Device for compressing a limb of a living being with morphological adjustment to said limb

Abstract

The invention relates to a compression device (1) intended to be arranged around a limb (M) of a living being, said compression device (1) comprising a sleeve (10) extending lengthwise around a longitudinal axis (X1) and having several compression rings (A) juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring (A) comprising a strip (2) of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis (X1), characterized in that the compression rings (A) are connected to each other by a first connection (L1) along a first direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, and in that the strips (2) of material are connected to each other, along a second direction (X3) parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction (X2), by a second sliding connection (L2) so as to form a scale structure. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for compressing a limb of a living being with morphological adjustment to said limb Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for compressing a limb of a living being, provided with a solution for adjusting to the morphology of the limb. State of the art

[0002] The treatment of a pathology such as lymphedema is carried out using a compression device that wraps around the limb to be treated. There are devices that are called passive, such as those described in patent application US2015 / 366720A1, and which use a simple sleeve with several tightening rings whose compression levels are adjusted manually using straps. And there are active treatment devices. Among the active devices, some use a pneumatic solution such as that described in patent US6406445B1. The device is then composed of several rings juxtaposed along the sleeve, each ring being composed of a pneumatically controlled sausage. The implementation of a sequence makes it possible to inflate one or more sausages in a suitable manner to circulate the lymphatic fluid.

[0003] Among the active devices, there are also those that use shape memory alloy actuators distributed along the sleeve. When heated, a wire made of this alloy shrinks. By controlling each actuator individually, it is thus possible to apply localized compression. Such active compression devices are for example described in patent applications Nos. US2016 / 074234A1 and US2017 / 304136A1, as well as in patent US5997465. The latter patent US5997465 establishes the principle of using shape memory alloys in compression devices. Patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes, in addition to the principle of compression with shape memory alloy actuators, to provide thermal energy to improve the treatment carried out by the device. Patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes mechanical solutions for locking the actuator in the retracted position.

[0004] Similar solutions are also described in prior documents DE102008003124A1, US015 / 073318A1, US2018 / 242655A1 and US2018 / 177677A1.

[0005] Patent application WO2020 / 144437A1 describes a solution also using several juxtaposed tightening / loosening units, each unit comprising a plate cut in a suitable manner to give it a spring function, the plate being inserted between two free edges of the sleeve. A wire made from an alloy shape memory is electrically powered to retract and actuate the plate and provide compression to the limb.

[0006] A prior principle using a motor and a link has been adopted in lymphatic drainage solutions, as described in patent application US2021 / 121356A1. In this patent application, the device uses a simple wire pulled by a motor, the wire passing around a return member. The traction of the wire brings together two edges of a sleeve placed around the limb to be treated, thus allowing localized compression of the limb.

[0007] In all these systems, passive or active, there is the constraint of sizes. Depending on the patient being treated, the shape and size of the limb to be treated will be different, requiring an adaptation of the compression device used. To meet this constraint, a widely used solution consists of using elastic materials capable of stretching in several directions to adapt to morphological variations. However, this solution greatly alters the effectiveness of compression devices.

[0008] To have an active or passive compression device that remains efficient, as described above, it is preferable for the sleeve to be made of an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material to best transfer the compression forces to the limb to be treated. On the other hand, this does not always allow easy adaptation to the morphology of the limb to be treated.

[0009] To meet this constraint, two options are possible: - Offer several device sizes, in length and cross-section, with adjustment means; however, for certain members such as the calf, this requires a large number of separate references to cover all morphologies; - Offer to make a custom-made device; however, this requires taking precise measurements of the limb to be treated and does not allow for mass production;

[0010] The aim of the invention is to propose a compression device whose sleeve, which fits around the limb to be treated, allows it to match the morphology of the limb to be treated, without complex adjustment means, without multiplying the number of sizes offered, this sleeve being able to be, in the case of an active device, made at least partially from an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material to best transfer the compression effects. Statement of the invention

[0011] This object is achieved by a compression device intended to be arranged around a limb of a living being, said compression device comprising a sleeve extending in length around a longitudinal axis and having several compression rings juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring comprising a strip of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis, the compression rings being connected to each other by a first connection along a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the strips of material being connected to each other, along a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction, by a second sliding connection so as to form a scale structure.

[0012] According to a particular feature, between two adjacent compression rings, called first compression ring and second compression ring, said second sliding connection is produced by means of a connecting element connecting said strip of material of the first compression ring to said strip of material of the second compression ring.

