A device for preventing peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of medical apparatus and instruments, disclose a device for preventing peripheral nerve disorder after chemotherapy. The circulation and heat exchange efficiency of the fluid medium of the existing prevention device are limited, leading to small temperature regulating and pressurizing range, poor effect, leading to high chemotherapy interruption rate. The prevention device provided by the utility model places the main body structure of the wearing piece in the sealed box body containing the fluid medium, significantly increases the contact area of the wearing piece and the fluid medium, optimizes the flow path of the fluid medium, improves the circulation efficiency of the fluid medium, and effectively improves the heat conduction efficiency and pressurizing effect between the limbs and the fluid medium. The utility model realizes more rapid and more uniform temperature regulating and pressurizing effect, effectively enhances the prevention efficiency of peripheral nerve disorder after chemotherapy, and has significant clinical application value and market prospect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically a device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy. Background Technology

[0002] Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is nerve damage caused by chemotherapy drugs, primarily affecting the peripheral nerves of the hands and feet.

[0003] For example, platinum-based drugs, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib can all cause CIPN. While these drugs kill or inhibit cancer cells, they may also damage peripheral nerves. Clinical manifestations include sensory abnormalities in the extremities (such as numbness, tingling, burning sensation, etc.), motor disorders (such as muscle weakness, unsteady gait, etc.), and autonomic dysfunction (such as abnormal sweating, dry skin, etc.).

[0004] Therefore, preventing peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) after chemotherapy is of great significance, as it can effectively avoid chemotherapy interruption or dosage reduction due to CIPN, thereby affecting treatment efficacy. Clinical practice shows that non-pharmacological therapies involving temperature and pressure application to the hands and feet can effectively prevent the occurrence of CIPN after chemotherapy.

[0005] In existing technologies, some preventative devices attempt to create a cavity between the inner and outer layers of gloves or foot covers, connecting the cavity to a storage tank via a flexible tube. A fluid medium circulates between the cavity and the storage tank to achieve temperature and pressure regulation of the hands and feet. However, this approach has significant limitations. Due to the limited space within the cavity between the inner and outer layers of the gloves or foot covers, the circulation efficiency and heat exchange effect of the fluid medium are greatly restricted, resulting in small temperature and pressure regulation ranges and poor effectiveness. This leads to a high rate of chemotherapy interruption and makes it difficult to promote in clinical applications. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] The main design concept of this utility model is as follows:

[0008] Regarding temperature-regulating and pressurizing devices for preventing peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy, clinical practice has revealed that existing devices suffer from poor fluid medium circulation efficiency, heat exchange, and pressurization effects, hindering their clinical application. Therefore, it is proposed that the preventative device should increase the contact area between the fluid medium and the wearable component, thereby improving the fluid medium's circulation efficiency to achieve more efficient heat exchange and pressurization.

[0009] In addition, the preventive device should also be equipped with temperature and pressure monitoring and control mechanisms to monitor the patient's body temperature and pressure data in real time, and adjust the preventive device to the most suitable temperature and pressure environment for the patient based on this real-time data, so as to achieve the most accurate and efficient preventive effect.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0011] A device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy, comprising:

[0012] The container contains a fluid medium and has through holes on its side walls;

[0013] The wearable part is placed inside the box through the through hole, with the open end located outside the box.

[0014] In order to enable real-time intelligent temperature and pressure regulation to achieve the desired pre-treatment effect of temperature and pressure adjustment, it is further preferably included as follows:

[0015] The pressure control module, located inside the chamber, is used to regulate the pressure inside the chamber.

[0016] The temperature control module, located inside the chamber, is used to regulate the temperature of the fluid medium.

[0017] The main controller is connected to both the pressure control module and the temperature control module.

[0018] More preferably, the wearable part is in the shape of a glove or shoe cover.

[0019] In order to collect the patient's limb temperature data in real time and achieve precise temperature control, the wearable device is preferably a double-layer structure, with a temperature acquisition module between the inner and outer layers. The temperature acquisition module is connected to the main controller and is used to collect the temperature data inside the wearable device to achieve precise temperature control.

