Upper limb lymphedema monitoring oversleeve

By designing an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, and utilizing multiple soft measuring units and inflation units, autonomous and accurate arm circumference measurement and early warning are achieved. This solves the problems of strong subjectivity and insufficient timeliness in existing measurement methods, and improves the accuracy of edema monitoring and data management efficiency.

CN121774486APending Publication Date: 2026-04-03TONGJI HOSPITAL ATTACHED TO TONGJI MEDICAL COLLEGE HUAZHONG SCI TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-27
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies for measuring upper limb lymphedema are subjective, lack timeliness, and are inconvenient for data management, making it difficult to detect and monitor the degree of edema in patients at an early stage.

Method used

An upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff was designed, comprising a cuff body, an upper limb arm circumference measurement module, a data processing module, and a display screen. It achieves autonomous and accurate arm circumference measurement through multiple soft ruler measurement units and an inflation unit, and generates early warning signals and trend graphs. Combined with a wireless transmission module, it monitors and records changes in the patient's arm circumference in real time.

Benefits of technology

It enables autonomous and accurate arm circumference measurement, generates early warning signals and trend charts, improves the accuracy and timeliness of measurement, facilitates patients' self-monitoring and data management, and reduces errors and data interruptions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of health monitoring, in particular to an upper limb lymphedema monitoring oversleeve which comprises an oversleeve body used for being arranged on an upper limb arm of a patient in a sleeving mode. The upper limb arm circumference measuring module is arranged on the inner layer of the oversleeve body and comprises a first flexible rule measuring unit, a second flexible rule measuring unit, a third flexible rule measuring unit, a fourth flexible rule measuring unit and a fifth flexible rule measuring unit which are arranged at preset intervals in the length direction of the oversleeve body and are used for measuring arm circumferences of different parts of an affected limb respectively; the data processing module is connected with the upper limb arm circumference measuring module and used for generating an early warning signal based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and the corresponding reference arm circumference, and the reference arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy side arm; and the display screen is connected with the data processing module and is used for displaying the early warning signal, so that when a patient wears the oversleeve, the arm circumference of the upper limb can be measured and recorded autonomously, the operation of measurement personnel is facilitated, and the measurement accuracy is also improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of health monitoring technology, and in particular to an upper limb lymphedema monitoring sleeve. Background Technology

[0002] Upper limb lymphedema is a common chronic complication after breast cancer surgery, manifesting as limb swelling, which progresses gradually. Early detection and intervention are crucial for controlling disease progression and improving prognosis. Currently, in clinical practice, patients mainly seek medical attention for regular check-ups or when they experience discomfort or swelling in their arms. These cases are often diagnosed with moderate to severe edema, prolonging the course of the disease. Arm circumference is primarily measured manually with a tape measure to assess the degree of edema. This method has the following drawbacks: 1. Highly subjective: Human factors such as measurement point location and tightness can easily lead to errors.

[0003] 2. Lack of timeliness: The long intervals make it impossible to achieve daily dynamic monitoring, and it is easy to miss early edema signals.

[0004] 3. Inconvenient data management: Manual recording makes it difficult to form long-term, continuous trend analysis, and the data is prone to interruption.

[0005] Therefore, how to conveniently and accurately measure the circumference of a patient's arm in order to monitor the degree of edema is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0007] This invention provides an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, comprising: The sleeve body is used to be put on the patient's upper arm; The upper limb arm circumference measurement module is located in the inner layer of the sleeve body and includes: a first soft ruler measurement unit, a second soft ruler measurement unit, a third soft ruler measurement unit, a fourth soft ruler measurement unit and a fifth soft ruler measurement unit set at preset distances along the length direction of the sleeve body, which are used to measure the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb respectively. The data processing module is connected to the upper limb arm circumference measurement module and is used to generate an early warning signal based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and the corresponding reference arm circumference. The reference arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy arm. The display screen, connected to the data processing module, is used to display the warning signal.

