Abstract:
An intermittent pneumatic compression system provides exhaust between a wrap and patient&#39;s leg, avoids tubes and is operable on a conventional battery. The system allows true portability while improving patient discomfort, reducing fall risks, and providing desired therapeutic and prophylactic compression.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a nonprovisional and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/794,235 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to intermittent pneumatic compression systems, and, more particularly, to a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system that provides exhaust between the wrap and patient&#39;s leg and avoids tubes. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A major concern for immobile patients and like persons are medical conditions that form clots in the blood, such as, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral edema. These conditions associated with patient immobility may be controlled or alleviated by applying intermittent pressure to a patient&#39;s limb, such as, for example, a leg to assist in blood circulation. Such compression devices are typically constructed of two sheets of material secured together at the seams to define one or more fluid impervious bladders, which are connected by tubes to a source of pressure for applying sequential pressure around a patient&#39;s body parts for improving blood return to the heart. 
         [0004]    Shortcomings of such devices are numerous. Typically, such devices require tubing, which present a tripping hazard and are inconvenient to use and manage. Additionally, such devices typically lack true portability. Conventional pumping systems are usually dependent upon an AC power source and too bulky to provide a patient meaningful opportunity to travel while using the system. Furthermore, conventional devices cause discomfort to a patient by preventing or severely limiting circulation to the patient&#39;s wrapped limb. As a result, patients often complain of sweat, soreness and general discomfort of the limb. Moreover, conventional systems obtain pressure readings at the inlet port, which does not necessarily provide an accurate measure of pressure at the most remote parts of a bladder. Thus, the requisite pressures may not be achieved at such remote parts of the bladder during pumping. 
         [0005]    The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, an intermittent pneumatic compression system that provides exhaust between the wrap and patient&#39;s leg, avoids tubes and is operable on a conventional battery is provided. The system allows true portability while improving patient discomfort, reducing fall risks, and providing the desired therapeutic and prophylactic compression. 
         [0007]    An exemplary portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention includes a pumping module. The pumping module includes a housing containing an air pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a valve having a valve inlet and at least two additional ports including an inflation port and a ventilation port, a power supply such as disposable or rechargeable battery and/or a power outlet, an electronic control unit (e.g., a programmed microcontroller), and a fluid coupling such as a tube connecting the pump outlet to the valve inlet. The pumping module may be attached to the flexible inflatable wrap and worn by a user. 
         [0008]    An exemplary flexible inflatable wrap contains an inflatable bladder and has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that abuts a wearer when the wrap is worn. The flexible inflatable wrap includes a first fluid port in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, and a second port that extends through the wrap to the inner surface. The second port is not in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. Air flowing through the second port ventilates the wearer&#39;s wrapped limb. 
         [0009]    The inflation port of the valve is fluidly coupled to the first port of the inflatable wrap, and the ventilation port of the valve is fluidly coupled to the second port of the inflatable wrap. The valve is switchable from an inflation state in which air may flow from the valve inlet to the inflation port through the first port of the inflatable wrap and into the bladder, to an inflated state in which air does not flow through the inflation port, to a ventilation state in which air may flow from the bladder through the first port and through the inflation port through the ventilation port and through the second port of the inflatable wrap and through the inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap. The valve may be a solenoid valve, such as a three state (i.e., three position) solenoid valve. 
         [0010]    The control unit is operably coupled to the valve and controls switching of the valve repeatedly from the inflation state, then to the inflated state and then to the ventilation state, sequentially (i.e., in that order until stopped by user intervention—e.g., powering off). 
         [0011]    A pressure sensor is operably coupled to the control unit and a fluid channel fluidly coupling the pressure sensor to the bladder. The pressure sensor produces a pressure signal corresponding to pressure sensed in the bladder. The control unit receives the pressure signal. The control unit causes the valve to remain in the inflation state until the pressure sensor senses a determined pressure. 
         [0012]    The bladder may include a plurality of compartments fluidly coupled by at least one flow restricting fluid passage. The flow restricting fluid passage allows fluid flow from one compartment to another, albeit at a reduced flow rate as compared to an unrestricted flow rate. The plurality of compartments include a first compartment and a second compartment. The first fluid port is on the first compartment, and a pressure port is on the second compartment. The pressure port is in fluid communication with the second compartment, and the fluid channel is fluidly connected to the pressure port. The first compartment inflates before the second compartment during the inflation state. The first compartment deflates before the second compartment during the ventilation state. 
