The physiological impact of intermittent sequential pneumatic compression (ISPC) leg sleeves on cardiac activity

Background Pneumatic sleeves are widely used in surgery to prevent venous stasis and to improve cardiac function. The aim of this study was to assess the underlying cardiovascular mechanism induced by the activation of intermittent sequential pneumatic compression (ISPC) in healthy volunteers. Methods Twenty male subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiographic and tissue Doppler imaging evaluation before and during the activation ISPC devices. Each patient served as his own control. Results Following ISPC activation, there were significant increases in cardiac output (from 5.1 to 5.5 L/min, P <.05) and stroke volume (from 72 to 78 mL, P <.002), as well as ejection fraction, the velocity-time integral of aortic flow, and fractional shortening of the left ventricle. There was no increase in heart rate. Tissue Doppler imaging was compatible with normal cardiac responses. Total peripheral resistance was significantly reduced during ISPC activation. Conclusions The activation of ISPC devices in normal volunteers augmented cardiac output because of increased preload as well as decreased afterload.