KR20070007085A - Compression apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A compression apparatus (10) is provided that includes a sleeve (12) configured for disposal about a limb. The sleeve includes a first portion (14) defining a first expandable chamber (16) and a second portion (18) defining a second expandable chamber (20) and a third expandable chamber (22). The second portion includes a connector (64) in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and the chambers thereby facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. The first portion is removable from the second portion. The first portion may be connected to the second portion via a perforated attachment. The sleeve may define at least one ventilation opening (46, 50). The connector can communicate with the chambers via a tubular pathway. The sleeve may be convertible from a length extending from below a knee to above the knee, to a length extending solely below the knee. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

Compressor {COMPRESSION APPARATUS}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of vascular therapy for application to limbs of the body, and more particularly to a compression device having removable parts.

The main concern for immobilized patients is the medical condition that makes up clots in the blood, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral edema. Such patients include people who experience surgery, anesthesia, or longer bedtime. This blood clumping condition usually occurs in the lower veins and / or the cardiac veins of the pelvis. Veins such as the long bones, thighs, glands and tibias return to the heart with free oxygen removed. For example, when blood circulation in such veins is delayed due to illness, injury or lethargy, blood tends to accumulate. The static buildup of blood is ideal for clumping up blood and forming masses. The main risk associated with this condition is that it interferes with cardiovascular circulation. Most seriously, the clotting piece may loosen and move. Pulmonary embolites can be configured to block the main pulmonary artery, which is life threatening.

The condition and the resulting risk due to the patient's inability to move can be controlled or mitigated by applying intermittent pressure to the limbs of the patient, such as the legs, to aid in blood circulation. Known devices such as single piece pads and compression boots have been used to aid blood circulation. (See, eg, US Pat. Nos. 6,290,662 and 6,494, 852)

For example, sequential compression devices have been used, consisting of an air pump connected to a disposable waist pad by a series air tube. A waist pad is placed around the patient's leg. Air is then pushed into the other parts of the waist pad in order, thereby creating pressure around the calves and improving vein regression.

Such known devices can suffer from various drawbacks due to the volume of the devices and their cumbersome use. These defects reduce comfort, flexibility, and adversely interfere with the patient's activity as the postoperative recovery progresses.

Therefore, it is desirable to improve the comfort and flexibility for the patient by reducing the volume and overcoming the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art with a preventive sequential compression device that is not cumbersome in use. In order to achieve the advantages of the invention it would be advantageous if the preventive sequential compression device comprises removable parts. It would be highly desirable if the preventive sequential compression device had a valve connector to facilitate rapid release from the pressurized fluid source. It is contemplated that the prophylactic sequential compression device can be manufactured easily and efficiently.

This provides a compression device that reduces volume and does not bother during use, thereby enhancing patient comfort and flexibility and overcoming the drawbacks and drawbacks of the prior art. Preferably the compression device comprises a removable portion to achieve the advantages of the present invention. Most preferably the compression device has a valve connector that simplifies quick release from the pressurized fluid source. The compression device is manufactured easily and efficiently.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the compression device comprises a thigh length compression sleeve that converts to a knee length sleeve by stripping away or removing the thigh bladder and disconnecting the femoral bladder air supply line. In one embodiment the femoral bladder air supply line will be easily removed with the femoral bladder and attach at or near the point where the femoral bladder is removed from the sleeve. This will allow a single motion to remove both the femoral bladder and the femoral bladder feed line. Since the risk for DVT is reduced postoperatively, the switchable sleeve allows the patient to use a more comfortable sleeve. It offers a variety of options to practitioners while using a single device.

In another embodiment, the compression device is perforated to provide improved flexibility and comfort to the patient for the entire length of time for wearing the device. It is contemplated that the device may be used with a portable and / or stationary compression system. The pressurized fluid source continues to deliver pressurized fluid after removing the valve. The pressurized fluid source can signal a high warning if there is a twist in the pipe, or a low warning if there is a leak in the pipe. The compression device is activated sequentially by increasing the pressure through the tube, in harmony with the three parts of the sleeve. The distal end is the ankle bladder and the (high pressure) tip is the femoral bladder (low pressure). The pressurized fluid source pushes air into the sleeve every 60 seconds, compressing for 11 seconds, and depressurizing the rest.

