Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb comprising a stocking having circumferentially elastic boot portion which applies a compressive pressure against the limb which decreases from the ankle to a top of the stocking, an elongated pressure sleeve for enclosing a length of the patient's limb over the stocking, said sleeve having a plurality of separate fluid pressure chambers progressively arranged longitudinally along the sleeve from a lower portion of the limb to an upper portion of the limb proximal the patient's heart relative to said lower portion, a device for intermittently forming a plurality of fluid pressure pulses and a device for connecting the pressure pulses to chambers in the sleeve to apply a compressive pressure against the patient's limb by the sleeve which decreases from the lower to upper portions.

Abstract: Appropriate compression profiles for stockings to manage venous disorders in the lower extremities of ambulatory individuals are defined. Three profiles are described for the treatment of three categories of venous disease: mild venous disease, superficial venous insufficiency, and deep venous insufficiency. The highest pressures are used to manage the most severe disorder. The stockings use large pressure gradients to provide support for microscopic hemodynamics and valvular function at each region of the leg without producing venous congestion. The large gradients also ensure the maintainence of graduated pressure for the general population with an acceptable number of stocking sizes. Reduced foot pressures are also utilized to enhance patient compliance while avoiding a tourniquet effect.

Abstract: A compression sleeve for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid. The sleeve has a plurality of separate fluid pressure chambers arranged longitudinally along the sleeve, and a sizer portion located intermediate a pair of adjoining pressure chambers to permit adjustment of the sleeve to limbs of varying sizes. The sizer portion may comprise a ventilation chamber having a plurality of openings for ventilating the patient's limb with air during use of the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently inflating and deflating a compression sleeve. The sleeve has a plurality of longitudinally disposed compression chambers which encircle a patient's limb when the sleeve is secured about the limb. The sleeve is inflated in a manner to apply a compressive pressure gradient against the patient's limb which decreases from a lower to upper portion of the patient's limb to enhance the velocity of blood flow through the limb.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid. The device has an elongated pressure sleeve for enclosing a length of a patient's limb, with the sleeve having a plurality of separate fluid pressure chambers progressively arranged longitudinally along the sleeve from a lower portion of the limb to an upper portion of the limb proximal the patient's heart relative the lower portion. The device has means for intermittently forming a plurality of fluid pressure pulses from the source in a timed sequence during periodic compression cycles. The device also has means for connecting the different pressure pulses of the sequence to separate chambers in the sleeve in an arrangement with later pulses in the sequence being connected to more upwardly located chambers in the sleeve to apply a compressive pressure gradient against the patient's limb by the sleeve which decreases from the lower to upper limb portions.