[0020] More preferably, the temperature acquisition module includes multiple patch-type temperature sensors.

[0021] More preferably, the pressure control module includes:

[0022] The pressure actuator is housed inside the housing.

[0023] The pressure actuator is located on the rear side wall of the housing and is connected to the pressure actuator through a connecting pipe that passes through the side wall of the housing.

[0024] The pressure actuator regulates pressure by changing the internal fluid volume of the pressure actuator, thereby causing the pressure actuator to deform.

[0025] In order to collect internal pressure data in real time and achieve precise pressure control, a pressure acquisition module is further preferably included, which is installed inside the chamber and connected to the main controller to collect pressure data inside the chamber for precise pressure control.

[0026] More preferably, it also includes a display module, which is located on the top of the housing and connected to the main controller, for displaying the pressure and temperature information.

[0027] In order to enable remote control, understand the chemotherapy status and issue pre-treatment instructions, the main controller is further preferably connected to a remote controller for sending control instructions and receiving collected information.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0029] 1. This utility model places the main structure of the wearable device inside a box containing a fluid medium, and the entire surface of the wearable device is in contact with the fluid medium, which significantly increases the contact area between the wearable device and the fluid medium and effectively improves the circulation and heat exchange efficiency of the fluid medium.

[0030] 2. This invention places the main structure of the wearable device inside a box containing a fluid medium, and applies uniform pressure to the entire surface of the wearable device. By increasing the pressure-bearing area, it ensures a more uniform pressure distribution and a stable pressure amplitude.

[0031] 3. This utility model is equipped with a temperature acquisition module and a pressure acquisition module, which can collect the temperature and pressure data of the patient's limbs in real time. The main controller automatically adjusts the temperature control module and the pressure control module based on the collected real-time data to achieve precise adjustment of temperature and pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall sectional view of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view of the entire utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the module control of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection control of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram of the main controller BCM2711 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the wearable component of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the wearable component of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0039] In the diagram: 10. Housing; 101. Inlet; 102. Check valve; 103. Through hole; 104. Seal; 109. Switch; 11. Wearing device; 111. Tensioning device; 12. Main controller; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Pressure actuator; 15. Pressure driver; 16. Pressure sensor; 17. Display module; 18. Temperature control module. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy drugs (such as platinum-based and taxane-based drugs) is a common complication. Typical symptoms include numbness, tingling, and paresthesia in the extremities, severely impacting patients' quality of life. Current treatments mainly rely on drug intervention, but these have side effects and limited efficacy. Recent clinical studies have shown that locally controllable temperature stimulation (alternating hot and cold therapy) and pressure regulation (intermittent compression) can improve nerve conduction function and promote nerve repair. Based on the above principles, this invention integrates a temperature and pressure coupling control system to develop a wearable pre-treatment device. Example 1

[0043] like Figures 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides a device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy. A housing 10 contains a fluid medium and has a through-hole 103 on its side wall. A wearable device 11 passes through the through-hole 103 and is placed inside the housing 10, with its open end located outside the housing 10. A pressure control module is located inside the housing 10 to control the pressure within the housing 10; a temperature control module 18 is located inside the housing 10 to control the temperature of the fluid medium; and a main controller 12 is connected to both the pressure control module and the temperature control module 18 to issue pressure and temperature adjustment commands respectively.

[0044] In one specific implementation, the housing 10 has a hollow structure with an internal volume of 3L. It can be injection molded from medical-grade ABS engineering material. The housing 10 needs to be waterproof, heat-insulating, and not easily deformed. An injection port 101 is provided at the top of the housing 10 for injecting a fluid medium into the housing 10. A one-way valve 102 is provided on the lower part of the side wall of the housing 10 for draining the fluid medium from the housing 10 to replace it. The injection port 101 and the one-way valve 102 are evenly and sealed to the housing 10 to ensure that the fluid medium in the housing 10 does not overflow and to effectively regulate temperature and pressure. The fluid medium can be pure water, a coolant, a silicon-based thermally conductive medium, or any thermally conductive fluid medium that meets medical requirements. Specifically, two through holes 103 are aligned on the left and right sides of the front side wall of the housing 10 for inserting the wearable device 11.

