An apparatus for applying periodic pressure to the limb of a patient to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The apparatus has a cuff that has a bladder. A housing that is attached to the cuff. A pump for inflating the bladder to a maximum cuff pressure, the maximum cuff pressure being 55 mmHg, and the pump is housed within the housing. A plurality of pressure application modes each of which control operation of the pump and wherein each pressure application mode is progressively applied in a manner that will increase a patient's blood flow. A pressure application mode selector is disposed on the housing. A microprocessor that is equipped with a program that controls the pump and the plurality of pressure application modes. The microprocessor is housed within the housing and it is connected to a transceiver. And, a remote that connects to the transceiver.