MCS - Patient FAQ's

Patient FAQ's

  • What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood  clot that forms in a vein,deep in the tissues of the lower extremity.  Blood clots commonly form in the deep veins of the calf or thigh, following total joint replacement or prolonged immobilization if not treated prophylactically.  Left untreated, these clots can cause disability or become life threatening if they become mobile (pulmonary embolism) and travel throughout the body. 

  • How does ActiveCare+S.F.T. prevent DVT?
    ActiveCare+S.F.T. is a safe and highy effective way to improve blood flow in the veins and to help prevent DVT.  The system delivers continuous enhanced circulation therapy (C.E.C.T.) to the lower extremities.  It works by applying intermittent, sequential compression to the legs in a systematic pattern, increasing the speed of blood flow in the veins and reducing the risk of clot formation. 

  • I have just undergone surgery and I am presently immobile. 
    My doctor has explained to me that I am at a high risk for DVT development and has strongly advised me that I need pneumatic therapy to minimize the danger. Does this mean that I am confined to my bed for the duration of the treatment?
     No, you will NOT need to be confined to your bed during treatment with the device.      ActiveCare+S.F.T. will indeed help prevent the onset of DVT. When a patient has a problem that limits ambulation, ActiveCare+S.F.T. enables the body to simulate venous flow as in normal walking activities.

    This unique battery-powered system is especially lightweight, portable and comfortable to wear, so that you can disconnect the device from the mains supply for up to 6 hours.  You can take the device with you wherever you go:  Walk around, sit outside, and even travel. In fact, you will be free to do most normal activities without restriction.

  • How do I wear the ActiveCare+S.F.T.?
         You may use the device's carrying strap in order to wear the device.  The strap may be worn over the shoulder or diagonally across the shouder, to prevent slipping or discomfort.  You  may also  adjust the carrying strap and use it to hang the device over a cart or bed side bar. The device should always be worn together with the leg sleeves.  Sleeves can be worn over simple cotton stockintettes, thin pajama bottoms, or tube socks.  They may be also worn under sweat pants to hide the tubing connected to the sleeves. 

  • How do I charge the batteries?
    The batteries in the device recharge themselves from the moment the mains to the device is connected to the power supply. If the battery level indicator displays “Battery Low”, all you need to do is re-connect the device to the power supply until it is recharged.  Once the batteries are fully charged, a message on the device screen will display that the battery charging has been completed.  The device may be used while the batteries are charging.

  • What should I do if there are problems with the device?
    The ActiveCare+S.F.T. can detect problems and will prompt you to take possible corrective action. Please follow the instructions and Help Menu on your Error Screen.  If any problem persists or can not be solved, please contact your local ActiveCare+S.F.T. provider.
  • What are the common problems which I may encounter while using the device?
    Low battery level (usually after 6 hours of battery operation). Re-connect the device to the power supply and recharge the battery.

         Air blockage (usually due to a kink in the tubing). Make sure the air can move freely through the tubing and that there are no kinks or blockages.

    Air Leakage (usually due to poorly connected tubing).  Make sure the tubing is well connected to the sleeves and to the device.

  • How do I track my compliance (usage) level? 
    The device is equipped with an easy to read LCD screen, to assist you in keeping track of your personal usage and to closely follow your doctors's instructions.

  • How do I know that my compliance level is ok?
    The longer you use the device, the better. ActiveCare+S.F.T. is designed to be comfortably used on a 24-hour basis and should be worn for at least 20 hours per day. You may use the device everywhere aside from in shower and in the rain.

    We recommend that you maintain your compliance level to be above     80% as indicated by the compliance bar on the LCD screen. If your compliance level falls below 80%, please consult your physician. You may take breaks from using the device for no longer than 30 minutes at a time.

  • I can't hear the device working?  Is everything in order?
    We have developed ActiveCare+S.F.T. to be an especially quiet device so that during normal operation the device is not noisy.  Unless an error message appears on the device, the device should be working properly if you feel the sleeves filling up with air and then released a few seconds later.

  • Is the device sensitive to heat or water?
    The device is sensitive to  both heat and water.  It should not be covered by pillows or blankets or taken into a wet or steamy environment, such as in the shower, swimming pool or rain.

  • Is it necessary to clean the device or leg sleeves?
    There is no need to clean ActiveCare+S.F.T.  The device, tubing and charger have been cleaned beforehand.  If you choose to clean any part of the system,  you may use a damp towel or 70% based alcohol, but do not wet the pump.  Your disposable leg sleeves are for your personal use only.  You may clean the sleeves as explained above but do not machine wash them.
  • Is it possible to use a different AC/DC charger adapter than the one that I received with the device?
         You must only use the ActiveCare+S.F.T. charger that you received together with the device.  Make sure to take the adapter with you on the day of your discharge or when you are travelling.  


 

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