[0045] In one specific implementation, the wearable components 11 are used in pairs and can be made of medical-grade silicone, possessing waterproof and heat-conducting capabilities. The wearable components 11 adopt an ergonomic design, can be shaped like gloves or foot covers, and come in three sizes (large, medium, and small) to fit different limb sizes. A sealing element 104 is provided on the outer edge of the through-hole 103. After the wearable component 11 is installed, it is sealed to the wrist via the sealing element 104 to prevent fluid leakage and effectively regulate temperature and pressure. The sealing element 104 can be a detachable or replaceable sealing zipper or sealant, etc., for easy replacement of the wearable component 11.

[0046] It should be noted that a tensioning element 111 is provided on the side wall of the wearable device 11 near the opening end. When the limb is inserted into the wearable device 11, the tensioning element 111 secures the wearable device 11 to the limb, preventing limb movement from affecting the preventive effect during chemotherapy. Specifically, the tensioning element 111 can be made of elastic fiber strips such as spandex or rubber, which are easy to tighten and loosen.

[0047] A pressure control module is located inside the housing 10. By regulating the pressure within the housing 10, it applies uniform pressure to the entire surface of the wearable device 11. A main controller 12 is located on the rear wall of the housing 10 and is electrically connected to both the pressure control module and the temperature control module 18. It issues pressure and temperature control commands to the pressure control module and the temperature control module 18, respectively. A switch 109 is located on the rear wall of the housing 10 and is electrically connected to the main controller 12. The switch 109 is used to control the start and stop of the main controller 12.

[0048] As one specific implementation, the main controller 12 can be a BROADCOM BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM V8) 64-bit system-on-a-chip (SoC). It has a 1.5GHz clock speed, 4GB of RAM, and supports multiple storage interfaces for easy storage expansion. The BCM2711 provides a rich set of peripheral interfaces, including GPIO, HDMI, SPI, USB, PCIe, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The BCM2711 integrates a power management unit responsible for chip power management and also provides power to peripherals. It has a wide input voltage of 5–34V and an adjustable output DC 2–28V with a 12A output current. Multiple RS485 and RS232 interfaces can be provided via interface expansion circuitry.

[0049] In one specific implementation, the temperature control module 18 includes a heating unit and a cooling unit. The heating unit is used to increase the temperature of the fluid medium, and the cooling unit is used to decrease the temperature of the fluid medium. Both the heating unit and the cooling unit are mounted on a bracket inside the housing 10.

[0050] The heating unit can use a heating wire or a heating film; in this embodiment, a heating wire is used. The heating wire is a 0.3mm nickel-chromium wire with a resistance of 5Ω, a 12V input power supply, and a power of 29W. The heating wire is evenly wound on a support made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material. Both ends of the heating wire are led out via wires and electrically connected to the main controller 12. The main controller 12 adjusts the power of the heating unit by controlling the energizing time of the heating wire.

[0051] The cooling unit can use a semiconductor cooling chip, which achieves cooling through the Peltier effect, offering advantages such as small size, high efficiency, and no noise. Specifically, the selected semiconductor cooling chip is model TEC1-12706, with dimensions of 40mm × 40mm × 3.8mm, a maximum operating current of 6A, a maximum operating voltage of 12V, a maximum cooling power of 60W, and a maximum temperature difference of 67℃.

[0052] The thermoelectric cooler is mounted on another bracket, which is also made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material. The cold side of the thermoelectric cooler is in contact with the fluid medium inside the housing 10, while the hot side exchanges heat with the air outside the housing through heat sinks. The main controller 12 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler, providing it with power and achieving precise cooling control by controlling the direction and magnitude of the operating current.