In one embodiment the compression device according to the winry of the present invention comprises a sleeve configured for placement around the limb. The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber. The second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source and the first expandable chamber, the second expandable chamber and the third expandable chamber thus facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. do. The first portion is removable from the second portion.

The first portion is connected with the second portion via a puncture attachment. The first portion may be configured for placement around the first portion of the limb, and the second portion is configured for placement around the second portion of the limb. The second expandable chamber may be disposed with the second portion for placement about the second portion of the limb and the third expandable chamber is disposed with the second portion for placement around the third portion of the limb.

As an alternative means, the compression device may comprise various weldments and bladders to form a quilting effect. For example, the first, second and third expandable chambers may each define at least one subchamber.

The sleeve may define at least one vent hole. At least one hole may comprise holes formed in the surface of the expandable chamber. The at least one hole may comprise a slit disposed between the second expandable chamber and the third expandable chamber.

The connector may be in communication with the chamber via a tubular path. The tubular path of the first expandable chamber may be removable from the connector. The pressurized fluid can be delivered to the chamber for expansion of the pressurized fluid at sequential time intervals, such as for example the first expandable chamber is expanded and then (after 2.5 seconds) the second expandable chamber is expanded. And then (after 3 seconds) the third expandable chamber is expanded and thus takes a total of 11 seconds from the start of the first expandable chamber. Then, the chambers are all vented to the atmosphere at the same time.

In an alternative embodiment the compression device comprises a sleeve configured to wrap around the leg and define a plurality of vent holes. The sleeve includes a thigh that defines a first inflatable chamber having a subchamber. The sleeve further comprises a calf portion defining a second inflatable chamber having a subchamber and an ankle defining a third inflatable chamber having a subchamber. The ankle includes a valve connector that promotes swelling of the chambers by fluidly communicating both the pressurized fluid source and the chamber through a tubular path. The thigh is connected to the capping portion via a puncture attachment to the detachment chamber and the tubular path of the first inflatable chamber is removable from the valve connector.

In an alternate embodiment, the compression device includes an expandable sleeve configured for placement around the leg. The sleeve extends the length from below the knee of the leg to the knee. The sleeve is switchable from a length that extends above the knee to below the knee to a length that extends only below the knee. The length of the sleeve extending from below the knee to the knee may include a first portion disposed around the thigh of the leg, the first portion being removable from the sleeve. The first portion may be connected to the sleeve via a perforation.

In one way the ankle bladder is compressed for 2.5 seconds, the middle bladder is compressed for 2.5 seconds, and the tip bladder is also compressed for 2.5 seconds. After 11 seconds, all bladders are vented at the same time. The thigh can be peeled off, thus converting from the complete leg to the knee length. The vent slit is disposed on the back side of the cap portion. This dissipates heat, relieves itching and simplifies movement. Knit or hosiery under a compressible sleeve may be used.

In an alternative embodiment the method of compressing on a limb of the body comprises providing a sleeve configured for placement around the limb, disposing the sleeve around the limb, and delivering pressurized fluid to the first expandable chamber. And delivering the pressurized fluid to the second expandable chamber, delivering the pressurized fluid to the third expandable chamber, retracting the chamber, and removing the first portion from the second portion. Wherein the sleeve comprises a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber, wherein the second portion is a pressurized fluid source and chamber And a connector in fluid communication with the springs, thereby facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers, the first portion being removed from the second portion. It is possible.

The delivery steps may each be done for a time of 2.5 seconds. The removing step may include disconnecting the first inflatable chamber from the connector. The removing step may include stripping the first portion from the second portion through puncture attachment.

In an alternative embodiment the method of compressing on the limbs of the body comprises the steps of providing an expandable sleeve configured for placement around the leg, and by placing the sleeve around the limb so that the sleeve is from below the knee of the leg to over the knee. And extending the pressurized fluid to the sleeve, retracting the sleeve, and converting the sleeve from a length extending below the knee to above the knee to a length extending only below the knee. Placing the sleeve around the limb so that the sleeve extends the length from below the knee of the leg to the knee includes a first portion of the sleeve disposed around the thigh of the leg. The converting step may include stripping the first portion from the sleeve.

