Compression device and control system for applying pressure to a limb of a living being

Abstract

A compression device (10) comprising an inflatable bladder (12), an optional controller (14), a source of fluidic pressure (16), and a cuff (18) at least partially housing the inflatable bladder and capable of being attached to a body part (20) of a living being. The controller is in fluid communication with the source of fluidic pressure and the inflatable bladder. The controller is capable of maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure, even if the body part to which the device is attached decreases in volume. The source of fluidic pressure can be container of compressed fluid, like carbon dioxide. The source of fluidic pressure and the controller can be removably attachable to the cuff. A method of using the device to maintain constant pressure to decrease the volume of a limb or to lessen lymphedema.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 221,650, filed Jun. 30, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 119,235, filed Dec. 2, 2008. Both said provisional applications are incorporated herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND[0002]The present invention generally relates to a device for treating swelling of a body part. More specifically the present invention relates to a compression device with either (i) a mechanical wrap tightener or (ii) inflatable bladders and a control system, for applying constant compressive pressure to a body part, such as a limb, of a living being.[0003]The present invention additionally relates to the methods of using the compression device, including to lessen lymphedema and the swelling arising from surgery. The inventive compression device may be used to treat the swelling associated with any or all of the following circulatory disorders: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), lymph...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an apparatus for compressing a body part of a living being to decrease its size. The apparatus includes an inflatable bladder, a controller, a source of fluidic pressure, and a cuff for attaching the inflatable bladder to the body part. The controller maintains a constant fluid pressure in the inflatable bladder, even as the body part decreases in size. The apparatus can be used to decrease lymphedema or swelling caused by a surgical procedure. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a simple and effective way to compress body parts to decrease their size."

Problems solved by technology

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that can form in a person's legs and sometimes move to his or her lungs, where it could potentially be fatal.

Lymphedema causes the extremity to swell and become heavy and limited in mobility and function.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when these valves become damaged, allowing the blood to leak backward and pool.

CVI is a significant public health problem in the United States.

CVI can lead to leg ulcers which can be severe and are responsible for 100,000 cases of disability in the United States alone.

Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time.

Large varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue as well as skin changes like rashes, redness, and sores.

When the arteries in the legs become blocked, the legs do not receive enough blood or oxygen.

In addition, surgical procedures on a body part often cause the body part to swell.

The surgery would cause swelling in the thigh.

With four tubes running to each compression sleeve, there is an increased likelihood of getting the tubes tangled or pinched.

However, unlike prior art devices, the compression device described herein allows automatic or manual readjustment of the level of inflation to maintain the pressure applied to the body part at a constant pressure (to allow continued application of pressure, to cause additional shrinkage of the body part).

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