[0013] Advantageously, said connecting element is composed of a tongue fixed at one end to the strip of material of the first compression ring and mounted at a second free end to slide in a slot made in the strip of material of the second compression ring.

[0014] According to a particular feature, the second end of said tongue comprises a stop member sliding in said slot.

[0015] According to another feature, the stop member is produced by a T shape.

[0016] According to another feature, said tab is made of a plastic material.

[0017] According to another feature, for each compression ring, said strip of material comprises two ends each attached on either side of a clamping device, said clamping device being configured to pull at least one of the two ends of the strip of material to adjust the level of compression applied by the compression ring.

[0018] According to another feature, for each compression ring, the clamping device is arranged on a support extending along said first connection.

[0019] According to another feature, each compression ring comprises at least one compression adjustment strap around the longitudinal axis.

[0020] According to another feature, the strip of material comprises an end forming said adjustment strap and arranged to be attached in an adjustable manner to the tightening device.

[0021] According to another feature, each clamping device comprises at least one clamping link extending between two spaced edges of the sleeve.

[0022] According to a particular variant, each tightening device comprises a rotating disc associated with said tightening tie and operable in rotation to wind or unwind said tightening tie.

[0023] According to another variant, each clamping device comprises an electric motor provided with a rotating shaft on which said clamping tie is fixed, and which can be rotated to wind or unwind said clamping tie.

[0024] According to another feature, the strip of material of each compression ring is made of an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.l] represents the compression device of the invention being positioned around a limb to be treated; - [Fig.2] shows, in exploded view, the architecture of the compression device of the invention; - [Fig.3] shows, in perspective and assembled, the compression device of the invention; - [Fig.4] illustrates the principle of assembly of the strips of material of the compression rings of the compression device of the invention; - [Fig.5] shows the strips of material of the compression rings of the compression device of the invention which are assembled together; - [Fig.6] schematically represents the principle of production of a compression device in accordance with the invention; - [Fig.7] represents an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device which can be used in a compression device of the invention;

[0026] Detailed description of at least one embodiment Compression device

[0027] [Fig.l]

[0028] The invention relates to a compression device 1 for performing localized compression effects along a part of the body of a living being, for example a human being. For example, the part of the body of a living being could be a limb M but also any other part such as for example the bust, the hand or the trunk. In a non-limiting manner, the limb M to be treated can be an arm (as in [Fig.l]), a leg, a forearm of a living being...

[0029] In a non-limiting manner, the compression device 1 is in particular perfectly suited to treating a lymphedema-type pathology and enabling the flow of lymphatic fluid to be activated in the limb M to be treated, in order to evacuate it. As another example, it can also enable venous and lymphatic flows to be stimulated to facilitate recovery after a sporting activity, as well as being used in the treatment of lipedema to promote the elimination of cells. fatty, or for the treatment of hematomas.

[0030] In the context of the invention, the compression device 1 can be said to be passive or active.

[0031] In its passive mode, it performs passive compression of the member M, with a determined and constant level of compression over time. This level of compression can still be adjustable, for example by using one or more tightening links, each associated for example with a separate tightening device, controlled manually.

[0032] In its active mode, the compression device 1 automatically exerts repeated radial compression effects around the member M over time. It may comprise several clamping devices D juxtaposed in a longitudinal direction (X2), for example each controlled individually according to a determined control sequence managed by dedicated electronics.

[0033] It should be noted that it would also be possible to have a hybrid device, with both active clamping devices managed by electronics and completely passive and / or manually actuated compression means.

[0034] In the remainder of the description, the compression device 1 of the invention is described to fit onto a limb M of a living being.

[0035] A member M is made up of a succession of cross sections of variable shapes.

[0036] The compression device 1 is advantageously adapted to the limb to be treated and will therefore have a particular configuration adapted to the shape and length of this limb. It will therefore be different for a calf, a forearm or a thigh... Sleeve

[0037] [Fig.l]

[0038] [Fig.2]

[0039] [Fig.3]

[0040] [Fig.4]

[0041] [Fig.5]

[0042] According to the invention, the compression device 1 comprises a sleeve 10 which is positioned around the limb to be treated. The sleeve is developed around a longitudinal axis (XI), this longitudinal axis (XI) corresponding to that of the limb M to be treated when the sleeve 10 is adapted around this limb.

[0043] The sleeve comprises several compression rings juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis.

