Patent ID: 7207959

Claim:
An apparatus for enhancing return blood flow in a lower extremity to prevent thrombosis in a human body comprising: a single impedance component disposed at the proximal end of the lower extremity that when activated impedes return venous blood flow by compressing a vein, thereby increasing venous fill in the lower extremity; a single compression component disposed at the distal end of the lower extremity that is activated in response to deactivation of said impedance component and compresses at least a portion of the lower extremity such that return venous blood flow is enhanced; wherein the leg between the impedance component and the compression component is exposed to allow for maximum calf diameter expansion; and a controller in communication with the impedance component and the compression component wherein the controller controls the operation of the impedance component and the compression component independently based upon a signal from a sensor which is located below the impedance component wherein the signal comprises a maximum change in the diameter of the calf of the lower extremity.