Lorraine K. of Grand Forks, ND was diagnosed with severe PAD. For treatment, she at first received a calf-only pneumatic compression device from her hospital. After using this system for a week, she decided that the pressure was too weak and that she was unsatisfied.

Her doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, then prescribed ArtAssist®…The Arterial Assist Device® for Lorraine in 2002. She was told to use it 4-6 hours a day. Later that year, Lorraine purchased our pump and began to use it in early 2003. She noticed an immediate difference, saying that ACI Medical’s arterial pump “blew [the calf-only system] out of the water.” Since her purchasing of the ArtAssist® device, Lorraine has sent it back to ACI Medical only once for repairs and uses it faithfully for the prescribed amount of time each day.

Lorraine’s only suggestion for the ACI Medical team is to “get the word out” about the therapy that has helped her so much. Sometimes, we receive thank you letters from Lorraine. So, in that spirit, here is a letter she wrote to Don Kjartanson, our Director of Sales & Marketing:

Dear Don,

I wish to thank you for all the good service you have given me, especially for the new blue cuffs, nice to have some color.

The Dr.’s of Rochester, MN have really been surprised to see how well I’ve been doing with my machine. That’s the only thing that keeps me going. I think I’m in the 11^th year so am so happy to have found out about this machine. If anyone wants to write to me, I’ll be happy to hear.

Use my remarks as you wish.

And thanks so very much. I could not afford what you’ve given me.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Lorraine K.

Diana’s note: I hope you enjoyed reading Lorraine’s sweet note, because patients like her really put the cherry on top of the cake! Even though we already believe in ArtAssist® Arterial Pump Technology as a way to treat PAD, it’s a great feeling to hear from actual patients who need the device. And that, my friends, is what should drive a marketing department!

Update

Since the above entry was based on a telephone conversation and a greeting card, the customer service team at ACI Medical has been reaching out to patients who wish to share their stories. Since Lorraine always has something to add, we invited her to send us all of her thoughts. Among all of our patients, she is certainly one of the most informed about the ArtAssist® device, as she has been using it for almost 12 years! I hope you enjoy her account of how she went from fearing for her limbs to leading a happy, functional life in her own home.

Q: When it comes to ACI Medical’s customer service, what stands out to you?

To me it’s the very best, very good service. They have always treated me well, they take an interest in you.

Q: What would you say to a friend, who was looking for a non-surgical solution for PAD, about the ArtAssist® device?

I would say, go for it you have nothing to lose but the pain, it may take a while to get results, so give it time.

Q: Who prescribed the ArtAssist® device for you?

My son Alvin went to the libraryand got the Reader’s Digest. This is where I found the ArtAssist advertisement, so I contacted the company. They sent me information, and after reading about the ArtAssist machine I went ahead and ordered it. I am so glad we ran across this article. It’s great.

Further thoughts

In March 28, 1996, I had a history of lower peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which had been long standing. I had a left femoral below the knee popliteal bypass graft, which failed in 1999. I had critical lower extremity occlusive disease and was referred for medical treatment. Dr. has been following me since 2000 for this problem. I had severe bilateral peripheral arterial occlusive disease, right 4th toe ulcer to ischemia, in heels then corroded briuts (?) hypertension. I used antifungal cream, I would get pain in calves & feet at a distance of walking across the room, both lower extremities are equally involved. I was using the ArtAssist pump 3 times a day, 90 minutes each hour, it’s remarkable after 11 to 12 years period of no limb loss has ensued. I maintain my activities of daily living and household duties. I have my own house. My son who is disabled lives with me, which is a big help. Dr. says given my age I am doing remarkable with my disease status. I’m now 89, and still have my limbs.

The ArtAssist compression pump is a therapeutic product, a powerful therapy for increasing blood flow with patients effects are for better than any other and without side effects, this has a unique form of pneumatic compression to the patients with diabetic foot ulcers, intermittent claudication, rest pain or non-surgical candidates, have seen positive results with this new technology.

