Geko - Model OnPulse - Neuromuscular Electrostimulation Hospital Applications Device- Technical Description - Brochure

The body’s circulatory system serves to transport and distribute essential substances to the tissues of the body and to remove by-products of metabolism. It also plays a role in the

regulation of body temperature, humoral communication throughout the body and adjustments of oxygen and nutrient supply in differing physiological states. The cardiovascular

system is made up of a pump (the heart), a series of distributing and collecting tubes and an extensive system of thin vessels that allow rapid exchange with tissues. An average adult

has a blood volume of about 5-6 litres. The venous system has a large capacity and may contain some 70% of the blood volume at any time with a large percentage of this in the lower

legs. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and venous return is the volume returning to the heart in the same unit of time. These are interdependent

and multiple feedback control loops operate to regulate the cardiovascular system. Ancillary factors can affect venous return including muscular activity. Contraction of the muscles

causes intermittent venous compression, and because of the orientation of the venous valves, blood is forced from the veins toward the heart. Therefore, muscular contraction in the

lower limb lowers the mean venous pressure and serves as an auxiliary pump to assist venous return. Muscle contraction lowers capillary hydrostatic pressure and increases local blood

circulation