Cyro/Cuff
The Cryo/Cuff applies "safe compression" to minimize
hemarthrosis and swelling, and cold minimize pain. Simplicity makes
it ideal for the ER, post-op, the training room and home.
The Cyro/Cuff has three parts:
Cuff - covers the knee/shoulder with pressurized ice water.
Cooler - holds enough water and ice for 6 to 8 hours of cryotherapy.
Tube - exchanges the water between cooler and cuff.
Operation
Knee
The cooler is filled with water and ice, and the cuff secured (see
instructions). Elevating the cooler forces cold water in the cuff
and compresses the knee. Compression is proportional to elevation.
With the base of the cooler resting on a stand about 15" above
the knee, compression is about 30 mmHG (see instructions). The cooler
can be kept connected at the desired elevation, or disconnected
if more convenient.
Shoulder
The cooler is filled with water and ice, and the cuff secured (see
instructions). Elevating the cooler forces cold water in the cuff
and compresses the shoulder.
Compression is proportional to elevation. With the base of the cooler
resting on a stand about 15" above the knee, compression is
about 30 mmHG (see instructions). The cooler can be kept connected
at the desired elevation, or disconnected if more convenient.
Body heat will warm the cuff within 15 to 30 minutes after initial
application. The warm water is drained and rechilled by lowering
the connected cooler to the floor for a couple of minutes. The cooler
is then raised and chilled water flows back into the cuff. The interval
between cycles can be extended to an hour or so after initial cooling.
The AutoChill system exchanges warm water for cold, eliminating
the need for manual recycling.
Clinical Experience
Post-operative experience (with Knee/Shoulder Cryo/Cuff) indicates,
"hemarthrosis formation can be minimized and pain reduced by
early and extended use of the Cryo/Cuff was compared with continuous
crushed ice, and with "Hot Ice" therapy. In both comparisons
Cryo/Cuff patients required significantly less oral and injectable
narcotic analgesics.
Frequency Of Use
References on cryotherapy often recommended application for 20 to
30 minutes repeated several times a day. However current experience
after knee/shoulder surgery indicates that early and continuous
use of the Cryo/Cuff for several days can minimize hermarthrosis
formation and pain. Skin temperatures with the Cryo/Cuff are typically
in the range of 50 - 60 F. - not as cold as possible with ice or
frozen gel, and there is no risk of frostbite.
Contraindications
Cryotherapy should not be used by persons with Raynaud's or other
vasospastic disease, cold hypersensitivity, or compromised local
circulation.
|
