VTE prevention system and adaptive control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a VTE prevention system and an adaptive control method, and the system comprises a main controller, an electrical stimulation module, a thermal therapy module, a temperature collection module, and a blood flow monitoring module, and the electrical stimulation module, the thermal therapy module, the temperature collection module, and the blood flow monitoring module are electrically connected with the main controller. The electrical stimulation module is used for generating and outputting intensity-adjustable neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses; the thermal therapy module comprises at least two heating areas capable of independently controlling the temperature, and the heating areas correspond to a muscle thick area, a tendon area and a skeleton area of a target limb respectively. The method has the beneficial effects that the peak flow velocity of popliteal veins generated by single muscle contraction can be increased by more than 30% compared with that of a conventional method by setting a time sequence collaboration and double-feedback mechanism, and the haemodynamic benefit is remarkably optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical electronic equipment technology, specifically to a VTE prevention system and an adaptive control method. Background Technology

[0002] Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and hyperthermia are known physical preventative measures for vascular thrombosis (VTE). While devices integrating both functions exist in the current technology, they generally suffer from the following drawbacks: 1) Hyperthermia and electrical stimulation are merely functional superpositions or sequential executions, lacking deep temporal synergy based on physiological effects; 2) Hyperthermia is mostly uniform heating, unable to provide differentiated and precise heating tailored to the physiological characteristics of different tissues; 3) The control mode is fixed, unable to adaptively adjust parameters based on the patient's real-time physiological feedback, resulting in varying preventative effects, especially poor outcomes for critically ill patients with poor vascular reactivity.

[0003] Therefore, we designed a VTE prevention system and an adaptive control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: To provide a VTE prevention system and an adaptive control method to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] Technical solution: A VTE prevention system and adaptive control method, comprising a main controller, an electrical stimulation module, a thermotherapy module, a temperature acquisition module, and a blood flow monitoring module, wherein the electrical stimulation module, the thermotherapy module, the temperature acquisition module, and the blood flow monitoring module are all electrically connected to the main controller. The electrical stimulation module is used to generate and output neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses of adjustable intensity. The thermotherapy module includes at least two independently temperature-controlled heating zones, corresponding to the muscle-rich area and the tendon and bone area of ​​the target limb, respectively. The temperature acquisition module is integrated into the thermotherapy module and is used to monitor the temperature of each independent heating zone in real time and input it to the main controller; The blood flow monitoring module is used to monitor the blood flow velocity index of the target vein in real time; The main controller is used to receive and process the collected temperature signals and blood flow velocity signals, and to control the electrical stimulation module to generate electrical stimulation pulses of different intensities.

[0006] Preferably, the main controller further includes a storage unit, which is used to receive commands from the main controller and store the temperature collected by the temperature acquisition module and the blood flow velocity index collected by the blood flow monitoring module.

[0007] Preferably, the main controller is also connected to a power supply module for supplying power to the main controller, the electrical stimulation module, the thermotherapy module, the temperature acquisition module, and the blood flow monitoring module.

[0008] An adaptive control method for a VTE prevention system, characterized by the following steps: S1: Enter the vascular preparation phase, activate the multi-zone independent temperature control thermotherapy module, set the target temperature T1 of the muscle zone to 40-43℃, set the target temperature T2 of the tendon zone to 38-40℃, and the duration t1 is 5-15 minutes. S2: Through PID closed-loop control, the temperature of each area is stabilized within the target value ±0.5℃ range; S3: After the preparation period ends, start the electrical stimulation synergy period, set the initial electrical stimulation parameters and simultaneously start the pulse modulation mode; S4: The non-invasive blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) in real time and calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions; S5: If the average PVV of N consecutive contractions is lower than the preset threshold, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be increased in coordination; if the average PVV is higher than the preset threshold and the patient has no discomfort, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be decreased in coordination. S6: Repeat S4-S5 until the treatment is completed.

[0009] Preferably, the target temperature T2 of the tendon area in S1 is set to be greater than the target temperature T1 of the muscle area.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature acquisition module monitors the temperature of each area in real time, and the main controller compares the monitored values ​​with the target T1 and T2 through a PID algorithm, and dynamically adjusts the heating power of each independent thermotherapy area to form the first closed-loop feedback.

