Sammanfattning
Reduced circulation is associated with a number of diseases and disorders, and is common after surgery. Many complications are related to reduced venous, arterial and interstitial circulation, for example thromboembolism, oedema, delayed wound healing and infections. One adjuvant treatment for improving peripheral circulation, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), has recently been shown to, among other things, reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis. Today, external pneumatic compression is used to improve the circulation of immobilized patients and in cases where pharmacological prophylaxis of thromboembolism is contraindicated. This review addresses the indications for IPC, its future potential and the questions surrounding it.