Ex-BA pilot invents device to prevent DVT blood clots
From the Times, 19 April...
In-flight 'gym' to stop fatal clots
BY DAVID CHARTER, HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
AN EXERCISE device for air passengers invented by a former British Airways pilot was hailed yesterday as a breakthrough against potentially fatal blood clots.
The Airogym was developed by Paul Richards after a passenger on one of his flights narrowly survived deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome. It can be caused by dehydration and lack of movement because of cramped conditions on long flights. A blood clot builds up in the leg and can be fatal if it breaks off and reaches the heart or lungs.
The Airogym is a small inflatable footpad. The pressure involved in squeezing it causes muscular contraction of the calf muscles which improves the blood flow through the main veins to the heart.
Half a million Airogyms have been ordered by Emirates Airline, the Dubai-based company, which will start distributing them today free of charge to its passengers. Tests at Middlesex and University College Hospitals recorded a 25 to 50 per cent rise in blood flow when used by 40 seated volunteers aged 25 to 65.
John Scurr, the consultant vascular surgeon who conducted the tests, said: “This increased blood flow prohibits venous stasis and should reduce the risk of potentially dangerous blood clots.”
He added that five minutes’ use every hour would significantly reduce the risk of DVT. It also encouraged better blood flow than walking around.
Mr Richards’s daughter Amanda, the director of Airogym, said yesterday: “Passengers are advised to walk. This can be difficult as 400 people exercising creates problems — interference with the crew and safety concerns in the event of unexpected turbulence.”
No other airlines offer devices although many give demonstrations of simple exercises.