[0011] Preferably, the blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) generated after effective muscle contraction in real time, the main controller calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions and compares it with a preset threshold, and dynamically adjusts the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy to form a second closed-loop feedback.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up a time-sequential coordination and dual feedback mechanism, the peak flow velocity of the popliteal vein generated by a single muscle contraction can be increased by more than 30% compared with conventional methods, significantly optimizing hemodynamic benefits; closed-loop temperature control can reduce the risk of burns; time-sequential and adaptive adjustment greatly improve the treatment experience, and the system can automatically adapt to the physiological differences of different patients to automatically provide sufficient intensity of stimulation for patients with sluggish vascular reactivity, ensuring the effectiveness of prevention for critically ill patients. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a control principle diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Specific Implementation Example 1: As attached Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, a VTE prevention system and adaptive control method include a main controller, an electrical stimulation module, a thermotherapy module, a temperature acquisition module, and a blood flow monitoring module. The electrical stimulation module, thermotherapy module, temperature acquisition module, and blood flow monitoring module are all electrically connected to the main controller. The electrical stimulation module is used to generate and output neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses of adjustable intensity. The thermotherapy module includes at least two independently temperature-controlled heating zones, corresponding to the muscle-rich area and the tendon and bone area of ​​the target limb, respectively. The temperature acquisition module is integrated into the thermotherapy module and is used to monitor the temperature of each independent heating zone in real time and input it to the main controller; The blood flow monitoring module is used to monitor the blood flow velocity index of the target vein in real time; The main controller is used to receive and process the collected temperature signals and blood flow velocity signals, and to control the electrical stimulation module to generate electrical stimulation pulses of different intensities.

[0016] The main controller has built-in timing control logic and control algorithms, which can receive the temperature of each independent area collected by the temperature acquisition module and the blood flow velocity index collected by the blood flow monitoring module, and perform precise control of the electrical stimulation module and the thermotherapy module.

[0017] The electrical stimulation module generates and outputs adjustable-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses. Its pulse parameters, such as frequency, pulse width, and waveform, can be adjusted in real-time by the main controller according to treatment needs. The module employs advanced pulse generation technology to ensure stable and reliable output pulses that are precisely targeted to the target limb, effectively stimulating muscle contraction and promoting blood circulation, thereby preventing VTE. Simultaneously, the module features overcurrent and overvoltage protection functions, ensuring automatic output cutoff in abnormal situations to protect patient safety.

[0018] The hyperthermia module provides precise hyperthermia to the target limb and includes at least two independently temperature-controlled heating zones, which provide differentiated heating to the muscle-rich areas and tendon / bone areas of the target limb, respectively. The technical solution of this invention is based on the physiological characteristics that muscle-rich areas require higher temperatures to promote blood circulation, while tendon / bone areas require relatively lower temperatures to avoid damage caused by overheating; each heating zone has its own independently controlled temperature.

[0019] The temperature acquisition module monitors the temperature of each independent heating zone in real time and inputs the monitored temperature signal to the main controller in real time. This module uses a high-precision temperature sensor, which can respond quickly and accurately to temperature changes.

[0020] The blood flow monitoring module employs advanced non-invasive monitoring technology, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of blood flow velocity in the target vein. During monitoring, the module transmits the acquired blood flow velocity signals to the main controller in real time. The main controller analyzes and processes the signals to obtain key information such as peak venous velocity (PVV). Specific Implementation Example 2: As attached Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, preferably, the main controller further includes a storage unit, which is used to receive commands from the main controller and store the temperature collected by the temperature acquisition module and the blood flow velocity index collected by the blood flow monitoring module.

[0022] The main controller is also connected to a power module, which supplies power to the main controller, electrical stimulation module, thermotherapy module, temperature acquisition module, and blood flow monitoring module.

[0023] The storage unit can stably store various data during the treatment process for a long period of time, providing strong support for subsequent data analysis, efficacy evaluation, and treatment plan optimization. The power module can provide stable and reliable power support to the main controller, electrical stimulation module, thermotherapy module, temperature acquisition module, and blood flow monitoring module, ensuring that the system can operate normally in various complex environments. Specific Implementation Example 3: As attached Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, an adaptive control method for a VTE prevention system is characterized by the following steps: S1: Enter the vascular preparation phase, activate the multi-zone independent temperature control thermotherapy module, set the target temperature T1 of the muscle zone to 40-43℃, set the target temperature T2 of the tendon zone to 38-40℃, and the duration t1 is 5-15 minutes. S2: Through PID closed-loop control, the temperature of each area is stabilized within the target value ±0.5℃ range; S3: After the preparation period ends, start the electrical stimulation synergy period, set the initial electrical stimulation parameters and simultaneously start the pulse modulation mode; S4: The non-invasive blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) in real time and calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions; S5: If the average PVV of N consecutive contractions is lower than the preset threshold, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be increased in coordination; if the average PVV is higher than the preset threshold and the patient has no discomfort, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be decreased in coordination. S6: Repeat S4-S5 until the treatment is completed.

[0025] The target temperature T2 for the tendon area in S1 is set to be greater than the target temperature T1 for the muscle area.

