, VT

We’re with you on the insurance issue, Mark! For years, ACI Medical has been working to get the ArtAssist® device reimbursed by Medicare and other health insurance providers as a treatment that’s WAY less expensive than amputation.

Clinical studies (including a randomized controlled trial) show that ArtAssist® device therapy is 86%-94% effective at preventing the amputation of limbs that are critically ischemic. This is because the ArtAssist® device was specifically designed to increase arterial blood flow to the lower extremities, providing the nutrients and oxygen necessary to promote healing.

The ArtAssist® device is especially useful for patients who, for some reason, cannot have bypass surgery to restore blood flow.

It is recommended that doctors prescribe ArtAssist® device therapy for their patients 1 hour TID for 90 days and send it along with their patients’ contact information to ACI Medical, where they can also talk to experts on Arterial Pump Technology:

Fax: (760) 744-4401
Email: info@acimedical.com
Toll Free: (888) 453-4356

Aug 25, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®

Hope in the Face of Amputation: Mary Tells Her Mother’s ArtAssist® Device Story

Diana’s note: I’ve been digging around on the server lately for material I could use to add to this website. I came across two wonderful stories of patients whose lives were regained because they underwent ArtAssist® Device therapy. These people wished for their testimonials to be shared with others with the hope that anyone suffering from severe PAD would know that there’s one more hope before amputation.

Mary’s mother had run out of options and was on her way toward amputation when doctors suggested the ArtAssist® Device. Here is Mary’s letter to ACI Medical on behalf of her mother (identifying information has been omitted, but it is otherwise unabridged):

November 7, 2006
ACI Medical
1857 Diamond Street
San Marcos, CA 92078-5129

To Whom It May Concern:

A little over three months ago, my mother was an active and independent 83 year-old woman, who lived alone, drove a car and took walks around the block. She began to have a very cold foot, trouble walking and developed pain and ulcers on her left foot and ankle. (She experienced pain just putting a sock on her left foot). She became unable to take her walks, in fact, she would call us because she also experienced intermittent extreme pain and could not move from one room to the next without assistance.

She was diagnosed with peripheral vascular occlusive disease. Several tests and visits to specialists indicated my mother was not a candidate for bypass surgery. Amputation was discussed, which would have been necessary if she developed gangrene. In an effort to avoid amputation, the doctors suggested she take the prescriptions Plavex and Pletal and use the ARTERIAL ASSIST DEVICE.

My mother used the ARTERIAL ASSIST DEVICE along with the Plavex and Pletal for a three-month period. I am happy to report to you that my mother is again an active and independent 83 year-old woman who is taking walks around the block! Thank you to the inventors of the ARTERIAL ASSIST DEVICE!

I am writing this letter so that someone out there who may be as severe as my mother was would ask their doctor about trying this device in an effort to avoid amputation or surgery. Sometimes there is hope when you think hope doesn’t exist.

Sincerely,
Mary H., Southgate, MI

Next week, you’ll read about a patient whose left leg has been saved not once, but twice thanks to ArtAssist® Arterial Pump Technology!

Aug 18, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD

Regaining Mobility is No Longer a Pipe Dream! Donald’s ArtAssist® Device Experience

Here is Donald’s letter to ACI Medical (identifying information has been omitted, but it is otherwise unabridged):

Email submission:

My wife and I rented the [ArtAssist® device] in June 2004. Between the time that we agreed to the rental, and the machine arriving at our home, I was placed in the hospital and subsequently had an amputation of the fourth toe on my right foot.

My first thank you is to the folks [at ACI] for their kindness and understanding, in adjusting the rental period, allowing me to get out of the hospital before starting the clock. The second thank you is for the extra cuffs that were provided to us when the original ones failed. Although you might not like to hear about your product failing, I was more than satisfied with the action we received from ACI.

Now, lets get to the real reason for my letter. In 2001, my blood flow in my lower legs was 62 in both legs. In 2004, that number dropped to 22 and 21, left and right respectively. Dr. ________ (my family doctor) had read about this apparatus [the ArtAssist® device] and suggested that I try the one he had gotten on loan from you. I did and as I mentioned above, then rented the device for three months and then purchased the machine.

I have been using this machine now for just over 6 months and had a Doppler test done last week. The results of which were beyond amazing. The normal number for a reasonably healthy individual is a percentage of blood pressure readings and would be 96 in both legs. My left leg is now 95, and my right leg is 91. Dr. ________ was as impressed as we were. I can’t begin to express my thanks for all you’ve done for me. I expect to be walking a golf course again this year. ONE YEAR AGO, I THOUGHT THAT WAS A PIPE DREAM!!!!!

Thank you again for all you’ve done, and I hope this letter will help convince others to at least try to turn back time.

Don, Ontario Canada

Stay tuned next week for another patient story of how an 83-year-old woman with foot pain and ulcers went from barely being able to put on a sock to taking walks around the block!

Aug 11, 2012 By acimedical ArtAssist®...The Arterial Assist Device®, PAD