Compression pump therapy for treating arterial disease is a fairly new medical revelation - as such, not all developers get it right. Use this guide to gain knowledge about what's proven to work versus what's a gamble.

1. Choosing
Compression
Pump Therapy
For treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

2. Before you read on…
• Please keep in mind that arterial compression pumps
require a doctor’s prescription.
• These devices can have life-changing benefits for non-
surgical patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Over the course of a few months, physician-directed use
of an arterial compression device can save limbs from
amputation.
• This is not a guide to be used as medical advice, but as
experts in this technology, we’d like to share what we
know about arterial compression devices so you and
your doctor can make a more educated decision.

3. How do I choose the right
compression device?

4. 1. Look at the cuffs!
• It’s important that the cuff’s
air bladders compress as
Large air much tissue below the knee
bladders as possible. This promotes
compress
most of the more blood flow to the skin.
foot, ankle & • Also, look carefully at the
calf
size of the air bladders –
the larger they are, the
more tissue they’re going to
reach. The more tissue they
reach, the more blood flow!

5. Cuff Inflation & Deflation
Rates
• Research shows that quick inflation and deflation rates are of
highest importance because they apply shear stress to the
cells that line your arteries. Shear stress is good - when your
arteries experience it, they release a muscle relaxant (or a
vasodilator called nitric oxide) that helps open the smallest
arteries. With continued use over around 3 months, collateral
vessels that bypass the larger obstructed vessels
form, meaning that more blood gets where it needs to go. We
call this process arteriogenesis. ®
ArtAssist “Brand B”
Inflation & Deflation Foot
rate comparisons Calf ArtAssist® “Brand B”

6. Cuff Pressure
• Now you know that cuffs
should have large bladders at
the foot, ankle & calf and that Cuff Pressures
they should inflate and deflate
quickly. But what kind of 200
pressure should the air 150
bladders reach? 100
Pressure in
The answer that researchers 50 mmHg
found was 120 millimeters of 0
Mercury (mmHg), which is
Not Just Too
about the pressure of a very Enough Right Much!
firm handshake. Below this
pressure, blood flow was not
as high. Above 120 mmHg
was unnecessary
and, furthermore, uncomforta
ble for patients.

7. 2. Look for clinical research!
• Make sure the device you
invest in has clinical research
supporting its claims.
Research done at respected
institutions is usually a very
good sign for an arterial pump
you’re considering. Also, if
you can find a study that’s
been done on patients with
your condition, even better!

8. Clinical Research Sidenote:
• Being optimized to treat arterial disease is of the utmost
importance for an arterial compression device. Research
has suggested that if a pump is NOT optimized for
arterial disease, using it could actually DECREASE
blood flow – doing more harm than good!
• So, like any decision you make concerning your
health, we encourage you to do a bit of research and ask
yourself: did the makers of this arterial pump design it
specifically to treat arterial disease? And was it tested at
medical institutions with results published in peer-
reviewed journals?
Straight answers are the best.

9. 3. Good Customer
Experience?
• The compliance factor
Basically, make sure you can
commit to using your arterial pump
for however often your physician has
prescribed it. As an example, we’ve
seen the ArtAssist® device do
amazing things for people – and it’s
because they got into the habit of
using it every day.

10. Customer Experience (cont’d)
• Patient Accommodation
Are you dealing with a
special condition? It’s helpful
to know that your arterial
pump provider is
knowledgeable enough to
listen to what you’re going
through and find a solution
so you can get the therapy
you need.

11. Customer Experience (cont’d)
• Obtaining Therapy
Just consider: how many numbers do you have to call to
get an arterial pump? Do you have to go to a clinic every
day or can you conveniently use it at home? Find an
arterial pump provider that makes it as easy as possible
for you.

12. The Device That Comes Out
on Top
• There’s only one number to call if you want to
order, prescribe, or just get more information about the
ArtAssist® device: (888) 4 LEG FLO ( 888-453-4356)
®
ArtAssist
Arterial Pump Technology
The only
device…
Optimized to treat PAD
25+ published clinical
studies

13. If it doesn’t say
ArtAssist®…
it won’t work like
®
one. compression to
The ArtAssist Arterial Assist Device uses a proven and
unique form of intermittent pneumatic
triple arterial blood flow to ischemic limbs
Recommended Rx:
1 hour, 3 times per day for 90 days
Developer, manufacturer, and distributor of
ArtAssist® Arterial Pump Technology
Made in the USA
ArtAssist.com