Established in 1990, Associated Health Systems Inc. (AHS Inc) is a Canadian-based medical device and equipment developer and distributor specializing in custom manufacturing of medical/surgical products and equipment. The company’s VascuTherm™ rental program is dramatically changing how patients - recover from knee and hip replacement surgery and from broken bones.
Joel Rikley, VP and partner, explains.
“It started with a surgeon out of Westlock that had seen the VascuTherm™ technology before but could no longer access it in Canada. He asked us if we could source it because it was clear that his patients recovered faster when using the device. His patients did not need as many opioids to manage their pain. In fact, they were off the opioids consistently at the 10-day post surgery follow up, at which point they were also achieving substantial “Range of Motion” improvements for hip and knee replacement surgery.
VascuTherm™ is a specialized medical device that utilizes advanced technology to provide fast and targeted rehabilitation support to individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. It works through a unique combination of heat/cold temperature application and intermittent compression therapy. The patented technology employs an air/fluid filled wrap that is secured around the affected area and filled with a controlled amount pressure. The device then generates hot or cold fluid that circulates though the wrap and transfers deep into the tissue, promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage to improve blood flow and speed up recovery.
With its easy-to-use design, VascuTherm™ allows for convenient application to many areas of the body including the neck, back, shoulder, knee and ankle. The device is also portable, allowing for use at home or at work.
“We set up our VascuTherm™ rental program to give as many patients as possible access to the technology,” says Rikley. The cost to purchase the machine outright is a deterrent for most people, but the rental program gives affordable access. He continues, “VascuTherm™ is automated so unlike using ice, which has to be monitored to keep from freezing tissue, patients can simply set the device and relax – and even go to sleep.”
A survey of VascuTherm™ rental program users returned outstanding feedback, including:
“I would highly recommend VascuTherm™ to anyone going through hip surgery. It was vastly easier to use than the application of ice bags and, I believe, vastly decreased the pain from inflammation and reduced time to recover.”
“Very satisfied with VascuTherm™. It really helped to get the swelling down so I could do exercises. I would recommend it for anyone having knee surgery.”
“I have used VascuTherm™ for both knee replacement surgeries and I am glad that this device is available.”
There is another testimonial that Rikley is happy to share. His own.
“I have first-hand experience. I broke my ankle – badly. It was a compound fracture. When I was in the hospital, I could barely handle the weight of ice on it. I asked my staff to bring me a VascuTherm™ unit and it was an essential part of my pain management. Being in healthcare, I knew how important it was to limit the use of opioids. I couldn’t have done it without VascuTherm™.”
AHS Inc is determined to help as many people as possible. They are actively advocating for and raising awareness of this technology’s capabilities in healthcare facilities and as a rental product. AHS Inc prioritizes giving back in other ways also, such as helping to setting up the sensory friendly room at a recent Oil Kings game among other initiatives.
Learn more about VascuTherm™ and AHS online.