[0044] In the context of the invention, the sleeve 10 comprises at least two juxtaposed compression rings A. This number will be adapted to the length of the limb M to be treated and to the compression sensitivity that it is desired to obtain.

[0045] Each compression ring A comprises at least one strip of material made from a flexible material, so that it can be placed around the limb to be treated. This flexible material is, for example, of the textile type.

[0046] To ensure better transfer of compression forces to the limb, this flexible material can be chosen to be inelastic or quasi-inelastic. This material is then advantageously not very extensible (extension deformation of 10% maximum) or even non-extensible (in other words non-elastic) to properly transmit the compression force created by the system.

[0047] In the remainder of the description, the strip of material is called textile strip 2. Each textile strip 2 has two opposite ends.

[0048] By strip of material or textile strip, it is meant that it is an independent piece, of elongated shape which can be shaped to fit around the limb. Advantageously, each strip is removable and replaceable independently.

[0049] According to the invention, the compression rings A are connected to each other in a direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, by a first connection L1, forming a longitudinal connection strip. This first connection is advantageously fixed so that all the compression rings A are secured to each other via this connection L1.

[0050] Advantageously, said connecting strip carries several juxtaposed clamping devices D, forming a single longitudinal clamping module M_S, each clamping device D being associated with at least one separate compression ring A and dedicated to managing the level of compression applied by the compression ring A. Each clamping device D thus makes it possible to apply a radial compression force at the level of the compression ring A. It should be noted that a device D could also be associated with several compression rings A, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0051] As indicated above, the tightening device D may be passive and only allow adjustment of a given compression level. In this first case, the tightening device D may be formed of a lace, a rotating disc, a simple adjustable self-gripping strip, or even no particular system, the compression level then being achieved by the textile strip 2 of the compression ring A. The tightening device D may also be active and allow repeated compression / release effects to be carried out at the compression ring A, following a given sequence, being managed by an electronic control unit 6.

[0052] Advantageously, the textile strip 2 of each compression ring A is attached separately by its two ends to its clamping device D.

[0053] The fixing is advantageously carried out at least in part using a system of adjustment, to adjust the initial radial compression level applied by compression ring A on the member.

[0054] This adjustment system can be composed of adjustable and complementary temporary attachment means, such as gripping strips, permanent magnets, adjustable straps, hooks, etc.

[0055] By way of example, along at least one free edge, the tightening module M_S of the device may comprise several juxtaposed loops 30, each intended for the passage of an adjustment strap 20 belonging to a compression ring. This adjustment strap 20 may be formed by at least one of the two ends of the textile strip 2 of the compression ring.

[0056] In the attached figures, the tightening module M_S comprises loops 30 arranged symmetrically on each of its two free edges and the two ends of each textile strip each form a separate strap 20, each of which is attached respectively to a loop of the first free edge and to the symmetrical loop made on the second free edge of the tightening module M_S.

[0057] The adjustment systems make it possible to ensure easy placement of the sleeve 10 around the member M to be treated and to adjust the initial compression level of each compression ring A around the member M.

[0058] The adjustment systems of the adjacent compression rings A are advantageously all positioned in the same longitudinal alignment, in the direction (X2).

[0059] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each textile strip 2 is cut according to the desired shape. On the same sleeve 10, certain textile strips 2 may be of different shapes to better adapt to the morphology of the limb to be treated.

[0060] From one compression ring A to another, the shape of the textile strip 2 can advantageously be variable in circumference, to best fit the section of the member M to be treated, its adjustment system then making it possible to refine the initial level of compression applied by the compression ring A on the member M to be treated.

[0061] Advantageously, along the sleeve 10, the textile strips 2 of the compression rings A are juxtaposed in scales so that each textile strip 2 has at least one overlapping zone with an adjacent textile strip 2. The dimension of each textile strip along the direction (X2) is therefore adapted to provide this scale configuration.

[0062] Advantageously, the textile strips 2 of the compression rings A are also connected to each other by a second sliding connection. In this way, each textile strip 2 of a first compression ring A_1 is connected to the textile strip 2 of an adjacent second compression ring A_2 by a longitudinal sliding connection L2 between the two strips. This connection L2 in smoothing is carried out in a longitudinal direction (X3).

[0063] To achieve this sliding according to this second connection L2, the two adjacent textile strips 2_1, 2_2 are attached to each other by a connecting element 4 ([Fig.4] and [Fig.5]). The connecting element 4 cooperates in longitudinal sliding with at least one of the two textile strips, for example that of the second compression ring. The connecting element 4 is thus arranged to connect the two textile strips while offering a degree of freedom in longitudinal sliding between the two compression rings.

