Self-sealing Pressurized Limb Enclosure

Abstract

Method and system are provided for creating a self-sealing pressurized limb enclosure for the assessment of pressure effects on the limb. Embodiments can be self-sealing in that the seal is created by the positive pressure in the enclosure relative to the external environment and does not necessitate contact pressure at the seal location that exceeds the pressure in the enclosure. The seal accounts for anatomical size differences as well as deformations in the size and shape of the limb due to pressure. Furthermore, the seal maintains function in the presence of skin and tissue movement. In operation, the system can be used by an individual without external assistance.

Description

CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 074,773 filed 2 Aug. 2018, which application was a 371 application of PCT / US2017 / 062356 filed 17 Nov. 2017, which application claimed priority to U.S. provisional application 62 / 423,768, filed 17 Nov. 2016. Each of the foregoing is incorporated by reference hereinTECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to the field of methods and apparatuses for managing the pressure around a limb.BACKGROUND ART[0003]In some medical applications it is desirable to study the effects of pressure on a limb. One example is the optical determination of central venous pressure from the dorsal hand veins as described in U.S. provisional patent application 62 / 423,768, incorporated herein by reference. In such applications, it can be important that the method used to generate pressure around the limb does not create additional contact pressures on the limb that exceed the pressure of inte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for making medical examinations more comfortable and easy to operate. The system has a seal mechanism that uses a rigid outer aperture and a flexible inner seal to create a tight seal around thelimb being examined. The size of the aperture can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of limbs. The system reduces the force acting on the seal and the limb, which makes it easier for the user and more comfortable for the patient. The distance between the seal and the limb is important - a small gap maintains a tight seal, while a large gap can cause discomfort or make it difficult to get a seal. The system also offers solutions to mitigate the force caused by the weight of the upper body.

Problems solved by technology

The creation of a pressurized enclosure around a limb in a manner that does not utilize contact pressures exceeding the enclosure pressure is a challenging problem.

The difficulty is exacerbated by the physical complexity and anatomical variability inherent to human limbs, as well as by the desire that the sealing mechanism be easily used by a single operator.

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