Objects and constructions of the invention believed to be novel are described in detail in the appended claims. The invention as to its construction and method of operation can also be best understood with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are described below together with objects and advantages.

1 is a perspective view of a detailed embodiment of a compression device according to the principles of the present invention.

2 is a side cross-sectional view of the chamber of the apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a plan view of the connector of the apparatus shown in FIG.

4A and 4B are perspective views of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 disposed around the limb, as well as a pressurized fluid source.

4C and 4D are perspective views of the device shown.

5A and 5B are perspective views of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. The tubular path of a portion of the device is removed from the connector.

6A and 6B are perspective views of the apparatus shown in FIG. A portion of the device is removed.

7 is a graph of compression versus time illustrating the sequential compression of the device shown in FIG.

8 is an alternative embodiment of the compression device shown in FIG.

Exemplary embodiments of the compression device and the disclosed method of operation are discussed in the art of vascular therapy including prophylactic compression devices for application to the limbs of the body, and more particularly in the context of compression devices having removable portions. It is contemplated that the compression device can be used to prevent and overcome the risks associated with a patient's inability to move. It is also contemplated that the compression device also prevents, for example, DVT, peripheral edema, etc. by reducing the condition resulting from the patient being immobile. It is contemplated that the compression device according to the invention can contribute to all types of intravenous compression systems without being limited to preventive compression devices. The term "prophylaxis sequential" will not be construed as limiting the general venous compression device described herein. However, the present invention is directed to a variety of immobilized conditions, such as people, patients, and the like, such as those who have experienced surgery, anesthesia, just resting in bed for extended periods of time, obesity, old age, malignancy, previous thromboembolism, and the like. We want to find an application.

In later discussion, the term "tip" refers to a portion of the structure that is closer to the body of the subject, and the term "end" refers to a portion farther from the body. As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a patient who is undergoing vascular treatment using a compression device. According to the present invention the term "personal practitioner" refers to an individual who manages a compression device and may include a guardian.

The description below includes a description of a compression device and then describes an exemplary method of operating the compression device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and disclosures described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a preventive sequential compression apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The compression device 10 comprises a sleeve 12 that is configured for placement around the limb, such as, for example, the leg L of the subject body (FIGS. 4-6). It is contemplated that the sleeve 12 and other portions of the compression device 10 may be disposed, wrapped, and mounted with various limbs, ends, etc. of the subject body, such as, for example, legs, arms, and the like.

Sleeve 12 includes a first portion, such as, for example, thigh 14, that defines a first expandable chamber, such as, for example, first inflatable chamber 16. The second portion 18 of the sleeve 12 defines, for example, a second expandable chamber such as the second inflatable chamber 20 and a third expandable chamber such as the third inflatable chamber 22. . It is intended that the first portion 14 and the second portion 18 can include one or a plurality of expandable chambers. It is also intended that the sleeve 12 or portions thereof will be disposable.

The second portion 18 has a cap 24 including a second inflatable chamber 20 and an ankle 26 including a third inflatable chamber 22. It is contemplated that the first portion and second portion 18 may be placed around various portions of the subject limb, depending on the requirements of the particular vascular treatment application. Ankle 26 is connected to valve connector 64 (FIGS. 4C and 4D) and tubing in fluid communication with pressurized fluid source 30 through valve connector 28 and tubing 62 as discussed below. Chambers 16, 20, 22 via a fluid path comprising. (See, for example, the valve connector described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 784,639, “Fluid Conduit Connector Device,” filed Feb. 23, 2004. The entire contents are described herein by reference.) The piping 62 is divided into three Tubes or lumens 65A, 65B, 65C. This configuration promotes fluid communication between the pressurized fluid 30 and the chambers 16, 20, 22.