[0064] More precisely, the connecting element connects the textile strip 2_1 of the first compression ring A_1 to the textile strip 2_2 of the second compression ring A_2. In this way, the degree of sliding freedom offered by the connection of the textile strips 2 to each other allows each textile strip 2 to pivot around its attachment point made at the level of the tightening module M_S, for example via the adjustment system. This degree of freedom therefore allows adjustment in length as well as adjustment in volume of the sleeve 1. The presence of this degree of freedom is particularly relevant for matching the curve of a limb M, such as for example that of the human calf. The pivoting of the textile strip 2 is thus allowed around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X2) and passing through the two attachment points of the textile strip 2 on the tightening module M_S of the sleeve.

[0065] The proposed configuration is thus a scale or tapir tail configuration.

[0066] Advantageously, this connection system between two adjacent compression rings A_1, A_2 is duplicated for any new additional compression ring of the sleeve. Each textile strip 2 of a compression ring A is connected to the textile strip of the next compression ring in the series by a connection element, following the same longitudinal direction (X3).

[0067] Thanks to this connection system, it should be noted that the greater the number of compression rings over a given length, the more the sleeve fits the shape of the limb to be treated.

[0068] Advantageously, the connecting element comprises a tongue 40 comprising a first end, for example fixed to the textile strip 2_1 of the first compression ring A_1 of the sleeve and a second end which is mounted to slide freely in a slot 21 of the textile strip 2_2 of the second compression ring A_2. At its free end, the tongue may comprise a locking stop 41 cooperating with the slot 21 to limit the degree of freedom in sliding. This stop may be produced by a T shape.

[0069] It should be noted that it would also be possible to leave the first end of the tongue free to slide in a slot in the textile strip of the first ring of compression, with a locking stop of the same type. In this case, the tongue could have a completely symmetrical shape and allow the two textile strips to slide relative to each other.

[0070] Advantageously, the tab 40 is made of a material chosen to be inelastic, such as a plastic material. The plastic material is chosen to be sufficiently soft and flexible to fit the contour of the member, in length and volume.

[0071] Each connecting element could of course have another form, for example a cord, a flexible band, an elastic band fixed to the two compression rings, etc.

[0072] The connecting elements 4 are advantageously all aligned along the same longitudinal axis (X3), advantageously located opposite the alignment along the direction (X2) of the clamping devices D arranged on the clamping module M_S, relative to the longitudinal axis (XI).

[0073] This principle of longitudinal adjustment makes it possible to adapt the volume of the sleeve 10 and to give it a curved zone which can follow the shape of a limb. By the configuration with two links L1, L2 opposite relative to the axis of the limb, this principle of following the shape of the limb is improved.

[0074] It should be noted that it would be possible to provide several other longitudinal sliding connections arranged in parallel between the compression rings A of the sleeve 10. Passive and / or active compression device

[0075] [Fig.6]

[0076] [Fig.7]

[0077] As indicated above, this principle of longitudinal adjustment applies to a passive and / or active compression device.

[0078] The compression device may in particular have one or more tightening links 5. For example, it would be possible to associate at least one separate tightening link 5 for each compression ring A of the sleeve.

[0079] The compression device advantageously comprises a tightening device D for each tightening link 5, and therefore for each compression ring A.

[0080] For example, in a passive compression device, the tightening device D may for example comprise a rotating disc 51 ([Fig.6]) on which the tightening link 5 can be wound or unwound, depending on the direction of rotation of the disc. This type of system is well known in the field of tightening ski boots for example. Conventionally, the rotating disc can be operated manually.

[0081] The clamping device D could take any other known conventional form.

[0082] By way of example, with reference to [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], in an active compression device, the clamping device D may comprise an electric motor 50 provided of a 500 shaft on which the tightening link is wound or unwound.

[0083] The clamping device D advantageously comprises its own electronic control unit 6, responsible for controlling said electric motor.

[0084] Each clamping device D can be produced independently and removable. It is intended to provide a mechanical action and is advantageously controlled and powered by a central control and power supply circuit belonging to the device 1 and advantageously arranged on a support common to all the clamping devices, in this case on the clamping module M_S of the sleeve 10 described above, this clamping module M_S forming a connection between all the compression rings A.