         [0000]    The inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap may include a fluid permeable flexible material. 
         [0013]    An exemplary method of providing intermittent pneumatic compression of a limb is also provided. The method includes steps of:
       wrapping at least a portion of the limb with a flexible inflatable wrap containing an inflatable bladder and having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that abuts the limb when the wrap is worn, the flexible inflatable wrap including a first fluid port in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, and a second port that extends through the wrap to the inner surface, the second port not is in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder;   supplying compressed air through the first port of the inflatable wrap and into the bladder, inflating the bladder, until a first condition is determined (the “inflation step”),   after the first condition is determined, maintaining the bladder in an inflated state until a second condition is determined (the “inflated step”), and   after the first condition is determined, ventilating air from the bladder through the first port and into the second port of the inflatable wrap and through the inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap (the “ventilation step”).       
 
         [0018]    Pressure may be sensed in the bladder. The first condition comprising sensing a determined pressure. The second condition may be the passage of a determined time duration (e.g., a determined number of seconds). 
         [0019]    The inflation, inflated and ventilation steps may be repeated sequentially until the method is concluded, such as by powering down. The inflation, inflated and ventilation steps may be controlled using a solenoid valve (e.g., a three-position solenoid valve) switchable between a plurality of states. 
         [0020]    The compressed air may be supplied from a pumping module that may be attached to the flexible inflatable wrap. 
         [0021]    The bladder may have a plurality of compartments fluidly coupled by at least one flow restricting fluid passage. The plurality of compartments include a first compartment and a second compartment. The step of supplying compressed air through the first port of the inflatable wrap and into the bladder, inflating the bladder, until a first condition is determined, entails inflating the first compartment before the second compartment. The step of ventilating air from the bladder through the first port and into the second port of the inflatable wrap and through the inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap, entails deflating the first compartment before the second compartment. Pressure may be sensed in the second compartment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a back view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a bottom (i.e., patient side) view of an exemplary compression wrap for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top (i.e., outer side) view of an exemplary compression wrap for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a lateral surface of a lower portion of a patient&#39;s leg wearing an exemplary portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a high level block diagram conceptually illustrating electronic, electromechanical and pneumatic components of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary compression wrap for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0033]      FIGS. 11A-11C  conceptually illustrate steps of a method of applying and using an exemplary compression wrap with a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the specific components, configurations, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions as shown in the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top perspective view of an exemplary controller module  100  for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention is shown. The module includes a front cover  105 , a back cover  110  which is curved to accommodate the shape of a limb, an auxiliary fill port  120 , a battery cover  115  leading to a battery compartment, transparent or translucent windows  125 ,  130  for visibility of status lights contained in the module  100 . 
         [0036]    The auxiliary fill port  120  is an optional feature which, in one embodiment, includes a fitting for coupling the module  100  to wraps with fillable bladders other than the wrap as described herein. When the module  100  is used with the wrap described herein, the auxiliary fill port  120  is not used. 
         [0037]    In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary fill port  120  is a removable adapter that may be connected to a fill port of a wrap in accordance with principles of the invention. By connecting one or more auxiliary fill ports  120  to the wrap, the wrap is adapted for use with other control modules. There may be a range of conventional control modules available in the marketplace. Thus, the port  120  enhances versatility of the wrap by making it compatible for inflation by other control modules. The sensor port in the wrap can be capped or also used as a fill port, when the wrap is adapted for use with a control module other than a control module according to principles as described herein. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , the module  100  includes a sensor port  140 , a ventilation port  145  and a fill port  150 . The sensor port  140  is fluidly coupled to a pressure sensor in the module  100 , as discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 8 . The module  100  monitors pressure during filling, provides visible and/or audible alarm signals to indicate problems with inadequate inflation and low pressure, and ceases filling when a determined pressure (or a pressure within a range) has been reached. 