The thigh 14 is removable from the second portion 18. For example, the cap 24 is detachably connected to the thigh 14 via a puncture attachment 32 as discussed. This removable configuration advantageously reduces the volume of the compression device 10 through easy manipulation in order to increase comfort and flexibility to the object. Compression apparatus 10 also provides increased mobility to the subject. The sleeve 12 is intended to include a flexible portion, such as elastic or spandex materials, disposed between the portions to facilitate limb mobility during use.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sleeve 12 includes an upper sheet 34 and a lower sheet 36 that are overlaid to form the sleeve. The upper sheet 34 and the lower sheet 36 are fixedly coupled to the seams defining the inflatable chambers 16, 20, 22. The joint 38 defines a chamber 16, the joint 40 defines a chamber 20, and the joint defines a chamber 22. The edge 44 extends beyond the seams 38, 40, 42 around the sleeve 12. The sleeve 12 is believed to comprise a plurality of seams that join the top sheet 34 and the bottom sheet 36 and are variously disposed around the sleeve. It is contemplated that the seam may also be welded, sealed and formed by adhesives, thermal seals and the like.

The top sheet 34 and the bottom sheet 36 are chambers 16, 20, 22, such as films and fabrics, such as, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene), depending on the particular vascular treatment application and / or preference. It is made from a material suitable for swelling. Semi-flexible and flexible fabrics such as urethanes and silicones can also be used. Sleeve 12 may include a separate structure that includes chambers 16, 20, 22 and is disposed with or mounted to seats 34, 36. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other materials and methods of assembly suitable for assembly and manufacture in accordance with the present invention will also be appropriate.

The sleeve 12 defines a vent, such as a sleeve opening 46, for cooling an adjacent portion of the limb of the subject. Sleeve opening 46 penetrates completely through top sheet 34 and bottom sheet 36. This advantageously improves comfort for the subject during use. The sleeve 12 includes a weld 48 surrounding the sleeve opening 46 to seal each chamber from the opening and prevent fluid communication therebetween. Sleeve 12 also includes vent holes 47 to provide cooling. The sleeve 12 is intended to include a plurality of vent holes that are variously arranged around it.

For example, a vent hole, such as vent slit 50, is disposed between the inflatable chamber 20 and the inflatable chamber 22. The hole slit 50 completely passes through the upper sheet 34 and the lower sheet 36. Aeration slit advantageously provides cooling to the subject and increases the mobility of the cap and ankle during use. It is contemplated that the vent slit 50 can extend various lengths.

The thigh 14 includes an axial line of a spot weld 52 that defines the subchamber 54 of the inflatable chamber 16. The cap 24 includes an axial line of the spot weld 54 defining the subchamber 56 of the inflatable chamber 20, and the ankle 26 includes the subchamber of the inflatable chamber 22. A spot weld 58 defining 60. The subchambers are intended to be formed through successive welds, adhesives, hot seals and the like as alternative means. Weld 58 is also intended to be placed in various orientations to create an alternative configuration for the subchamber.

The valve connector 28 communicates with the chambers 16, 20, 22 through a fluid path. The fluid path includes tubing 62 that connects valve connector 28 to a pressurized fluid source 30, which may include a pump. (See, e.g., the controller pump described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 784,323, "Compression Processing System," filed February 23, 2004, the entirety of which is described herein by reference.) Pressurized fluid source 30 is fixed or portable Can be. It is contemplated that the pressurized fluid source 30 may include electronics, computer software, and the like necessary to perform vascular treatment in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Pipe 62 is attached to valve connector 28 via coupler 64 as shown in FIG. Tubing 66 extends from valve connector 28 and fluidly connects to inflatable chamber 20. Tubing 67 extends from valve connector 28 and fluidly connects to inflatable chamber 22. Tubing 68 extends from valve connector 28 and fluidly connects to inflatable chamber 16. Tubing 68 includes a quick disconnect port 70. The port 70 attaches with the valve connector 28 and is easily removable, thereby facilitating the removal of the thigh 14 from the cap 24. Tubing 62 and lumens 65A, 65B, 65C correspond to tubes 67, 66, 68, respectively. The valve connector 28 is intended to be secured, removable and constrained with the sleeve 12. The port 70 may also be secured with the valve connector 28 and the tubing 68 is intended to be removable from the thigh 14.

The sleeve 12 includes, for example, a fixing portion, such as a hook and loop pad 72, which is mounted in an orientation for engagement of the corresponding hook and loop pad 74. The hook and loop pads 72, 74 allow for fixed mounting of the sleeve 12 and the leg L of the subject. It is contemplated that one or a plurality of fastening portions may be variously disposed around the sleeve 12. It is contemplated that the securing portions may also include, for example, clips, adhesives, pins and the like.

