Respiratory Therapy Vest

Abstract

Methods, devices and systems for respiratory therapy delivered by a therapy vest are described herein. A therapy vest is provided that provides independent body fitting functionality through the use of a body fitting layer or section that is controlled independently of the therapy layer or section such that the fit of the therapy vest is on a more equal footing with the therapy delivery components of the therapy vest. Other examples are disclosed and claimed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 176,551, filed April 19, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates generally to therapy vests worn by a patient for use in connection with the treatment of a respiratory condition, and specific examples of systems, methods and articles relate to the fit or comfort of the therapy vest. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Airway clearance therapy, such as high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO), is an airway clearance technique that has been proven to help clear secretions from the lungs of patients with various types of lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The goal of HFCWO is to loosen mucus that has built up in the airways so that the patient can clear it more easily. Treatments are usually performed once or twice daily, with a typical duration of 30 minutes.

[0004] To administer or deliver airway clearance therapy, a device, such as a vest, is used that can apply oscillating pressure to the chest, which can be achieved by using a pneumatic mechanism, such as an oscillating airflow into an inflatable compartment of the vest, or by another mechanism, such as a physical mechanism or actuator that provides the vibrations.

[0005] As an example, in a vest that uses oscillating airflow into an inflatable compartment, the vest is connected to an airflow generator using two tubes. Personalization of the treatment session can be done by setting the airflow, frequency and time. The vest is available in several sizes (e.g., pediatric to adult sizes) to create a proper fit with the body following inflation of the vest compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various embodiments provide methods, devices, and systems for respiratory therapy delivered by a therapy vest. In one embodiment, a therapy vest is provided that provides independent body fitting functionality through the use of a body fitting layer or section that is controlled independently (separately) from the therapy layer or section such that the fit of the therapy vest is on a more equal footing with the therapy delivery components of the therapy vest.

[0007] In summary, one embodiment provides a therapeutic vest having a vest body including one or more body-fitting sections and one or more treatment sections, wherein one or more of the one or more body-fitting sections and one or more of the one or more treatment sections are configured to be independently controllable.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a system having an airflow generator and a treatment vest having a vest body including one or more body-fitting sections and one or more treatment sections, wherein one or more of the one or more body-fitting sections and one or more of the one or more treatment sections are configured to be independently controllable using airflow from the airflow generator.

[0009] A further embodiment provides a system having a controller configured to acquire one or more body fit parameters and a therapeutic vest having a vest body including one or more body fit sections, one or more sensors and one or more therapeutic sections, wherein the one or more body fit sections are inflated by an airflow generator based on one or more of the one or more body fit parameters and data acquired from the one or more sensors.

[0010] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0011] For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the scope of the invention being pointed out in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary treatment system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary treatment vest and airflow generator, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of components of a therapy vest, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows an example of a body shape and body fit section, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary method for controlling a therapy vest, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary control system, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the exemplary embodiments described. Thus, the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit scope of the claims, but is merely representative of such embodiments.

[0014] References throughout this specification to an "embodiment" (or the like) mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" (or the like) in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0015] In the specification, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, a plurality is included even if it is not stated. In the specification, the expression "coupled", "connected" or "engaged" of two or more parts or components means that the parts are directly or indirectly coupled, operating or cooperating, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, as long as they are connected. Directional expressions in this specification, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, above, below, forward, rear and their derivatives, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the scope of the claimed invention, unless expressly stated herein. The word "comprises" or "includes" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described herein and / or listed in the claims. In a device consisting of several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. In this specification, the word "about" or "approximately" includes the conventional rounding to the last significant digit.

[0016] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that aspects may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusion.

[0017] HFCWO therapy is primarily performed at home. In devices with airflow generators, the patient is restricted in movement and must remain in a fixed position by tubes connecting the airflow generator to the treatment vest. The use of portable devices creates more freedom for the patient, but is limited by the weight of the vest and the available power. HFCWO vests have been used for decades, but aspects related to the treatment, such as adjusting the vest to fit the patient comfortably, have not been a common focus.

[0018] One aspect of HFCWO therapy is patient adherence to treatment. It has been reported that only 35% of patients are highly adherent (more than 80% of prescribed daily use). In contrast, self-reported data show high adherence of 65%. It has therefore been concluded that there is a large overestimation of self-reported adherence. Furthermore, it has been reported that sustained adherence over time is problematic, which is in part due to social-cognitive variables such as self-confidence and perceived concerns.