[0008] Preferably, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth soft ruler measuring units each include: A tape measure holder and a tape measure, wherein the tape measure holder is provided with a scroll, a driver and a counter; One end of the soft measuring tape is fixed to the soft measuring tape holder, and the other end is stored on the scroll. The scroll is driven to rotate by the driver to realize the winding and unwinding of the soft measuring tape. The counter is used to count the number of rotations of the scroll. Both the driver and the counter are connected to the data processing module and are used to send the number of rotations to the data processing module.

[0009] Preferably, the measuring tape is embedded in the inner layer of the sleeve body, and the measuring tape is in a stretched state when the patient's arm circumference at different parts is not being measured.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes: an inflation unit, comprising an airbag and an inflation pump, wherein the inflation pump is connected to the data processing module; The airbag is used to inflate the arm circumference at different parts of the patient's affected limb using an air pump.

[0011] Preferably, the data processing module is specifically used for: A mild edema warning signal is generated when the patient's arm circumference at any part of the body is less than 3cm larger than the baseline arm circumference. A moderate edema warning signal is generated when the arm circumference at any part of the patient's body is 3-5 cm larger than the baseline arm circumference. A severe edema warning signal is generated when the arm circumference at any part of the patient's body exceeds the baseline arm circumference by more than 5 cm.

[0012] Preferably, the first measuring unit corresponds to the lower edge of the sleeve body and, when worn by the patient, corresponds to the patient's wrist crease; the fifth measuring unit corresponds to the upper edge of the sleeve body; and the preset distance is 10cm.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes: The memory is used to store arm circumference measurements taken from different patients at different times, as well as wristband QR codes.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes: a scanning module for scanning the patient's wristband QR code; and locating the patient's historical arm circumference from the memory based on the wristband QR code.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes: a wireless transmission module, a connection memory and a patient's terminal device, for drawing an arm circumference change trend graph based on the historical arm circumference through the data processing module, and sending it to the patient's terminal device.

[0016] Preferably, it further includes: fastening Velcro, located on the outside of the sleeve body.

[0017] One or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages: This invention provides an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, comprising: a cuff body for wearing on a patient's upper limb arm; an upper limb arm circumference measurement module disposed in the inner layer of the cuff body, including a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth soft ruler measuring units spaced at preset distances along the length of the cuff body, for measuring the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb; a data processing module connected to the upper limb arm circumference measurement module for generating an early warning signal based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and a corresponding reference arm circumference, wherein the reference arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy arm; and a display screen connected to the data processing module for displaying the early warning signal. This allows the patient to independently measure and record their upper limb arm circumference while wearing the cuff, facilitating operation for the measuring personnel and improving measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the upper limb lymphedema monitoring sleeve in an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 This invention illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of any soft measuring tape unit in the upper limb arm circumference measurement module in an embodiment of the invention. In the diagram, 101-sleeve body, 102-upper arm circumference measurement module, 103-data processing module, 104-display screen, 201-measuring tape holder, 202-measuring tape, 203-roller, 204-driver, 205-counter. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: The sleeve body 101 is used to be put on the patient's upper arm; The upper limb arm circumference measurement module 102 is disposed in the inner layer of the sleeve body 101 and includes: a first soft ruler measurement unit, a second soft ruler measurement unit, a third soft ruler measurement unit, a fourth soft ruler measurement unit and a fifth soft ruler measurement unit arranged at preset distances along the length direction of the sleeve body 101, which are respectively used to measure the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb. Data processing module 103 is connected to upper limb arm circumference measurement module and is used to generate early warning signals based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and the corresponding baseline arm circumference. The baseline arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy arm. Display screen 104 is connected to the data processing module and is used to display the warning signals.

[0021] In a specific implementation, the upper limb arm circumference measurement module 102 consists of five identical structures, such as... Figure 2 As shown below, each structure will be described in detail.

[0022] Therefore, each measuring tape unit includes: a measuring tape holder 201 and a measuring tape 202, wherein the measuring tape holder 201 is provided with a roller 203, a driver 204 and a counter 205; One end of the flexible measuring tape 202 is fixed to the flexible measuring tape holder 201, and the other end is stored on the scroll 203. The scroll 203 is driven to rotate by the driver 204 to realize the winding and unwinding of the flexible measuring tape 202. The counter 205 is used to count the number of rotations of the scroll 203. Both the driver 204 and the counter 205 are connected to the data processing module 103. The driver is used to send the number of rotations to the data processing module 103.