[0053] In use, firstly, insert the wearable device 11 into the housing 10 through the through-hole 103, and seal the wearable device 11 to the housing 10 using the sealing member 104. Secondly, inject an appropriate amount of fluid medium into the housing 10 through the injection port 101, instruct the patient to insert their limb into the wearable device 11, and secure the limb within the wearable device 11 using the tensioning member 111. Next, press the switch 109 to start the treatment. Finally, after the pre-treatment, press the switch 109 to turn off the device, loosen the tensioning member 111 to help the patient remove the limb, and clean the device for future use. Example 2

[0054] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy. The wearable component 11 has a double-layer structure. The outer layer is made of medical-grade TPU material, which has excellent waterproof performance, while the inner layer is densely covered with micropores to facilitate heat exchange with the limb. A temperature acquisition module is provided between the inner and outer layers of the wearable component 11. The temperature acquisition module is connected to the main controller 12 and is used to collect temperature data inside the wearable component 11 in real time and send the temperature data to the main controller 12. The main controller 12 sends a temperature adjustment command to the temperature control module 18 based on the real-time temperature data of the limb and the pre-treatment temperature requirements. The temperature acquisition module includes multiple patch-type temperature sensors 13.

[0055] In one specific implementation, when the wearable device 11 is a glove, a temperature sensor 13 is provided at each of the five fingertips and the palm. When the wearable device 11 is a foot cover, a temperature sensor 13 is provided at each of the five toes, and two temperature sensors 13 are provided at different acupoints on the soles of the feet. All temperature sensors 13 are connected to the main controller 12. By providing multiple temperature sensors 13 at different locations or acupoints, more comprehensive temperature data of the limbs can be collected, and the temperature can be adjusted to the most suitable range by the main controller 12 to achieve the best pre-treatment effect.

[0056] As one specific implementation, the temperature sensor 13 can be a DS18B20 digital temperature sensor 13, outputting a digital signal. It has a sampling frequency of 10Hz, a temperature measurement range of -55℃ to +125℃, and an accuracy of ±0.5℃. It features a programmable resolution of 9 to 12 bits, an operating voltage of DC 5.5V, and supports a single-bus interface, requiring only one data line for full-duplex communication.

[0057] In this implementation, multiple DS18B20s are connected in parallel on a single three-pin cable. This cable includes one data line (DQ), one power line (+), and one power line (-). After parallel connection, the data line pin (DQ) of temperature sensor 13 is connected to an unused GPIO pin of the BCM2711. The power line (+) is connected to an unused power pin (VDD) of the BCM2711, and the power line (-) is connected to the power ground (GND) of the BCM2711. Each DS18B20 has a unique 64-bit serial number for easy identification and networking.

[0058] The pressure control module includes a pressure actuator 14, which is disposed inside the housing 10; and a pressure driver 15, which is disposed on the rear side wall of the housing 10 and is connected to the pressure actuator 14 through a connecting pipe that penetrates the side wall of the housing 10. By changing the internal fluid volume of the pressure actuator 14, the pressure actuator 14 is driven to produce volume deformation, thereby achieving pressure regulation.

[0059] In one specific implementation, the pressure actuator 14 is located at the bottom of the inner cavity of the housing 10 and is submerged in the fluid medium during operation. The pressure actuator 14 can be a water bladder or an air bladder, or other elastic components that can change the internal fluid volume. For example, in this embodiment, the pressure actuator 14 is an air bladder. The pressure driver 15 is connected to the pressure actuator 14 through a connecting pipe, and can use components such as cylinders or air pumps to inflate and deflate the pressure actuator 14 to change the internal fluid volume of the pressure actuator 14.

[0060] In this embodiment, the pressure actuator 15 is a cylinder with a built-in solenoid valve. The cylinder operates at DC 24V, and the BCM2711 provides power to the cylinder. Specifically, it is connected to the BCM2711 via a three-core cable. The control terminal of the solenoid valve is connected to an unused GPIO pin of the BCM2711. The power lines (+) of the cylinder and the solenoid valve are connected to an unused power pin (VDD) of the BCM2711, and the power lines (-) of the cylinder and the solenoid valve are connected to the power ground (GND) of the BCM2711.

