VACUMED · Intermittent Vacuum Therapy
Developed to address fluid shifts toward the upper body in microgravity, lower-body negative pressure technology is now used on Earth to support circulation.
Origin · Space Medicine
VACUMED is based on lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) technology, developed to address the effects of fluid shifts in microgravity. Its roots are in the work of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute of Aerospace Medicine.
How it works
You rest with your lower body inside a chamber that alternates between negative and normal pressure. This repeated pressure change creates a pumping action to support circulation.
Draws blood toward the lower body
Allows blood to flow back toward the heart
A rhythmic pumping action supports circulation
Evidence
Studies & case reports
Studies in healthy volunteers have reported improvements in circulation and microcirculation with intermittent negative pressure of −40 mmHg applied to the lower legs and feet. Case reports have also described use in lower-limb ischemia and hard-to-heal ulcers.
Published reports
Reports suggest intermittent negative pressure may offer advantages over continuous pressure for blood flow, new vessel formation and tissue oxygenation.
Use within a care program
We may include VACUMED in body care programs to support circulation. We discuss expected responses with you during your consultation.
Responses vary. An internal medicine specialist will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
At VEI
Intermittent Vacuum Therapy is a noninvasive treatment received while lying comfortably with your lower body inside a chamber. All our treatment rooms are private. Your consultation covers how the treatment works and whether to combine it with other care.