         [0039]    The ventilation port  145  is fluidly coupled to a solenoid valve in the module as discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 8 . Compressed air from an inflated bladder flows from the bladder through the fill port  150  through the solenoid valve and through the ventilation port  145  during a ventilation cycle. 
         [0040]    The fill port  150  is fluidly coupled to a solenoid valve in the module, which is fluidly coupled to a pump in the module, as discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 8 . The fill port supplies pressurized air to the bladder. During a fill cycle, compressed air flows from the pump, through the solenoid and through the fill port  150  into the inflatable bladder. During a ventilation cycle, compressed air from an inflated bladder flows from the bladder through the fill port  150  through the solenoid valve and through the ventilation port  145 . 
         [0041]    A data communications port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port  135  is also provided for data acquisition and/or remote control. Remote control is particularly advantageous for patients with limited mobility and reach. The USB port  135  is communicatively coupled to a microcontroller contained in the module  100 , as discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary compression wrap  200  according to principles of the invention is sized and shaped to be wrapped around the lower leg (calf and shin) of a patient. The compression wrap  200  includes an inflatable bladder  240 , divided in a plurality of (e.g.,  2 ) sections  250  and  255 . The number and/or configuration of bladders may be other than shown in the illustrated embodiment. The inflatable bladder comprises opposing inner and outer bladder layers secured to one another along bladder sealing lines  235 . Another sealing line  245  divides the bladder into distinct section  250  and  255 . The sealing lines  235 ,  245  together with the adjoined layers define an inflatable bladder  240  that is capable of retaining pressurized air. In one embodiment, the bladder may be from one or more sheets of air impermeable material, such as PVC, or a laminated material. Further, the bladder layers may be welded to one another along the bladder sealing lines  235 ,  245 , although other ways of forming the bladder lines and the inflatable bladders are within the scope of the invention. The bladder  240  may be formed on the inner surface of the wrap  200 , the inner surface being the side that contacts the patient&#39;s leg. Alternatively, the bladder  240  may be sandwiched between layers fabric comprising the wrap. 
         [0043]    Apart from the bladder  240 , the wrap  200  may be comprised of a fabric, such as an elastic fabric, comprised of natural and/or synthetic fibers. A nonlimiting example of a suitable fabric is brushed nylon. One or more fabric layers may be used. The overall shape of the wrap  200  is not limited, except that it must be sized and shaped to surround a substantial portion of the patient&#39;s lower leg. 
         [0044]    The ventilation port  260  extends through the wrap from the inner surface to the outer surface. The opening of the port at the inner surface may be covered with a porous fabric, to cushion the patient and diffuse air vented through the port. During ventilation, compressed air from the bladder  240  is exhausted through the port  260  via the controller module  100 . The exhausted air contacts the patient&#39;s leg, thereby reducing temperature and sweating and increasing comfort. The well ventilated leg is far less conducive to developing sores. Concomitantly, the increased comfort of ventilation, improves the chance of adoption and use by patients. 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , an outer side view of the exemplary compression wrap  200  according to principles of the invention is provided. In this view, two additional ports  265 ,  270 , each of which leads to a portion of the bladder  240  are shown. One of the ports  265  is a sensor port, through which pressure of the bladder is sensed. The other port  270  is a fill port, through which the bladder is intermittently inflated. Locating the sensor port  265  away from the fill port  270  helps to ensure accurate pressure readings. Such accuracy is important to ensure that adequate, but not excessive, pressure is intermittently applied. 
         [0046]    The intermediate sealing line  245  that divides the bladder  240  in two sections  250 ,  255 , provides a dam that impedes flow of compressed air from one section  255  of the bladder  240  to the other section  250 . The tendency of the bladder material to lay flat along with the narrow conduit(s) between the sections  250 ,  255  as defined by the sealing line  245 , impedes such flow. Such flow impediment causes the bladder to inflate progressively, with one section  255  inflating before the other section  250 . Thus, the invention achieves progressive inflation without complex plumbing, valves, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the compression wrap includes releasably mateable and adjustable fasteners, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners that are adjacent to opposite lateral edges  220 ,  225 ,  230  or straps  205 ,  210 ,  215  of the compression wrap  200 . The fasteners should allow repeated and frequent removal and adjustment of the wrap  200 . 
