What Is IPC?

Intermittent Pulse Compression (IPC) is a modern, gentle treatment that improves the drainage of blood and lymphatic fluid. The VADOPlex device works with very short, rapid pressure impulses that are applied to the sole of the foot or the hand. These impulses last less than half a second and mimic the natural effect of movement. In this way, the device can support the work of the muscle pump, particularly when movement is limited due to pain or after surgery (1).

What Does IPC Do?

Through the brief pressure applied to the venous plexus (the network of veins in the foot or hand), it is emptied and blood is transported back to the heart more quickly. At the same time, circulation improves throughout the treated area. The body responds with processes that promote healing and pain relief (1).

IPC Can Help:

• Reduce swelling more quickly (2)
• Reduce pain (3)
• Improve circulation (4)
• Support wound healing (3)
• Promote microcirculation in people with diabetes (5)

An additional benefit: the rapid pressure stimuli promote the body's own production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin. Both are substances that protect and widen our blood vessels.

Why Are These Substances Important?

• They help prevent blood clots (thrombosis prophylaxis)
• They improve circulation down to the smallest vessels
• They support the healing of injuries
• They can relieve pain (1)

How Does IPC Help With Swelling?

Swelling occurs when fluid remains in the tissue and cannot drain properly. IPC addresses this directly:

• The pressure impulse empties the veins in the foot or hand
• Pressure in the small vessels decreases
• This allows excess fluid to be transported back into the vascular system more easily
• The deep lymphatic vessels, which have active pumping mechanisms, are stimulated
• Additionally, NO creates a slight "pull" that stimulates the lymphatic system (2)

Which Conditions Is IPC Suitable For?

IPC can be used for both acute and long standing problems. These include:

• Swelling after injuries or surgery
• Chronic edema of the arms and legs
• Prevention of compartment syndrome in severe soft tissue injuries
• Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
• Slow healing lower leg wounds
• Diabetic foot syndrome
• Circulatory problems in the legs (7)

How Does the Treatment Work?

1. Medical History and Assessment

At the start, we conduct a thorough medical history discussion and a targeted examination. During this, we discuss your symptoms and whether IPC therapy is suitable for you.

2. Carrying Out the Therapy

There are two options:

• At the practice: The device is applied for about an hour following the physiotherapy treatment.
• At home: You can rent a VADOPlex device and wear it daily for at least four hours. This is particularly helpful for larger or longer standing swelling.

3. After the Therapy

You can continue your daily activities as normal. The therapy is not strenuous and is well tolerated.

Text: Tatiana Ryll

Interested in IPC therapy? Feel free to call us and schedule an appointment directly.

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^Quellen

^{(1) Gardner, A. M. N., Fox, R. H. (2001). The Venous System in Health and Disease (3.Aufl). IOS Press}

^{(2) Schnetzke M, El Barbari J, Schüler S, Swartman B, Keil H, Vetter S, Gruetzner PA, Franke J. Vascular impulse technology versus elevation for the}

^{reduction of swelling of lower extremity joint fractures: results of a prospective randomized controlled study. Bone Joint J. 2021 Apr;103-}

^{B(4):746-754. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.103B4.BJJ-2020-1260.R1. PMID: 33789481; PMCID: PMC9950846.}

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^{Misra S, Miyata T, Moneta G, Munoa Prado JA, Munoz A, Paolini JE, Patel M, Pomposelli F, Powell R, Robless P, Rogers L, Schanzer A, Schneider P,}

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^{(SVS), European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS), and World Federation of Vascular Societies (WFVS). Global Vascular Guidelines on the}

^{Management of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2019 Jul;58(1S):S1-S109.e33. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2019.05.006. Epub}

^{2019 Jun 8. Erratum in: Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2020 Mar;59(3):492-493. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2019.11.025. Erratum in: Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg.}

^{2020 Jul;60(1):158-159. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2020.04.033. PMID: 31182334; PMCID: PMC8369495.}

^{(4) R. H. Morgan, G. Carolan, J. V. Psaila, A. M. N. Gardner, R. H. Fox, J. P. Woodcock Cardiff, Wales, Torquay and Devon, England Arterial flow}

^{enhancement by impulse compression. In: Vascular Surgery Journal Jan/Feb 1991, pp8-16(5) Thorn CE, Adio AO, Fox RH, Gardner AM, Winlove CP, Shore AC. Intermittent compression induces transitory hypoxic stimuli, upstream vasodilation}

^{and enhanced perfusion of skin capillaries, independent of age and diabetes. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2021 Apr 1;130(4):1072-1084. doi: 10.1152/}

^{japplphysiol.00657.2020. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 33571053.}

^{(6) Eisele R, Kinzl L, Koelsch T. Rapid-inflation intermittent pneumatic compression for prevention of deep venous thrombosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am.}

^{2007 May;89(5):1050-6. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.E.00434. PMID: 17473143.}

^{(7) OPED GmbH. (o. D.). VADOplex – New Generation. Abgerufen am 16. November 2025 von https://oped.de/produkte/vadoplex-new-generation#!}

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