We're developing an SCD sleeve with a removable lower chamber — so a blood pressure cuff can go on the lower leg without taking off DVT prophylaxis.
Upper chambers stay in place · lower chamber detaches
The clinical problem
Intermittent pneumatic compression is a standard mechanical method for reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis in immobilized and post-surgical patients. But the calf is also where clinicians sometimes need to place a blood pressure cuff — and a conventional sleeve leaves no room for both.
When the lower leg is the only viable cuff site, staff often remove the SCD sleeve entirely — pausing the very therapy meant to run continuously.
Removing and re-applying a full sleeve adds steps at the bedside and in the OR, and each interruption is a chance for prophylaxis to be forgotten.
The device
Our design keeps upper-leg compression working while freeing the lower leg on demand. The modular lower chamber separates cleanly, then reattaches — no full removal, no lost therapy time.
The full sleeve delivers sequential compression along the leg like a conventional SCD.
When lower-leg access is needed, the lowest chamber removes on its own, leaving upper compression running.
A blood pressure cuff fits the vacated site while prophylaxis continues above it.
The chamber returns to full sequential compression when the leg is free again.
Development partnership
Miles Medical Innovations is developing this device in collaboration with Rose-Hulman Ventures, drawing on its engineering and product-development capabilities to move the concept from prototype toward a validated design.
Development roadmap
Our work is organized into two phases. Phase 1 established the modular concept and core compression approach; Phase 2 is the final design and validation effort.
Confirmed that sequential compression and clean separation of the lower chamber can coexist in a single sleeve — establishing that the modular concept is feasible.
CompleteEngineering refinement, prototype validation, and preparation of the design for the steps that follow development. Runs approximately eight months from November 2026.
Starting November 2026Get in touch
We're seeking grant funding to support Phase 2 development. If you're a funder, clinician, or potential collaborator, we'd like to hear from you.
Brand mark
Three stacked chambers, with the lowest set apart and outlined — the removable chamber that defines the device. The mark reads clearly at favicon size and scales cleanly for letterhead, grant decks, and signage. Navy is the primary form; the teal badge is an alternate for dark backgrounds.