         [0047]    Now referring to  FIG. 7 , a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention is shown wrapped on a patient&#39;s lower leg. The wrap  200  is positioned with the bladder against the posterior side  305  of the lower leg  300 . The module is positioned along the lateral side of the leg  300 . The wrap  200  is securely releasably fastened around the limb  300 . During inflation, the bladder in the wrap is progressively filled. In a preferred implementation, filling and compression starts at the bottom of the wrap and progresses towards the top of the wrap. The pressure is sensed through a sensing port at the top of the module. When a desired pressure is attained, inflation ceases and the pressure is temporarily held, e.g., for 2 to 10 seconds. Then the bladder is deflated by venting air through the exhaust port between the wrap and leg. The vented air conditions the leg, thereby increasing patient comfort and endurance. With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a high level block diagram conceptually illustrating electronic, electro-mechanical and pneumatic components of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention is provided. The module houses a pump  460  which is actuated by a relay or other switch  455  coupled to a microcontroller  415 . By way of example and not limitation, the pump  460  may be a 1.8 l/m 6 V DC air pump. A tube  450  connects the pump  460  to a solenoid valve  440  having an inlet and two outlets. The microcontroller activates the pump during a filling cycle. When the pump  460  is activated, the solenoid valve  440  directs the pressurized air flow through a tube  445  leading to the fill port  150 . One or more check valves may be provided to vent pressure to the atmosphere if pressure increases above a determined limit (e.g., 100 mmHg). An example of such a check valve is valve  435  in  FIG. 8 . The valve could alternatively be connected between the fill port  150  and the solenoid  440 . 
         [0048]    A pressure sensor  400  is in fluid communication with the sensor port  140 . The sensor  400  produces an output signal corresponding to sensed pressure. When the sensed pressure reaches a determined fill limit, a pressure switch  405  is activated. The pressure switch signals the microcontroller  415  that the fill pressure (e.g., 50 mmHg) has been reached. The microcontroller ceases filling by deactivating the pump  460  via the relay  455  and causing the solenoid  440  to close both outlets or close the outlet to the vent and the inlet to the solenoid, when the fill pressure has been reached. The microcontroller then waits for passage of a determined time duration to initiate the venting cycle. 
         [0049]    During venting, the microcontroller  415  causes the outlet ports of the solenoid  440  to open. This provides a path for fluid to flow from the fill port  150  through tube  445 , through the solenoid  440 , through the vent tube  435  and out of the vent port  145 , between a patient&#39;s limb and the wrap  200 . After venting, the fill cycle is repeated. The process of filling, delaying, and venting, repeats to provide intermittent compression. 
         [0050]    Electric power is supplied through an external source such as a wall adapter via electric port  475  and DC jack  465 . When the external source is removed, electric power may be supplied through a removable battery  470 . However, battery power will provide only a limited duration of power sufficient to run the module. For example, a 9V DC battery may power the module for about an hour. After the battery is consumed it may be replaced with a fresh battery or power may resume through a wall adapter. 
         [0051]    The microcontroller may be coupled to various lights, audible output devices and displays. In the exemplary embodiment, two lights (i.e., LEDs)  420  and  425  are provided to indicate power on, status and problem conditions. Additionally, an audible output device  430  such as a speaker is provided for audible alerts. By way of example and not limitation, visible and/or audible alarms are appropriate to alert a user to pressurization problems (e.g., insufficient or excessive pressure) and low battery conditions. The alert may be progressive with volume, intensity or frequency increasing with time if an alarm remains unattended. The microcontroller may also eventually temporarily shut down the module until a detected problem is resolved. 
