ACI Medical Announces Results Of New Study That Demonstrate Effectiveness Of Its ArtAssist Medical Device
Published in the March issue of "Annals of Surgery," the study examined 41 patients who had been diagnosed with leg pain caused by poor circulation, a condition known as intermittent claudication. An experimental group was given the ArtAssist device, ACI Medical's in-home device that increases arterial blood flow through compression cuffs covering the foot, calf and ankle. The patients used the device daily for five months. They also were given aspirin and asked to exercise unsupervised. A control group only received aspirin and exercised unsupervised.
The study's authors determined that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy to the foot and calf through the ArtAssist device significantly improved the walking ability of patients. Their pain-free walking distance increased by a median of 197 percent (almost tripling). By comparison, the control group did not show improvement in its walking ability.
"These findings further validate the ArtAssist device's effectiveness in enhancing blood flow in patients with arterial blockages," said Ed Arkans, founder and president of ACI Medical. "Most encouraging is that all clinical benefits associated with the ArtAssist device were maintained one year after cessation of treatment. The patient is not forever dependent on the device as they may be with drug therapy."
If an artery is partially blocked due to plaque build up, or arteriosclerosis, leg muscles may not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Incapacitating pain may result which severely limits walking distance.
Results from the study also found the group using the ArtAssist device benefited from a better quality of life than the control group as measured by their physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and the perception of general and mental health.
In addition, the ArtAssist device is an uncomplicated treatment for intermittent claudication and is a fraction of the cost compared to other available treatments involving surgery and balloon angioplasty. Device usage has received a Medicare reimbursement code and is also covered by private insurance. After receiving a physician's prescription, the device is delivered to the patient's home and picked up after therapy is complete.