Five key benefits of our upgraded VTE prevention solution Flowtron® Active Compression System
Providing a solution for the largest preventable cause of hospital deaths, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention is an important and growing area within Arjo. Our upgraded and improved solution, the Flowtron Active Compression System, is now launched – and here are the key benefits.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), is a life-threatening condition affecting 10 million people every year¹, with 60% of the cases occurring during or shortly after a hospital stay.²
While healthcare facilities are aware of the risk of VTE, care providers may lack the time, training and resources to optimally implement prevention strategies. In order to safeguard the well-being of at-risk patients, comprehensive prevention strategies that take into account individual clinical needs are essential.
Arjo’s upgraded solution, the Flowtron Active Compression System, has many advantages and the following are the top five:
1. Proven ease of use and safety supporting clinical efficacy
A case study showed that 99% of the users considered the Flowtron ACS900 pump to be easy to use in general, easy to operate and easy to clean.³ The study was performed at 32 hospitals and demonstrated the clinical application of the Flowtron ACS900 and Tri Pulse garment range. User data from caregivers was collected in areas such as patient compliance, ease of use and safety.³
2. Less noise from equipment contributing to a good care environment
Several studies confirm noise levels in clinical settings to be unacceptably high, exceeding recommended thresholds consistently and significantly. With the growing amount of electronic equipment in care facilities, noise and alarms around patients’ bedsides are becoming an issue. 4 The Flowtron ACS900 pump measures significantly lower on both average and peak noise levels compared to two of the most recent and relevant competitive devices, proving its superiority.
3. Proven comfort and design promoting effective VTE prevention
How can we help patients stay comfortable during VTE prevention? By providing a solution with comfortable, premium fabrics that make the patient more inclined to wear the garments during therapy, Flowtron addresses this core challenge with garments that are proven comfortable, promote effective prevention and help improve patient outcomes.5
4. Alerting caregivers upon garment removal to facilitate tracking of IPC therapy
How can we help staff track and document VTE prevention therapy? By using an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) solution with intuitive compliance monitoring that detects actual garment wear-time.6 Flowtron ACS900 allows recording of and displays actual therapy as well as non-compliant time, and alerts upon lack of adherence. This makes it easier for caregivers to ensure compliance with prescribed therapy and to enter accurate data into patient records.
5. Improving environmental sustainability in VTE prevention
Arjo actively works to minimize the environmental impact of our products in several ways. The Flowtron Active Compression System uses less power and lasts longer with improved energy efficiency, has a new sustainably designed garment connector, and user-friendly garment packaging with less waste throughout the product lifecycle.
References
1. Jha AK, Larizgoitia I, Audera-Lopez C et al. The global burden of unsafe medical care: analytic modelling of observational studies. BMJ Qual Saf. 2013; 22:809-15.
2. Heit JA, O’Fallon WM, Petterson TM et al. Relative impact of risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a population based study. Arch Intern Med. 2002 Jun 10;162(11):1245-8
3. Busby J, Holst K, Hansson K. User feedback on the Flowtron® ACS900 pump and Tri Pulse garment range. Arjo Whitepaper. June 2021. Arjo.
4. Busch-Vishniac IJ, West JE, Barnhill C et al. Noise levels in Johns Hopkins Hospital. J Acoust Soc Am. 2005 Dec; 118(6):3629-45
5. Ellis J. The textile properties of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) garments: a factor in patient compliance with Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) systems. Arjo Whitepaper. March 2019.
6. Arjo Data on File: Compliance Monitoring Test Report 100126883. November 2021.