The ArtAssist is very easy to use and very reliable. I look forward to using it, the compression cuffs are durable and designed to last for months of therapy. I am very lucky to have found something that has helped me so much, and I still have my limbs, the medical Dr.’s did all they could and after I got the ArtAssist device, which they didn’t seem to know anything about this machine, but they were happy for me and that I’m doing so well with it. I always use it 3 times a day. It’s the best. You will never find anything better.

Lorraine K.

At ACI Medical, we know that there are more home-use intermittent pneumatic compression devices (in other words, arterial pumps) similar to the ArtAssist® device out on the market, but here is the best we can say for them: they may work, they may not. This is because the ArtAssist®device is the only device of its kind to have been optimized to treat arterial disease through clinical trials at multiple independent centers. In other words, research done on the ArtAssist® device itself supports our claims about its capabilities.

Through numerous clinical trials, ACI Medical’s researchers have determined what the ArtAssist® device system needs to increase blood flow to the lower extremities as much as it does. If you’re thinking about getting an arterial pump to treat PAD (peripheral arterial disease), here’s what you should look for and why:

Cuff Specifications

Bladder Locations

It is important to have air bladders compressing the foot, ankle and calf regions because this promotes more blood flow to the skin.

When you are considering an arterial pump, also take a look at the size of the air bladders. The larger they are, the more tissue they’re

going to reach. The more tissue they reach, the more circulation.

Inflation and Deflation Rates

Research shows that quick inflation and deflation rates of the air bladders (less than half a second) put what’s called shear stress on your blood cells. Shear stress is good, because when your endothelial cells experience it, they release a muscle relaxant (or a vasodilator called nitric oxide) that helps open the small collateral arteries that are capable of naturally bypassing the blocked artery. It takes around 3 months, and the improvements are long-term. We call this process arteriogenesis or collateralization.

Now, this process I described does take a lot longer (typically between 3-6 months) than an open bypass operation, but for people who aren’t good candidates for surgery, it may be worth it to look into arterial pump treatment.

Cuff Pressure

Rapid sequential compression

Now you know that cuffs should have large bladders at the foot, ankle and calf and that they should inflate and deflate quickly. But what kind of pressure should the air bladders reach?

The answer that researchers found was 120 millimeters of Mercury (mmHg), which is about the pressure of a very firm handshake. Below this pressure, blood flow was not as high. Above 120 mmHg was unnecessary and, furthermore, uncomfortable for patients.

Clinical Research

You know I’ve been hinting at it, and I can’t stress it enough: make sure the device you invest in has clinical research supporting its claims. Research done at respected institutions is usually a very good sign for an arterial pump you’re considering. Also, if you can find a study that’s been done on patients with your diagnosis, even better!

UPDATE:

Being optimized to treat arterial disease is of the utmost importance. Research at the Mayo Clinic suggested that if a pump is NOT optimized for arterial disease, using it could actually DECREASE blood flow – a waste of your precious time and money! For example, some arterial pumps on the market have been modified from DVT prophylaxes and do not have much published clinical support.

So, like any decision you make concerning your health, I encourage you to do a bit of research and ask yourself: did the makers of this arterial pump design it specifically to treat arterial disease? Straight answers are the best.

Customer Service

Patient Compliance

Basically, make sure you can commit to using your arterial pump for however often your physician has prescribed it. As an example, we’ve seen the ArtAssist® device do amazing things for people – and it’s because they got into the habit of using it every day.

Patient Accommodation

Are you dealing with a special condition? Have you already had a below-knee amputation or are you unable to tolerate foot compression? Is your situation unique? It’s helpful to know that your arterial pump provider is knowledgeable enough to listen to what you’re going through and find a solution so you can get the therapy you need.

Obtaining Your Therapy

Just consider: how many numbers do you have to call to get an arterial pump? Do you have to go to a clinic every day or can you conveniently keep it at home? Find an arterial pump provider that makes it as easy as possible.

The Arterial Pump That Comes Out On Top

There’s only one number to call if you want to order, prescribe, or just get more information about the ArtAssist® device: (888) 4 LEG FLO (888-453-4356). Alternatively, you can email info@acimedical.com any time of the day.