[0023] Of course, the data processing module 103 is also used to send control commands to the driver 204 to realize the retraction and extension drive control of the flexible ruler 202.

[0024] Specifically, the flexible measuring tape 202 is embedded in the inner layer of the sleeve body 101. When the upper limb arm circumference measurement module 102 is not measuring the arm circumference of different parts of the patient's arm, the flexible measuring tape 202 is in a stretched state. Moreover, the stretched state of the five flexible measuring tape units is consistent.

[0025] First, the consistent stretching of the five measuring units indicates that the circumference is consistent. During measurement, one end of the measuring tape 202 is wound up. The number of rotations of the roll 203 multiplied by the length of one rotation is the shrinkage length. Subtracting the shrinkage length from the original circumference gives the current arm circumference. The circumference of different parts of the arm can be measured in this way.

[0026] The arm circumference at different locations includes the arm circumference corresponding to the wrist crease, and the arm circumference corresponding to 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm and 50cm above the wrist crease.

[0027] Therefore, the first measuring unit corresponds to the lower edge of the sleeve body 101 and the wrist crease of the patient when wearing it, and the fifth measuring unit corresponds to the upper edge of the sleeve body 101. The preset distance is 10cm.

[0028] For accurate measurement, the upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff also includes an inflation unit, comprising an air bladder and an inflation pump. The inflation pump is connected to the data processing module 103, so that the data processing module 103 activates the inflation pump after sending a measurement command and controls deflation after the measurement is completed. The air bladder is used to inflate the cuff when measuring the arm circumference at different locations on the patient's affected limb. This ensures that the inner layer of the cuff body 101 fits snugly against the patient's affected arm, allowing the measuring tape 202 to fit the arm more closely when measuring the arm circumference.

[0029] To enhance the fit between the measuring tape unit and the patient's arm, a fastening Velcro strap can be installed on the outside of the sleeve body 101. By fastening the Velcro strap, the accuracy of the measuring tape 202 in measuring arm circumference can be improved.

[0030] In the actual measurement process, the data processing module 103 is specifically used for: A mild edema warning signal is generated when the patient's arm circumference at any part of the body is less than 3cm larger than the baseline arm circumference. When the patient's arm circumference at any part of the body is 3-5 cm larger than the baseline arm circumference, a moderate edema warning is generated. A severe edema warning signal is generated when the arm circumference at any part of the patient's body exceeds the baseline arm circumference by more than 5 cm.

[0031] By classifying edema into different grades, appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods can be provided to avoid delaying the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

[0032] Different levels of edema warning signals can be displayed on screen 104. Mild edema warning signals are displayed in yellow, requiring close attention; moderate edema warning signals are displayed in light red, requiring caution and prompt medical attention; severe edema warning signals are displayed in dark red, requiring emergency intervention.

[0033] In a specific implementation, the upper limb lymphedema monitoring sleeve also includes a memory for storing arm circumference measurements taken from different patients at different times and a QR code on the wristband.

[0034] Specifically, each patient has a unique identification information with a QR code on their wrist, and the arm circumference of the same patient measured at different times is recorded in a list corresponding to the same unique identification information.

[0035] The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff also includes: a scanning module for scanning the patient's wristband QR code; and for locating the patient's historical arm circumference from memory based on the wristband QR code.

[0036] By locating the patient's historical arm circumference, the current arm circumference measurement is recorded in the same patient's historical arm circumference data to avoid data confusion.

[0037] Of course, this upper limb lymphedema monitoring sleeve can be used by various types of patients in hospital settings or by a single patient in home settings; there are no limitations on its use.

[0038] In addition, the upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff also includes: a wireless transmission module, a connection memory and a patient's terminal device, which is used by the data processing module 103 to draw a trend chart of arm circumference changes based on historical arm circumference and send it to the patient's terminal device.