         [0052]    As discussed above, a data communications port  135 , such as a USB port, is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller. The port provides a means for remote activation and control of the unit. The port also provides means for data acquisition. The microcontroller may include or be coupled to nonvolatile RAM for data storage. Such data may include timed stamped usage logs and corresponding sensed pressure data. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an exploded perspective view of an exemplary controller module for a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention is provided. A front case  500  and a back case  555  attach together with snap fit fasteners  560  to form a housing. A printed circuit board  505  includes circuitry and electronics components comprising the control module  100 . One or more insulating elements, such as foam pads  510 ,  515  separate the battery  520  from the PCB  505 . A connector  525  electrically couples the battery to the printed circuit board  505 . A similar connector  530  couples a motorized pressure pump  590  to the printed circuit board  505 . One or more foam layers  535 ,  540  may be wrapped around the pump  590  to reduce noise and vibration. Another electrical connector  545  is provided for a valve assembly, which in the exemplary embodiment is a three-way solenoid valve  575  with four ports. The solenoid valve  575  may be selectively set to allow pressurized air to flow from the pump  590  into a first port of the solenoid valve  575  and out of a second port of the solenoid valve  575  and into the bladder  240  of the wrap  200  through a first port of the bladder  240  and, then, to maintain the bladder  240  in an inflated state, and then to allow flow of pressurized air from the inflated bladder  240  via the first port of the bladder  240  through the second port of the solenoid valve  575  to a third port of the solenoid valve  575  to a ventilation port  565 . Ventilation tube  550  fluidly couples the solenoid valve  575  to the ventilation port  565  in the back case  555 . A pressure sensor  595  on the printed circuit board  505  is fluidly coupled to the bladder  240  of the wrap  200 . 
         [0054]    In the depicted exemplary embodiment, snap fit fastening elements  565 ,  570  secure the back case  555  to the front case  500 . However, other fasteners may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0055]    A manifold  585  fluidly couples the outlet of the pump  590  to a port (i.e., the inlet port) of the solenoid valve  575  and to a check valve  580 . The check valve  580  is a pressure relief valve that prevents excessive inflation. 
         [0056]    A ventilation port of the solenoid valve  575  is fluidly coupled to a ventilation tube  550 . During ventilation, compressed air from the bladder  240  flows through the tube  550 , through the ventilation port  260  extending through the wrap, to the patient&#39;s leg. The exhausted air contacts the patient&#39;s leg, thereby reducing temperature and sweating and increasing comfort. The well ventilated leg is far less conducive to developing sores. Concomitantly, the increased comfort of ventilation, improves the chance of adoption and use by patients. 
         [0057]    The inlet port and exhaust port of the solenoid valve  575  are discussed above. The valve also includes a port for directing pressurized air into the bladder  240 , and another port for venting air from the inflated bladder. Air vented from the bladder  240  through the vent port is directed to the exhaust port, so that it may be used to ventilate the wearer&#39;s wrapped leg. 
         [0058]    Exemplary embodiments of right  600  and left  605  leg wraps are conceptually illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The exemplary wraps are consistent in all material respects with the wrap  200  described above. As shown in the particular non-limiting exemplary embodiments of  FIG. 10 , a module  100  is attachable to each wrap  600 ,  605 , using a heat activated adhesive sheet  625  with die cut apertures to allow all required fluid couplings. Each wrap  600 ,  605  includes a pressure sensing port  610  which is coupled to the pressure sensor  595  of the printed circuit board  505 . Each wrap also includes an inflation/deflation port  615 , for pumping air into the bladder of the wrap and then evacuating the air from the inflated bladder. Each wrap also includes a ventilation port, e.g., an oblong ventilation port  630 , which allows fluid (i.e., air) to pass through the wrap to the wearer&#39;s leg. Corresponding ports are provided in the back cover of the module  100  and the overlaying die-cut adhesive sheet  625 , including a ventilation port  635 , an inflation/deflation port  640  and a pressure sensor port  645 . 
         [0059]    The oblong ventilation port  630  may be covered with a fluid permeable fabric or other flexible permeable sheet-like material. Likewise, the side of the wrap in contact with a wearer may be covered with a fluid permeable fabric or other flexible permeable sheet-like material that is suitable for long term contact with a wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0060]    The bladder portion of each wrap includes a peninsula-like section  650  that substantially divides the bladder into two sections  655 ,  660 . In other words, the bladder is compartmentalized, with a relatively narrow passageway fluidly connecting adjacent compartments (e.g., sections  655 ,  660 ). The first section  655  in direct fluid communication with inflation/deflation port  640  is the first to inflate and deflate. The other section  660  (second section) begins to inflate after the first section  655  has partially inflated, when the pressure in the first section  655  exceed the resistance to fluid flow between the first  655  and second  660  sections. The resistance to flow is attributed to the narrow passageway between the sections of the deflated bladder and the flexible material of the bladder resisting deformation. In this manner, progressive inflation and deflation is achieved, with the first section  655  inflating and deflating before the second section  660 . 