4-7, a compression device 10 similar to that described above is assembled, sterilized and packaged for use. In operation, a compression device 10 is provided and operated for placement around the object leg L. FIG. Pipe 66 is connected to the cap 24 and the pipe 67 is connected to the ankle (26). Pipe 68 is connected to the thigh 14. Tubing 66, 67, 68 is connected with valve connector 28 that is connected with tubing 62 and pressurized fluid source 30. 4C and 4D The fluid path of the compression device 10 thus constitutes fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source 30 and the chambers 16, 20, 22.

The sleeve 12 is wrapped around the leg L as discussed above as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and secured against it through the hook and loop pads 72, 74. The sleeve 12 extends through the second portion 18 from below the knee of the leg L and through the thigh 14 onto the knee. The compression device 10 is sequentially activated by delivering pressurized fluid to the chambers 16, 20, 22 through a fluid path. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7, the pressurized fluid source 30 delivers air to the sleeve 12 in a 60 second period, including 11 seconds for compression and 49 seconds for reduced pressure. Compressed air is delivered to the inflatable chamber 22 for 2.5 seconds. Then, compressed air is delivered to the inflatable chamber 20 for 2.5 seconds. Then, compressed air is delivered to the inflatable chamber 16 for 2.5 seconds. The compression device 10 remains inflated for a few seconds until 11 seconds, and then the chambers 16, 20, 22 are simultaneously retracted. It is contemplated that this sequential compression may continue for multiple cycles depending on the requirements of the particular vascular treatment application. Other sequential compression periods are also contemplated. Various forms of fluids are intended to be delivered to the sleeve 12, such as, for example, liquid, gas, and the like.

After a predetermined sequential compression time, such as recovery time according to the requirements of a particular vascular treatment application, the thigh 14 may be removed from the second portion 18. Accordingly, the sleeve 12 is switchable from the length extending below the knee to the length of the knee to the length extending only below the knee. Sleeve 12 is manipulated such that thigh 14 is removed through perforation 32 and peeled from cap 24 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Port 70 connected with tubing 68 is easily manipulated to quickly disconnect from valve connector 28 as shown in FIG. 5B. The remainder of the second portion 18, including the sleeve 12, the cap 24 and the ankle 26, stands alone and continues to operate as described above. This converts the sleeve 12 from the complete knee length device to the knee length device. Compression device 10 may be used to complete certain vascular treatment applications. Other methods of use are also contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that thigh 14 may not be removed or may remain with the sleeve 12.

As described above, upon selective removal of the thigh 14, the user or practitioner disconnects the tubing member 68 and disconnection port 70 from the connector 28. Connector 28 (and optionally disconnect port 70) is such that a predetermined amount of fluid flow from fluid source 30 continues through connector 28 when separating tube 68 from connector 28. It is composed. Such continued fluid flow is desirable to maintain continuity from the pressurized fluid source 30. That is, the fluid flow adjustment to the fluid source 30 need not be done if the user or practitioner decides to remove the thigh 14 from the compression device 10. Even after removing the thigh 14, the pressurized fluid source 30 will continue to transmit the same fluid volume and pressure through the tubing 65C into the connector 28 and out to the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of a compression device 10 is shown. A sleeve 12 similar to that described above includes a thigh 14 and a second portion 118. The second portion 118 has a cap portion 124 and an ankle 126 including an inflatable chamber 122. Pressurized fluid source 30 (FIG. 1) is in fluid communication with sleeve 12 (FIG. 1) via valve connector 28 and tubing 62. The valve connector 28 includes selective removal of the thigh 14 through the perforation 32 and is in fluid communication with the chambers 16 and 122, respectively, via separate tubes 68 and 166 for use similar to that described above. Communicate.

