Compass™ Overview
The Compass™ System includes a handheld compression assist device which uses the sterile, disposable SuperComfort™ Disc. Practitioners apply external pressure using Compass in much the same way that they would apply manual pressure, except that Compass makes the hemostasis procedure more comfortable for both them and their patients.
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CompressAR® System Overview
The CompressAR® System was the first mechanical compression device ever to replace manual compression for post-catheterization femoral hemostasis. It continues to be the world leader in mechanical compression, having been successfully used for over 30 years on millions of patients worldwide in cardiac cath labs, radiology labs and intensive care nursing units.
Designed as hands-free mechanical compression systems used by clinicians to easily achieve post-catheterization femoral hemostasis, CompressAR Systems decrease blood contact and increase technician and nurse productivity. In addition, CompressAR Systems help avoid muscle strain and disabilities caused by repeated use of the muscles required for manual compression. Because of their consistent application of compression, CompressAR Systems also promote patient comfort and avoid complications during the hemostasis period, providing outcomes as good or better than manual compression.1
Simple and inexpensive to operate, CompressAR Systems are comprised of a non-disposable CompressAR Stand on which disposable CompressAR Discs are attached to provide vascular compression for purposes of achieving femoral hemostasis. A single, sterile CompressAR Disc is used for each hemostasis.
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CompressAR StrongArm™ SuperComfort™ System
The new CompressAR StrongArm SuperComfort System builds on a tradition of excellence spanning over 25 years. The StrongArm SuperComfort System provides the same cost-effective, convenient operation that clinicians have enjoyed with earlier versions of the CompressAR product line, and is used for the same wide array of hemostasis procedures.
Comprising the StrongArm SuperComfort Stand and the SuperComfort sterile Disc, the new CompressAR StrongArm SuperComfort System provides secure femoral compression and more stable Disc positioning during hemostasis.
Clinicians use the CompressAR StrongArm SuperComfort System virtually identically to the way that they've used the CompressAR Universal, and will quickly start enjoying the the new system's benefits. Because clinicians avoid having to use manual compression, muscular fatigue and risk of injury caused by repetitive motion is greatly reduced. In addition, clinicians minimize their exposure to blood during the hemostasis period.
The StrongArm SuperComfort Arms can also retrofit to CompressAR Universal Stands currently in use, enabling quick, easy conversion by current CompressAR Universal users, with a simple Arm changeout. CompressAR StrongArm SuperComfort Stands are available in versions which have Arms of either standard and extended length, and which also fit beds or stretchers having irregular bedframes, including the Hill-Rom TotalCare® Bed.
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CompressAR StrongArm™ System
The CompressAR StrongArm System provides the same cost-effective, convenient operation that clinicians have enjoyed with earlier versions of the CompressAR product line, and is used for the same wide array of hemostasis procedures.
Comprising the StrongArm and the 3-Finger Jack® sterile Disc, the new CompressAR StrongArm System provides secure femoral compression and greater patient comfort during hemostasis, resulting in more stable Disc positioning and increased patient satisfaction.
Clinicians use the CompressAR StrongArm System the same way that they've used the CompressAR Universal, and will quickly start enjoying the the new system's benefits. Because clinicians avoid having to use manual compression, muscular fatigue and risk of injury caused by repetitive motion is greatly reduced and clinicians minimize their exposure to blood during the hemostasis period.
The StrongArm retrofits to CompressAR Universal Stands currently in use, enabling quick, easy conversion by current CompressAR users, with a simple Arm changeout. CompressAR StrongArm Stands are available in versions which have Arms of either standard and extended length, and which also fit the Hill-Rom TotalCare® Bed.
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Overview of Operation
The CompressAR System should be applied by a physician, nurse, or technician experienced with transfemoral catheterization. This overview provides a general description of the CompressAR System's usage. For detailed inservice information, refer to the Training section on this website.
Typically, the CompressAR StrongArm Stand is placed on the bed on which the patient is located, with the Base inserted between the mattress and the base of the bed. The The Shaft rotates to permit easy movement of the arm, enabling proper placement of compression. The Top Lever locks the Shaft in place.
The CompressAR Disc is attached to the movable Arm Slide on the Arm of the Stand, which is then lowered onto the femoral artery immediately proximal and medial to the puncture site, with the sheath located in the V-notch of the Disc. As the technician applies downward pressure on the Arm of the CompressAR StrongArm Stand, the sheath is pulled.
Pressure sufficient to prevent any blood oozing from the puncture site should be continuously applied and distal blood flow should be monitored. Patients must not be left unattended while a CompressAR System is being used to apply pressure to the femoral artery.
In the event that the patient has a large abdominal bulk, the CompressAR StrongArm Stand may be placed on the bed such that the Base and Arm are at an angle to the patient, with the distal end of the Arm "aimed" towards the opposite shoulder of the patient. This positioning reduces the possibility of the abdominal bulk disturbing the compression.
The Arm Lever is used to ease off pressure in small increments, so as not to create a sudden blood pressure surge, which could dislodge the clot at the puncture site. Arm Lever adjustments should be made periodically so as to gradually increase distal blood flow while preventing oozing from the puncture site. Patients without anti-coagulation medications typically achieve hemostasis on average within 15-20 minutes, although this varies from patient to patient. Patients receiving anti-coagulation medications may experience longer times to hemostasis depending upon the type and amounts of medications administered.
When pressure is completely removed and there is no oozing at the puncture site, the CompressAR StrongArm System may be removed from the patient. Bed rest, pressure dressings, and time to ambulation may be recommended as per existing protocols when manual compression is used.
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Training Tools
- CompressAR Training Video -- available on DVD, to show actual CompressAR operation and technique
- Illustrated Inservice Guidelines in PDF format -- illustrates parts and describes operation of the CompressAR
- Credentialing Tool Document -- assists hospitals in developing an inhouse credentialing program for using the CompressAR
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Limited Warranty
To obtain factory service for your CompressAR System, contact Advanced Vascular Dynamics for a Return Materials Authorization number and instructions, and for the proper address for your return. Product must be shipped, pre-paid to AVD, to the address provided to you when you obtain the RMA number. In-warranty products will be returned, postage pre-paid. Product must be returned only to the RMA Center and will only be accepted with a valid RMA number.
For service information, contact:
Advanced Vascular Dynamics
2326 NW Everett St.
Portland, OR 97210 USA
(503) 223-2333
(800) 525-2555 (toll-free within USA and Canada)
(503) 223-8585 (Fax)
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Regulatory Clearances
CompressAR products are cleared for use in the US by the FDA. CE-marked products are available for use in the European community.
1 References
- Semler, H J. Transfemoral catheterization: mechanical versus manual control of bleeding. Radiology 1985; 154:234-235.
- Pracyk J B. Randomized trial of vascular hemostasis techniques to reduce femoral vascular complications after coronary intervention. American Journal of Cardiology 1998; 81:970-976.
- Simon, A. Manual versus mechanical compression for femoral artery hemostasis after cardiac catheterization. American Journal of Critical Care 1998; 7:308-313.
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