A high-risk environment that needs careful balancing
Patients in intensive care often carry a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE): they are immobilised or ventilated and frequently have several risk factors at once — sepsis, polytrauma, major surgery or central venous catheters. At the same time there is often an increased bleeding risk or a disturbed coagulation. Precisely this constellation makes thromboprophylaxis in the ICU particularly demanding to balance.
When medication is not or only partly possible
If pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated due to acute bleeding tendency, upcoming procedures or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), mechanical prophylaxis gains importance. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) promotes venous return purely mechanically and does not interfere with coagulation. It can be applied even in fully immobile patients whose own calf muscle pump is inactive. The fundamental comparison of the procedures is under mechanical vs. pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.
What matters in the intensive-care routine
- Low noise: ≤ 50 dBA — no additional noise in an already alarm-heavy environment.
- Automatic pressure control: no manual setting, fewer sources of error for nursing staff.
- Hygiene: patient-specific single-use compression garments, clearly defined reprocessing of the console.
The indication is determined by the intensive-care team. Recognised limits of the procedure — such as acute deep vein thrombosis or advanced PAOD — are on the page on IPC contraindications.
IPC systems for intensive care
UniCare supplies the IPC systems of the Phlebo Press® technology with German service and guaranteed availability. The Phlebo Press® DVT 603 detects leg and foot garments automatically and works with two pressure ranges — an advantage when the supply situation needs to stay flexible. Delivery includes device instruction under §83 MPBetreibV, on request during shifts.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the VTE risk elevated in intensive care?
ICU patients are often immobilised or ventilated, frequently have several risk factors at once (sepsis, trauma, surgery, central venous catheters) and not rarely an increased bleeding risk. This combination makes thromboprophylaxis a constant but carefully balanced task.
What role does IPC play in intensive care?
When pharmacological prophylaxis is not possible or only to a limited extent — due to bleeding risk, procedures or coagulation disorders — mechanical prophylaxis by means of IPC is an important option. It works purely mechanically and can be used even in fully immobile patients.
Does the device disturb the intensive-care setting?
Mobile IPC devices operate quietly (≤ 50 dBA) and with automatic pressure control. They can be integrated into the already device-dense intensive-care routine without extra setup effort for nursing staff.