Intermittent passive traction device and method of use

a technology of intermittent passive traction and traction device, which is applied in the field of medical treatment modalities, can solve the problems of high cost of the device and/or the time required for frequent health care professionals to administer the technique, and the majority of patients cannot afford to purchase the device for self-directed care, etc., and achieve the effect of effective traction across the spin

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-07-20
DUNFEE & DUNFEE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A significant draw back with these modalities however, lies in the cost of the devices and / or the time required to frequent health care professionals administering the technique(s).
Most patients cannot afford to purchase these devices for self-directed care.
Patients spend time, and often substantial amounts of money to be treated.

Method used

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  • Intermittent passive traction device and method of use
  • Intermittent passive traction device and method of use
  • Intermittent passive traction device and method of use

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0030] Looking now at FIGS. 1A and 1B, an IPT vest is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The IPT vest includes a lumbar region belt 12 and a thoracic region belt 14 that are joined in the patient front side via a pair of anterior CPM lifter / stabilizer units 16, 18, and joined in the patient's back side via a single posterior CPM lifter / stabilizer unit 20. CPM lifter / stabilizer units 16, 18 and 20 can be of the type described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 094,862 (‘862’ application) that is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, and may be, for example, fluidic, electromechanical, or various combinations of fluidic and electromechanical units. A patient operated controller 22 is provided that may be battery operated or optionally may be operated via AC power under predetermined operating conditions. The CPM lifter / stabilizer units can be attached to the upper thoracic belt 14 and the lower lumbar belt 12 via any suitable mechanical means s...

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Abstract

A device and method for applying intermittent passive traction (IPT) that includes an initial phase followed by a sustained traction phase and finally a relaxation phase. During the first phase of IPT, the spinal elements are placed under gentle traction. This period of time reduces the normal forces across the vertebral bodies, facet joints, paraspinal musculature, etc. The second phase holds the spine in sustained traction, further reducing the forces across the spinal elements, encouraging natural healing to occur and allowing the muscles a period of relaxation. The third phase includes the gradual reduction of traction. During this final phase, the normal forces across the spine are reestablished as the IPT device slowly releases traction. The method resolves many of the most limiting problems associated with traction, CPM, and passive treatment modalities.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1), of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 094,862, entitled Ambulatory Spinal Unloading Method and Apparatus, filed Mar. 31, 2005 by Matthew J. Dunfee and Susan J. Dunfee, and which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 035,485, filed Jan. 15, 2005, by Matthew J. Dunfee and Susan J. Dunfee. Application Ser. Nos. 11 / 094,862 and 11 / 035,485 are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to medical treatment modalities, and more particularly relates to a device and method for implementing intermittent passive traction (IPT) therapy. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] Continuous passive motion (herein after referred to as CPM) is a well known and established technique used by the medical community to benefit a patient's recovery. The modality relie...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61F5/00
CPCA61F5/024A61F5/026A61H1/0218A61H1/0292A61H2001/0233A61H2201/1621A61H2201/163
Inventor WIKENHEISER, MARK A.DUNFEE, MATTHEW J.
Owner DUNFEE & DUNFEE
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