[0061] Preferably, a pressure acquisition module is provided on the top wall of the cavity of the housing 10. The pressure acquisition module is connected to the main controller 12 and is used to acquire pressure data inside the housing 10 and transmit it to the main controller 12. The main controller 12 sends a pressure adjustment command to the pressure control module based on the real-time pressure data and the pretreatment pressure requirements. The pressure acquisition module includes multiple pressure sensors 16.

[0062] In one specific implementation, the pressure sensor 16 can be a waterproof MPX5010DP piezoresistive sensor with a built-in RS485 interface. The MPX5010DP operates at DC 4.75V to 5.25V, has a measurement range of 0 to 10kPa, and an accuracy of ±5% FSS. In this embodiment, the BCM2711 provides power input to the MPX5010DP, and the BCM2711 is connected to the MPX5010DP via an RS485 interface. Specifically, a four-core shielded twisted-pair cable is used to achieve the power and control connection between the BCM2711 and the MPX5010DP. One data line connects the MPX5010DP's A line to the BCM2711's RX pin, and another data line connects the MPX5010DP's B line to the BCM2711's TX pin; one power line connects the MPX5010DP's power pin (VDD) to the BCM2711's unused power pin (VDD), and another power line connects the MPX5010DP's GND to the BCM2711's GND.

[0063] Preferably, a display module 17 is also provided on the top wall of the housing 10. The display module 17 is connected to the main controller 12 and is used to display the current temperature and pressure information of the limbs and the device. Specifically, the display module 17 adopts a 7-inch touch-screen industrial tablet, 4G memory, 16G hard drive, RK3288 processor, Android 7.1 system, and operating voltage DC12V 3A. In this embodiment, the industrial tablet is powered by a BCM2711 connected via a two-core power cable. The BCM2711 and the industrial tablet are connected via an HDMI interface to achieve audio and video output transmission.

[0064] The specific clinical application process of the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0065] 1. Clean the inside of the box 10, insert the disinfected wearable device 11 into the box 10 through the through hole 103, and seal the wearable device 11 to the box 10 through the sealing device 104.

[0066] 2. Inject an appropriate amount of fluid medium into the housing 10 through the injection port 101 according to the device instructions, so that the wearable part 11 is partially immersed in the fluid medium.

[0067] 3. Instruct the patient to insert their limb into the wearable device 11 and secure the limb in the wearable device 11 by tightening the device 111.

[0068] 4. Press switch 109 to start the device and begin the pretreatment according to the set temperature and pressure.

[0069] 5. After the pre-treatment is completed, press switch 109 to turn off the device, loosen the tensioner 111 to help the patient remove the limb, and clean the device for the next use.

[0070] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy, characterized in that, include: The box (10) contains a fluid medium and has through holes (103) on its side walls. The wearable piece (11) is placed inside the housing (10) through the through hole (103), with the open end located outside the housing (10).

2. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The pressure control module is installed inside the housing (10) and is used to regulate the pressure inside the housing (10); A temperature control module (18) is installed inside the housing (10) and is used to regulate the temperature of the fluid medium; The main controller (12) is connected to the pressure control module and the temperature control module (18) respectively.

3. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wearable part (11) is in the shape of a glove or a shoe cover.

4. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wearable device (11) has a double-layer structure, with a temperature acquisition module between its inner and outer layers. The temperature acquisition module is connected to the main controller (12).

5. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure control module includes: The pressure actuator (14) is installed inside the housing (10); The pressure actuator (15) is located on the rear side wall of the housing (10) and is connected to the pressure actuator (14) through a connecting pipe that passes through the side wall of the housing (10); The pressure actuator (15) drives the pressure actuator (14) to undergo volume deformation by changing the internal fluid volume of the pressure actuator (14), thereby achieving pressure regulation.

6. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure acquisition module, which is set inside the housing (10) and connected to the main controller (12) to collect pressure information inside the housing (10).

7. The device for preventing peripheral nerve disorders after chemotherapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a display module (17), which is located on the top of the housing (10) and connected to the main controller (12) for displaying the pressure and temperature information.

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