[0026] During the vascular preparation phase, the main controller activates the thermotherapy module and sets the target temperatures for the muscle and tendon areas. Through PID closed-loop control, the muscle area is heated to a first temperature T1 (40-43℃), while the tendon area is simultaneously heated to a second temperature T2 (38-40℃), with T1 > T2. Preheating continues for a set time t1 (5-15 minutes) to achieve the physiological preparatory effects of deep vasodilation and reduced blood viscosity. After the preparation phase, the main controller automatically switches to the electrical stimulation synergy phase, activating the electrical stimulation module according to preset initial electrical stimulation parameters and simultaneously initiating the pulse modulation mode. That is, the main controller increases the thermotherapy power during the electrical pulse intervals and decreases it during the electrical pulse output phase. This mode utilizes thermotherapy to promote blood return during muscle relaxation and avoid excessive heat stimulation during contraction, thus creating a synergistic effect in timing.

[0027] During treatment, the main controller continuously receives peak venous velocity data collected by the blood flow monitoring module, calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions, and compares it with a preset threshold. Based on the comparison results, the main controller dynamically adjusts the output current intensity of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature of the muscle zone thermotherapy, forming a dual closed-loop feedback mechanism to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. Specific Implementation Example 4: As attached Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, preferably, the temperature acquisition module monitors the temperature of each area in real time, and the main controller compares the monitored values ​​with the target T1 and T2 through the PID algorithm, and dynamically adjusts the heating power of each independent heat therapy area to form the first closed-loop feedback.

[0029] The blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) generated after effective muscle contraction in real time. The main controller calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions, compares it with a preset threshold, and dynamically adjusts the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy to form a second closed-loop feedback.

[0030] The preferred embodiments have been shown and described, but should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A VTE prevention system, characterized in that: It includes a main controller, an electrical stimulation module, a hyperthermia module, a temperature acquisition module, and a blood flow monitoring module. The electrical stimulation module, hyperthermia module, temperature acquisition module, and blood flow monitoring module are all electrically connected to the main controller. The electrical stimulation module is used to generate and output neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses of adjustable intensity. The thermotherapy module includes at least two independently temperature-controlled heating zones, corresponding to the muscle-rich area and the tendon and bone area of ​​the target limb, respectively. The temperature acquisition module is integrated into the thermotherapy module and is used to monitor the temperature of each independent heating zone in real time and input it to the main controller; The blood flow monitoring module is used to monitor the blood flow velocity index of the target vein in real time; The main controller is used to receive and process the collected temperature signals and blood flow velocity signals, and to control the electrical stimulation module to generate electrical stimulation pulses of different intensities.

2. The VTE prevention system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main controller also includes a storage unit, which is used to receive commands from the main controller and store the temperature collected by the temperature acquisition module and the blood flow velocity index collected by the blood flow monitoring module.

3. The VTE prevention system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main controller is also connected to a power module, which supplies power to the main controller, electrical stimulation module, thermotherapy module, temperature acquisition module, and blood flow monitoring module.

4. An adaptive control method for a VTE prevention system, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Enter the vascular preparation phase, activate the multi-zone independent temperature control thermotherapy module, set the target temperature T1 of the muscle zone to 40-43℃, set the target temperature T2 of the tendon zone to 38-40℃, and the duration t1 is 5-15 minutes. S2: Through PID closed-loop control, the temperature of each area is stabilized within the target value ±0.5℃ range; S3: After the preparation period ends, start the electrical stimulation synergy period, set the initial electrical stimulation parameters and simultaneously start the pulse modulation mode; S4: The non-invasive blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) in real time and calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions; S5: If the average PVV of N consecutive contractions is lower than the preset threshold, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be increased in coordination; if the average PVV is higher than the preset threshold and the patient has no discomfort, the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy will be decreased in coordination. S6: Repeat S4-S5 until the treatment is completed.

5. The adaptive control method for the VTE prevention system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The target temperature T2 for the tendon area in S1 is set to be greater than the target temperature T1 for the muscle area.

6. The adaptive control method for the VTE prevention system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The temperature acquisition module monitors the temperature of each area in real time. The main controller compares the monitored values ​​with the target T1 and T2 through the PID algorithm and dynamically adjusts the heating power of each independent heat therapy area to form the first closed-loop feedback.

7. The adaptive control method for the VTE prevention system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The blood flow monitoring module collects the peak venous velocity (PVV) generated after effective muscle contraction in real time. The main controller calculates the average PVV of the most recent N contractions, compares it with a preset threshold, and dynamically adjusts the output current intensity I of the electrical stimulation module and the target temperature T1 of the muscle area thermotherapy to form a second closed-loop feedback.

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