[0085] The central control and power supply circuit (not shown) is configured to apply a control sequence and send control orders to the electronic control units 6 of the clamping devices D.

[0086] The clamping module M_S thus carries several clamping devices D, advantageously all identical, juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the sleeve 10. Each of these clamping devices D is configured to exert, individually or in groups, traction or release along an axis perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (X2) and called the clamping axis (Y).

[0087] The clamping module M_S of the device 1 is advantageously in the form of a single assembly.

[0088] In a non-limiting manner, with reference to the figure, a clamping device D comprises a first traction element 300 and a second traction element 310, separated from each other and capable of moving in translation relative to each other along its clamping axis (Y). The relative positions of the first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310 make it possible to adjust the level of clamping applied by the clamping device D.

[0089] The first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310 can be produced in the form of two independent parts.

[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment, each traction element 300, 310 is attached to a loop or takes the form of the loop 30 to which a separate end 20 of the textile strip 2 of the compression ring A is attached.

[0091] Thus, traction on the first traction element 300 and on the second traction element 310, along the axis (Y), makes it possible to pull in opposite directions on the two ends of the textile strip 2, and thus exert a tightening and a radial compression of the member at the level of the compression ring when the sleeve is adjusted around the member. As the sleeve is made of a textile material that is not very extensible or even non-extensible, the tightening force exerted by each device of tightening is transmitted directly to the sleeve to compress the member.

[0092] The clamping device may also comprise a support housing 32.

[0093] The electric motor 50 of the clamping device D is housed in said support housing 32.

[0094] The tightening tie 5 is wound or unwound by the action of the electric motor 50 on the output shaft 500 of the motor, to ensure the movement of the first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310. According to this exemplary embodiment, the tightening device thus actuates the movement of the two traction elements 300, 310 simultaneously, one towards the other in traction using its electric motor 50.

[0095] The principle of an active compression device is described in patent application FR3123202A1 and in patent application WO2023 / 213736A1.

[0096] The principle of the invention linked to the sliding of the two compression rings between them applies regardless of the type (active or passive) of compression device and its architecture. In active compression devices, we can also cite those operating using shape memory wires (see preamble to the description).

[0097] The invention thus presents numerous advantages, among which: - It can be easily adapted to the shape of a member, using a simple system; - It can be adapted to different limb morphologies, with the same sleeve size; - It is suitable for operation regardless of the type of compression device, active or passive; - Each textile band is independent and can easily be replaced and adapted to the size of the member;

Claims

Claims

1. Compression device (1) intended to be arranged around a limb (M) of a living being, said compression device (1) comprising a sleeve (10) extending lengthwise around a longitudinal axis (XI) and having several compression rings (A) juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring (A) comprising a strip (2) of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis (XI), characterized in that the compression rings (A) are connected to each other by a first connection (L1) along a first direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, and in that the strips (2) of material are connected to each other, along a second direction (X3) parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction (X2), by a second sliding connection (L2) so as to form a scale structure.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that between two adjacent compression rings (A), called first compression ring (A_1) and second compression ring (A_2), said second sliding connection is made by means of a connecting element (4) connecting said strip (2_1) of material of the first compression ring to said strip (2_2) of material of the second compression ring.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said connecting element is composed of a tongue (40) fixed at one end to the strip of material of the first compression ring and mounted at a second free end to slide in a slot (21) made in the strip of material of the second compression ring.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second end of said tongue (40) comprises a stop member (41) sliding in said slot.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the stop member (41) is produced by a T shape.

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said tab (40) is made of a plastic material.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, for each compression ring, said strip (2) of material has two ends each attached on either side of a clamping device (D), said clamping device (D) being configured to pull at least one of the two ends of the strip (2) of material to adjust the level of compression applied by the compression ring (A).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that, for each compression ring (A), the clamping device (D) is arranged on a support extending along said first connection (L1).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each compression ring (A) comprises at least one compression adjustment strap around the longitudinal axis.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the strip (2) of material has an end (20) forming said adjustment strap and arranged to attach in an adjustable manner to the tightening device (D).

11. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises at least one clamping link (5) extending between two spaced edges of the sleeve.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises a rotating disc (51) associated with said clamping tie (5) and operable in rotation to wind or unwind said clamping tie (5).

13. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises an electric motor (50) provided with a rotating shaft (500) on which said clamping tie (5) is fixed, and rotatable to wind or unwind said clamping tie (5).

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the strip (2) of material of each compression ring is made of an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material.

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