[0039] This allows patients to see changes in their arm circumference over a continuous period, noting whether there is an increasing trend or a decreasing trend. It avoids the need for patients to manually record arm circumference data or forget previous data, thus preventing them from accurately assessing current changes.

[0040] When using the upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, the patient needs to lie flat in a supine position with their arm exposed and in a natural, flat position. First, put the cuff on the patient's unaffected arm, then turn on the upper limb arm circumference measurement module to measure the arm circumference of different parts of the unaffected arm and obtain the baseline arm circumference for the corresponding part.

[0041] Next, the upper limb lymphedema monitoring sleeve is placed on the patient's affected arm, and the upper limb arm circumference measurement module is activated to measure the arm circumference of the affected arm. Finally, the arm circumference measurement results are displayed on the screen.

[0042] One or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages: This invention provides an upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff, comprising: a cuff body for wearing on a patient's upper limb arm; an upper limb arm circumference measurement module disposed in the inner layer of the cuff body, including a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth soft ruler measuring units spaced at preset distances along the length of the cuff body, for measuring the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb; a data processing module connected to the upper limb arm circumference measurement module for generating an early warning signal based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and a corresponding reference arm circumference, wherein the reference arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy arm; and a display screen connected to the data processing module for displaying the early warning signal. This allows the patient to independently measure and record their upper limb arm circumference while wearing the cuff, facilitating operation for the measuring personnel and improving measurement accuracy.

[0043] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0044] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A cuff for monitoring upper limb lymphedema, characterized in that, include: The sleeve body is used to be put on the patient's upper arm; The upper limb arm circumference measurement module is located in the inner layer of the sleeve body and includes: a first soft ruler measurement unit, a second soft ruler measurement unit, a third soft ruler measurement unit, a fourth soft ruler measurement unit and a fifth soft ruler measurement unit set at preset distances along the length direction of the sleeve body, which are used to measure the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb respectively. The data processing module is connected to the upper limb arm circumference measurement module and is used to generate an early warning signal based on the arm circumference of different parts of the affected limb and the corresponding reference arm circumference. The reference arm circumference is determined based on the arm circumference of the healthy arm. The display screen, connected to the data processing module, is used to display the warning signal.

2. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth soft ruler measuring units each include: A tape measure holder and a tape measure, wherein the tape measure holder is provided with a scroll, a driver and a counter; One end of the soft measuring tape is fixed to the soft measuring tape holder, and the other end is stored on the scroll. The scroll is driven to rotate by the driver to realize the winding and unwinding of the soft measuring tape. The counter is used to count the number of rotations of the scroll. Both the driver and the counter are connected to the data processing module and are used to send the number of rotations to the data processing module.

3. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The measuring tape is embedded in the inner layer of the sleeve body. When the patient's arm circumference is not measured at different parts, the measuring tape is in a stretched state.

4. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An inflation unit includes an airbag and an inflation pump, wherein the inflation pump is connected to the data processing module; The airbag is used to inflate the arm circumference at different parts of the patient's affected limb using an air pump.

5. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing module is specifically used for: A mild edema warning signal is generated when the patient's arm circumference at any part of the body is less than 3cm larger than the baseline arm circumference. A moderate edema warning signal is generated when the arm circumference at any part of the patient's body is 3-5 cm larger than the baseline arm circumference. A severe edema warning signal is generated when the arm circumference at any part of the patient's body exceeds the baseline arm circumference by more than 5 cm.

6. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first measuring unit corresponds to the lower edge of the sleeve body and, when worn by the patient, corresponds to the patient's wrist crease. The fifth measuring unit corresponds to the upper edge of the sleeve body, and the preset distance is 10cm.

7. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The memory is used to store arm circumference measurements taken from different patients at different times, as well as wristband QR codes.

8. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The scanning module is used to scan the QR code on the patient's wristband; The patient's historical arm circumference is located from the memory based on the QR code on the wristband.

9. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The wireless transmission module, connected to the memory and the patient's terminal device, is used to draw a trend chart of arm circumference changes based on the historical arm circumference through the data processing module and send it to the patient's terminal device.

10. The upper limb lymphedema monitoring cuff as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Fastening Velcro is located on the outside of the sleeve body.