Intermittent vacuum therapy
Intermittent vacuum therapy (IVT) is a therapeutic technique used in various medical fields to promote healing and improve circulation. It involves the application of negative pressure in a controlled manner to specific areas of the body, typically the lower extremities.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Intermittent vacuum therapy works by creating a vacuum environment around the targeted area. This negative pressure leads to increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can help in reducing edema and promoting tissue repair. The therapy is often applied in cycles, alternating between negative pressure and normal atmospheric pressure, to stimulate vascular and lymphatic systems.
Applications[edit | edit source]
IVT is used in several medical conditions, including:
- Chronic venous insufficiency: By enhancing venous return, IVT can alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.
- Lymphedema: The therapy aids in reducing swelling by improving lymphatic drainage.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: IVT can promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
- Sports injuries: It is used to accelerate recovery by reducing swelling and improving circulation.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure typically involves placing the affected limb in a chamber where the vacuum is applied. The pressure is controlled and alternated in cycles, usually lasting a few minutes each. The duration and frequency of the therapy sessions depend on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the therapy.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
The benefits of intermittent vacuum therapy include:
- Improved circulation and oxygenation of tissues
- Reduction in swelling and edema
- Enhanced healing of chronic wounds
- Non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by patients
Limitations and Considerations[edit | edit source]
While IVT is beneficial for many patients, it may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications include certain cardiovascular conditions, acute infections, and severe peripheral arterial disease. It is important for healthcare providers to evaluate each patient individually before recommending this therapy.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
This article is a medical treatment–related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