[0019] Low adherence to HFCWO therapy has attracted clinician concern, but improvement is not simple. The standard prescription for over 20 years has been 30 minutes, twice a day. This history is based on similarities with manual chest physiotherapy and may not have any relevance (i.e., evidence-based) to what patients actually need. It has been suggested that the treatment itself could be adapted to increase patient adherence, but even if this approach helps, the discomfort of the treatment is not reduced or directly addressed.

[0020] An embodiment addresses problems of previous approaches and systems, such as poor compliance to HFCWO vest therapy, by providing a good body fit to the vest. An embodiment provides personal fit of the therapy vest by separating the functions of fitting the therapy vest to the body and delivering the vibration therapy. The embodiments accommodate a wide range of body shapes, postures, genders, BMI values ​​(ratio between weight and height squared) and BSI values ​​(ratio between weight and height cubed). Various embodiments not only increase comfort for the wearer of the vest, but also affect the settings of the therapy, e.g., reducing the settings of parameters such as pressure and time required to implement good compliance to a given therapy.

[0021] Turning now to the drawings, the exemplary embodiments shown will be best understood by reference to the drawings: The following description is intended to be merely exemplary and merely illustrates certain selected exemplary embodiments representative of the claimed invention.

[0022] 1, one embodiment provides a system 100 that separates the functionality of obtaining a personalized fit of the HFCWO vest to the patient from the functionality of delivering therapy to the patient by decoupling one or more body fitting sections or layers 104, such as one or more inflatable layers, from one or more treatment sections or layers 105, such as one or more vibration layers. This allows the vest to fit the patient without interfering with the delivery of therapy.

[0023] In one embodiment, the body fitting section or layer 104 and the therapeutic section or layer 105 are provided in such a way that they are independently controlled. In an embodiment utilizing pneumatic body fitting layer 104 and therapeutic layer 105, the airflow for inflating these layers 104, 105 is generated by an airflow generator 102, e.g., a pump system. In this configuration, each layer 104, 105 includes one or more inflatable sections and has one or more pressure sensors 107 and one or more exhaust valves 106. In one embodiment, one or more selection valves 103 allow for independent control of the inflation of the inflatable body fitting layer 104 and therapeutic layer 105. The regulation or adjustment of the body fitting layer 104 and therapeutic layer 105 is controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 101, which may be incorporated in the vest together with a power source (battery) or provided via a separate device that communicates with the vest or other system components.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system 100 shown in Figure 1 can be implemented in a vest body 110a with an airflow generator 102a, as shown in Figure 1A. In one embodiment, the airflow generator 110a provides airflow, for example via tubes, to the vest body 110a, which in turn includes a body fitting layer or section and a therapeutic layer or section, as shown in Figure 1, for example.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows in cross section examples of achievable fit differences between one or more sections in both the contracted state (top row of FIG. 2) and the inflated state (bottom row of FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2 (first column), the use of separate and continuous body-fitting layer 201 and therapeutic layer 202 allows for separate, independent and more precise control of the body-fit to the patient 203, e.g., the patient's torso, especially in a pneumatic vest. When the vest is inflated (bottom left of FIG. 2), the body-fitting layer 201 is inflated with independent control relative to the therapeutic layer 202, allowing the body-fitting layer 201 to more easily adapt to the patient 203.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 (second column), the use of separate inflatable and controllable compartments 201a, 201b in the body-fitting layer 201 allows each compartment 201a, 201b to inflate to match a particular body region of the patient 203. Thus, when inflated (bottom middle of FIG. 2), the compartments 201a and 201b inflate or fit independently to the patient 203. In one embodiment, a separator 204 including a controllable component is provided to restrict airflow between the compartments and provide a physical map therebetween, allowing finer control of the body fit. The separator 204 can include components such as controllable valves to selectively enable fluid communication between the compartments 201a and 201b, or between the compartments 201a, 201b and other components such as, for example, pressure sensors, passive valves such as check valves, two-way valves, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 (third column), by using multiple body-fitting sections 201a, 201b and multiple treatment sections 202a, 202b, the settings of the corresponding sections 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b can be adjusted or aligned according to the needs of that particular patient 203. This allows the embodiment to provide even finer control over the body fit in the inflated state (bottom right of Figure 2).

