Compressar System
The Compressar System was the first mechanical compression device ever to replace manual compression for post-catheterization femoral hemostasis. It continues to be the world leader in mechanical compression, having been successfully used for over 25 years on millions of patients worldwide in cardiac cath labs, radiology labs and intensive care nursing units.
Designed as a hands-free mechanical compression system used by clinicians to easily achieve post-catheterization femoral hemostasis, the Compressar System decreases blood contact and increases technician and nurse productivity. In addition, the Compressar System avoids muscle strain and disabilities caused by repeated use of the muscles required for manual compression. Because of its consistent application of compression, the Compressar System also promotes patient comfort and avoids complications during the hemostasis period, providing outcomes as good or better than manual compression.1
Overview of Operation
The Compressar System should be applied by a physician, nurse, or technician experienced with transfemoral catheterization. This overview provides a general description of the Compressar System's usage. For detailed inservice information, refer to the Training section at www.compressar.com
Typically, the Compressar stand is placed on the bed on which the patient is located, with the base inserted between the mattress and the base of the bed. The Shaft rotates to permit easy movement of the arm, and locks to enable proper placement of compression. A Compressar disc is attached to the movable Arm Slide on the Arm of the stand, which is then lowered onto the femoral artery immediately proximal to the wound site, with the sheath located in the V-notch of the disc. As the technician applies downward pressure on the Arm of the Compressar Stand, the sheath is pulled.
Pressure sufficient to prevent any blood oozing from the wound site should be continuously applied and distal blood flow should be monitored. Patients must not be left unattended while the Compressar System is being used to apply pressure to the femoral artery.
The Arm Lever is used to ease off pressure in small increments, so as not to create a sudden blood pressure surge, which could dislodge the clot at the wound site. Arm Lever adjustments should be made periodically so as to gradually increase distal blood flow while preventing oozing from the wound site. Patients without anti-coagulation medications typically achieve hemostasis on average within 15-20 minutes, although this varies from patient to patient. Patients receiving anti-coagulation medications may experience longer times to hemostasis depending upon the type and amounts of medications administered.
When pressure is completely removed and there is no oozing at the wound site, the Compressar System may be removed from the patient. Bed rest, pressure dressings, and time to ambulation may be recommended as per existing facility manual compression protocols.
This overview only generally describes operation of the Compressar System, and is not intended as a training tool or inservice. Please contact Advanced Vascular Dynamics for further information, at 360-699-3000 or info@compressar.com.
Several Compressar stands are available including the Model 1200, designed specifically for use on the Hill-Rom TotalCare Bed. A full range of discs is available to meet a wide variety of needs and types of patients as well.
Advanced Vascular Dynamics, A Semler Technologies Company, 501 SE Columbia Shores Blvd., Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98661. Tel: 360-699-3000; Fax: 360-693-1111.