Body pulsating apparatus and method

Abstract

A device and method coupled to a therapy garment to apply pressure and repetitive compression forces to a body of a person has a positive air pulse generator and a user programmable time, frequency and pressure controller operable to regulate the duration of operation, frequency of the air pulses and a selected air pressure applied to the body of a person. The air pulse generator has rigid displacers that are angularly moved with crank power transmissions to draw air into the air pulse generator and discharge air pressure pulses to the therapy garment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 431,956, filed Mar. 27, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a medical device operable with a thoracic therapy garment and method to apply repetitive compression forces to the body of a person to aid blood circulation, loosen and eliminate mucus from the lungs and trachea and relieve muscular and nerve tensions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract in healthy individuals is accomplished primarily by the body's normal mucociliary action and cough. Under normal conditions these mechanisms are very efficient. Impairment of the normal mucociliary transport system or hypersecretion of respiratory mucus results in an accumulation of mucus and debris in the lungs and can cause severe medical complications such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, chronic bronchitis ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Impairment of the normal mucociliary transport system or hypersecretion of respiratory mucus results in an accumulation of mucus and debris in the lungs and can cause severe medical complications such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.

These complications can result in a diminished quality of life or even become a cause of death.

Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollutants and viral infections also adversely affect mucociliary function.

The genetic defect disrupts chloride transfer in and out of cells, causing the normal mucus from the exocrine glands to become very thick and sticky, eventually blocking ducts of the glands in the pancreas, lungs and liver.

Disruption of the pancreatic glands prevents secretion of important digestive enzymes and causes intestinal problems that can lead to malnutrition.

In addition, the thick mucus accumulates in the lung's respiratory tracts, causing chronic infections, scarring, and decreased vital capacity.

Normal coughing is not sufficient to dislodge these mucus deposits.

The normal progression of CF includes gastrointestinal problems, failure to thrive, repeated and multiple lung infections, and death due to respiratory insufficiency.

This inflammation causes permanent scarring of the lung tissue, reducing the capacity of the lungs to absorb oxygen and, ultimately, sustain life.

It is a physically exhausting process for both the CF person and the caregiver.

Patient and caregiver non-compliance with prescribed protocols is a well-recognized problem that renders this method ineffective.

CPT effectiveness is also highly technique sensitive and degrades as the giver becomes tired.

The requirement that a second person be available to perform the therapy severely limits the independence of the CF person.

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