Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/27/2019 -- For many patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), surgical interventions are longstanding treatment options with generally good results.

In cases where such treatment is not possible, sequential pneumatic compression can mean the difference between salvaging and amputating the affected limb.

Greg Grambor is president of Vascular PRN, a leading national distributor of pneumatic compression therapy devices including arterial compression systems for limb salvage.

"The benefits of compression therapy are enormous," Grambor said. "Restored blood flow, reduced pain, and often limb salvage. It's also inexpensive and completely non-invasive."

Grambor said these factors all contribute to a high rate of patient compliance.

"Patients love pneumatic compression. It can be performed at home and on the go, and it's painless," Grambor said.

Ischemia is a condition marked by inadequate blood flow — and therefore oxygenation — to a part of the body. Advanced cases can result in CLI, marked by increasing pain and potential loss of tissue and limbs.

Primary surgical treatments for ischemia include vascular bypass (reconnecting blood vessels to redirect blood flow) and angioplasty (forced expansion of a blood vessel using a balloon catheter). These procedures are two forms of revascularization.

For various reasons, such surgical revascularization is not possible in some cases. For these vulnerable patients, the unfortunate last resort is often amputation of the affected limb.

Many, however, can and do benefit from sequential pneumatic compression. This non-invasive and painless treatment enhances blood flow and oxygenation, relieves pain, and can save limbs that might otherwise require amputation.

Studies verifying these findings have led to an upswing in the use of the treatment, Grambor said.

"More and more hospitals and nursing homes are employing pneumatic compression therapy every day."