It will be understood that various changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the stripped and removable configuration of the instantaneous compression device 10 can be used with other compression devices. (See the compression device described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 784,604, "Compression Device," filed February 23, 2004, the entire contents of which are described herein by reference.) Thus, the above description is not to be construed as limiting. It should be construed as merely illustrative of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will wish to make other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (27)

A sleeve configured for placement around the limb, The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber, The second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source and the first expandable chamber, such that the second expandable chamber and the third expandable chamber promote fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. , And the first portion is removable from the second portion. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the first portion is connected to the second portion via a puncture attachment. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured for placement around a first portion of the limb, and the second portion is configured for placement around a second portion of the limb. The method of claim 1, wherein the second expandable chamber is disposed with the second portion for placement about a second portion of the limb, and the third expandable chamber is arranged around the third portion of the limb. A compression device disposed together with the second portion. The compression apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first expandable chamber defines at least one subchamber. 6. The compression apparatus of claim 5 wherein said second expandable chamber defines at least one subchamber. 7. The compression apparatus of claim 6 wherein the third expandable chamber defines at least one subchamber. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the sleeve defines at least one vent hole. The compression apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one hole comprises a hole formed in a surface of the expandable chamber. The compression device of claim 8, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a slit disposed between the second expandable chamber and the third expandable chamber. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the connector communicates with the chamber via a tubular path. The compression device of claim 11, wherein the tubular path of the first expandable chamber is removable from the connector. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid is delivered to the chamber for its expansion within a sequential time interval, such that the first expandable chamber is expanded for 2.5 seconds, and then the second expandable chamber is for 3 seconds. And the third expandable chamber is expanded for 5.5 seconds. The compression apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chambers are retracted at the same time. A sleeve configured to wrap around the leg, the sleeve defining a plurality of vent holes, The sleeve includes a thigh defining a first inflatable chamber having a subchamber, wherein the sleeve includes a cap portion defining a second inflatable chamber having a subchamber and a third inflatable chamber having a subchamber. Further comprising an ankle defining a, The cap portion includes a valve connector for promoting swelling of the chamber by fluidly communicating both the pressurized fluid source and the chamber through a tubular path, And the thigh portion is detachably connected to the cape portion via a puncture attachment, and the tubular path of the first inflatable chamber is removable from the valve connector. The compression apparatus of claim 15, wherein the sleeve further comprises a vent slit disposed between the second inflatable chamber and the third inflatable chamber. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressurized fluid is delivered to the chamber such that the first inflatable chamber is inflated for 2.5 seconds, and the second inflatable chamber is inflated for 3.0 seconds, and then the third inflatable is inflated. Possible chamber is inflated for 5.5 seconds, and then the chambers are retracted at the same time. Compression on the limbs of the body, Providing a sleeve configured for placement around the limb, Placing the sleeve around the limbs, Delivering the pressurized fluid to the first inflatable chamber; Delivering a pressurized fluid to a second inflatable chamber; Delivering pressurized fluid to a third inflatable chamber; Shrinking the chamber, Removing the first portion from the second portion, The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first inflatable chamber and a second portion defining a second inflatable chamber and a third inflatable chamber, wherein the second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source. Wherein the chambers facilitate fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers and wherein the first portion is removable from the second portion. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said delivering steps are each performed for a time between 2.5 and 5.5 seconds. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said removing comprises disconnecting the first inflatable chamber from the connector. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said removing step comprises stripping the first portion from the second portion via puncture attachment. An expandable sleeve configured for placement around the leg, the sleeve extending from below the knee to above the knee, the sleeve extending only below the knee from the length extending from below the knee to above the knee Switchable compression device. 23. The compression device of claim 22 wherein the length of the sleeve extending from below the knee to the knee includes a first portion disposed about the thigh of the leg, the first portion being removable from the sleeve. The compression device of claim 23, wherein the first portion is connected to the sleeve via a perforation. Compression on the limbs of the body, Providing an expandable sleeve configured for placement around the leg, Placing the sleeve around the limb and thereby extending the length from below the knee of the leg to the knee; Delivering pressurized fluid to the sleeve, Shrinking the sleeve, Converting from a length below the knee to a length above the knee to a length extending only below the knee. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein placing the sleeve around the limbs to cause the sleeve to extend the length from below the knee of the leg to the knee includes a first portion of the sleeve disposed around the thigh of the leg. 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said converting step comprises stripping the first portion from the sleeve.

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