In-Flight Passenger Foot Pump

A non-powered cushioned device to activate the calf muscle pump by extension and flexion of the ankle against the floor to increase deep venous blood flow and mitigate the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Specifically designed and developed for long-haul airline passengers to exercise their calf muscles while seated and help to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious medical condition associated with prolonged immobility.

• Non-invasive
• Portable
• Inexpensive
• Simple to use
• Will not interfere with fellow passengers
• Clinically tested for efficacy, see clinical study
• Global Medical Device Code: 67020
• Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods listing no: 445296 (TGA)
• Weighing just 64 grams, it’s a perfect health accessory for your carry-on luggage.

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition characterised by the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, within a deep vein, usually in the legs. This can lead to pain, swelling and redness in the affected area. DVT is a serious condition because it can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening consequences. Factors that increase the risk of DVT include prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, surgery, and genetic predispositions.

There are several risk factors for travel-related thrombosis which fall into two groups. There are those related to being immobile for long periods, such as in an airplane at high altitude, or in a coach, train or motor vehicle. The second group relates to risk factors associated with the passengers themselves.

The way to address travel-related thrombosis is for people to firstly ask themselves what risk factors they have for deep vein thrombosis. According to that level of risk, there are various measures that can be taken to try to reduce their risk of DVT. Of all the factors, seated in the cabin of an aircraft, and prolonged immobility with the subsequent pooling of blood in the veins is the highest risk factor. As such, the airlines educate passengers to exercise during flight. Clearly, walking around the aircraft is impractical and can be unsafe.

‘While regular walks around the cabin during long-haul flights could be expected to avert the risk conferred by prolonged lower limb venous stasis, restrictions imposed by blockages in the aisle and by immobility during sleep make this impractical. It remains to be proved that performing the airlines’ currently recommended leg exercises while seated will be beneficial during long-haul flights. However, a study under controlled conditions on the ground found that vigorous ankle flexion with feet against resistance causes prompt recovery of lower limb venous return after prolonged immobility’ . NPS MEDICINEWISE AUSTRALIA