         [0061]    In the preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor port  610  is in the second section of the bladder  660  and, particularly in a portion of the second section  660  that is most remote from the inflation/deflation port  615 . Such remoteness is measured by the flowpath of fluid flowing from the inflation/deflation port  615  to the pressure sensor port  610 . Thus, this embodiment of the invention ensures that a determined pressure is achieved in the bladder. If pressure was instead measured close to the inflation/deflation port  615 , the pressure in the second section  660  may be considerably lower than the measured pressure in the first section  655 , and insufficient to provide therapeutic benefit. While two bladder sections are illustrated, a bladder with multiple peninsula&#39;s and multiple sections, may be utilized within the scope of the invention. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 11A-11C  conceptually illustrate steps of a method of applying and using an exemplary compression wrap with a portable intermittent pneumatic compression system according to principles of the invention. In step  700  the wrap is wrapped around a wearer&#39;s leg. In step  705 , the wrap is fastened using available fastening elements, such as hook and loop fasteners. The wrap may be applied to each leg in the same manner as in steps  700  and  705 . In a preferred embodiment, the left wrap differs from the right wrap so that the modules are conveniently and comfortably located, as in step  710 . In step  715 , the module is activated. In step  720 , the activated module inflates the bladder of the coupled wrap, maintains the bladder in an inflated state for a determined amount of time, and then deflates the bladder by allowing pressurized air to escape therefrom, and then directs the evacuated air through the ventilation port of the wrap to the underlying leg, where the leg is ventilated. 
         [0063]    An exemplary method of providing intermittent pneumatic compression of a limb is also provided. The method includes steps of: 
         [0064]    wrapping at least a portion of the limb with a flexible inflatable wrap containing an inflatable bladder and having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that abuts the limb when the wrap is worn, the flexible inflatable wrap including a first fluid port in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, and a second port that extends through the wrap to the inner surface, the second port not is in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder; 
         [0065]    supplying compressed air through the first port of the inflatable wrap and into the bladder, inflating the bladder, until a first condition is determined (the “inflation step”), 
         [0066]    after the first condition is determined, maintaining the bladder in an inflated state until a second condition is determined (the “inflated step”), and 
         [0067]    after the first condition is determined, ventilating air from the bladder through the first port and into the second port of the inflatable wrap and through the inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap (the “ventilation step”). 
         [0068]    Pressure may be sensed in the bladder. The first condition comprising sensing a determined pressure. The second condition may be the passage of a determined time duration (e.g., a determined number of seconds). 
         [0069]    The inflation, inflated and ventilation steps may be repeated sequentially until the method is concluded, such as by powering down. The inflation, inflated and ventilation steps may be controlled using a solenoid valve (e.g., a three-position solenoid valve) switchable between a plurality of states. 
         [0070]    The compressed air may be supplied from a pumping module that may be attached to the flexible inflatable wrap. 
         [0071]    The bladder may have a plurality of compartments fluidly coupled by at least one flow restricting fluid passage. The plurality of compartments include a first compartment and a second compartment. The step of supplying compressed air through the first port of the inflatable wrap and into the bladder, inflating the bladder, until a first condition is determined, entails inflating the first compartment before the second compartment. The step of ventilating air from the bladder through the first port and into the second port of the inflatable wrap and through the inner surface of the flexible inflatable wrap, entails deflating the first compartment before the second compartment. Pressure may be sensed in the second compartment. 
         [0072]    A portable intermittent pneumatic compression system and method as described above thus provides several advantages over prior compression devices. One advantage is progressive inflation through a compartmentalized bladder. Another advantage is wearer ventilation from compressed air ventilated from an inflated bladder. Another advantage is portability, with a module attached to the leg wrap. Another advantage is accurate pressure monitoring through a sensor in the most remote bladder compartment. These and other advantages are achievable using embodiments of the invention as described above. 
         [0073]    While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.