by Lin Stone
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) gained national attention earlier this year when NBC news correspondent David Bloom apparently died as a result of a blood clot forming in his leg and traveling to his lung (a pulmonary embolism). DVT also has been cited as the cause of death in some airline passengers who remain immobile for long periods of time on long international flights, according to the World Health Organization. (editor's note: emphasis is mine.)
But most who die from the condition are immobile hospital patients,
following surgery or other trauma.
Estimates vary on the number of deaths each year from DVT, but many groups, including the American Heart Association, say it is 60,000 per year or higher.
The risk of Deep Vein Blood Clots increases with age and pregnancy.
Now there is a comprehensive patient care process that help caregivers provide safe, effective and efficient care in hospital acute care, long term care, nursing home, and even home care environments.
"The biggest challenge in preventing deep vein thrombosis is ensuring the ongoing, consistent application of treatment in compliance with the physician's orders," said Ernest Waaser, president and CEO of Hill-Rom.
"Our ActiveCare(TM) DVT System is portable and can go with the patient as they move in and out of the hospital bed and to other locations within the hospital. They no longer have to be confined to a stationary position or in the hospital bed to receive the treatment, thereby increasing compliance and achieving improved opportunities to prevent the occurrence of DVT in that patient." The ActiveCare(TM) DVT System is a lightweight, mobile pump that uses air to apply sequential, intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPC) through disposable sleeves, to the legs or feet, stimulating blood flow. Because this device weighs less than two pounds and contains a battery backup, patients can easily comply with 24-hour recommended use by carrying the device with them should they leave the bed for any reason. The intermittent pneumatic compression devices now in current use simply plug into the wall and sit by the bed, requiring the patient to unhook from the device upon leaving the bed. This may result in a significant period when compression therapy is not available either because the patient fails to restart the therapy or the patient is away from the bed for extended periods. Increased compliance has been shown to improve the effectiveness of compression therapy in preventing DVT, according to some medical studies, such as Management of Venous Thromboembolism: Past, Present and Future, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine earlier this year. Hill-Rom's ActiveCare(TM) DVT System is currently available in the United States, and will be introduced to other markets in coming months. Hill-Rom Hill-Rom provides comprehensive patient care process and environment solutions that help caregivers safely deliver effective and efficient care to their patients in acute care, long term care and home care environments. These comprehensive solutions can include: facility assessments, patient beds, stretchers, therapy surfaces, communication systems, headwalls and lighting systems. The company also offers expert clinical and equipment services and programs that can help improve asset productivity, operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Hill-Rom's is a leading global provider of patient care environment and care process solutions. Global headquarters of the company is based in Batesville, Ind. It employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide. It is an operating company of Hillenbrand Industries (NYSE: HB). For more information on this new process, send your little surfer scooting to visit http://www.hill-rom.com. |
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PROFILE: As a full time freelance writer my business articles have appeared in many Bureau of Business Practice publications. His writing and/or photographs have also been published in Farm Pond Harvest, Life in the Times, Party & Paper, American Salesman, Today's Pawnbroker, Opportunity, Good Reading, Farm Store, Crappie Fisherman, Little Rock Free Press, Arkansas Women's Journal, Fennetration, etc. He is the author of nine books, including HOW TO BUY LAND AT TAX SALES, etc.
for the advice of an appropriately qualified and
licensed professional in that particular field.
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