[0028] In one embodiment, separate controllable sections or layers, such as independently inflatable sections 201 a, 201 b, are provided in the body-fitting layer so that each section 201 a, 201 b can be controlled until it fits well with a particular body region. If separate controllable treatment sections, such as independently inflatable sections 202 a, 202 b, are also used, the settings of all corresponding sections (body-fitting and treatment sections) can be aligned. As with various other embodiments, this alignment or control can be done dynamically during treatment or applied at the beginning of a treatment session.

[0029] 3A, patient-specific torso differences, such as those shown at 301a, 302a, are categorised and fitted accordingly by using a number of body-fitting compartments, collectively shown at 303a, allowing embodiments to adjust or control compartments 303a, such as by inflating or deflating each compartment to an individualised amount, so that the therapy vest has a good fit and is tailored to the patient's needs.

[0030] A schematic diagram of one exemplary location of the body fit compartment 303a is shown in FIG. 3A. By way of non-limiting example, a particular patient 301a may have an anatomical structure associated with a predetermined or dynamically determined adjustment or control of the body fit compartment 303a. Specifically, the patient 301a is most comfortable when the vest compartments mapped or positioned within the vest, for example in the upper and mid-thorax, expand in an uneven manner, for example less expansion in the upper thorax compared to the mid-thorax. In one embodiment, the body fit compartments 303a may be provided in areas of the vest that are mapped or positioned in areas associated with anatomical variations of a patient population that are associated with different fit, allowing differential adjustment of each compartment, or collections or subsets of compartments, to fit the patient.

[0031] In one embodiment, body fit parameters include data used to control layers or sections of the vest. For example, body fit parameters may be data derived from classification of different patient populations and used to allow overall fit adjustments to be initially automated. For example, patient-specific torso differences are classified and associated with body fit parameters that are used to control body fit section 301a, e.g., to control, adjust or set to change the inflation of that section.

[0032] Examples of body fit parameters that may be utilized to adjust one or more body fit sections or layers, such as body fit section 301a, include static and dynamic body fit parameters. Examples of static body fit parameters include gender and body shape parameters, which are obtained through various mechanisms, such as through obtaining numerical values ​​generally associated with body shape (e.g., BMI or BSI, age, weight, height, waist circumference, shoulder circumference, armpit-hip and shoulder-hip measurements, etc.). Additional or alternative sources of information include, for example, body scan data, which provides detailed information regarding a particular patient's shape. In one embodiment, a model, such as a 3D model, can be formed based on data inputs, such as body measurements and / or image data, as described in, for example, patent application PCT / EP2020 / 064044, published as International Patent Application Publication No. 2020234339A1, filed May 20, 2020, and entitled "ESTIMATING THE SURFACE AREA AND / OR VOLUME OF A SUBJECT'S BODY OR BODY PART", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, a combination of the above may be used. For example, the static body fit parameters may be obtained by a user inputting values ​​(e.g., gender designation, BMI, BSI, etc.), obtained from an external system (e.g., a body scanner that outputs a patient body shape classification, such as shapes associated with the torso including, but not limited to, trapezoid, triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, oval, etc., or other external system that provides patient data, such as a vest design tool or software program that indicates vest size or body fit parameters based on model, body shape, size, posture or position of use, patient reported comfort, etc.), or obtained from an appropriate combination of the above. The static body fit parameters are used, for example, by CPU 101 to separately adjust the body fit layers or body fit sections.For example, if static body fit parameters are provided, CPU 101 adjusts the body fit sections, e.g., body fit section 303a, to suit the patient's general body shape and body composition, e.g., body composition due to tissue differences associated with body shape or body composition (e.g., muscle tissue, fat tissue, etc.), etc. For example, certain tissues have specific characteristics, e.g., levels and sensitivities of compression, that are used to adjust section 303a.

[0033] Examples of dynamic body fit parameters include body position data. For example, initial body fit parameters may indicate that the patient is currently reclining, whereas subsequently obtained body fit parameters may indicate that the patient is sitting upright. During a treatment session, the patient may be lying down, sitting upright in a chair, reclining, etc. Additionally, the patient may move into various positions during treatment, for example, if the patient adjusts position, changes posture, or is using a mobile vest. The patient may be more or less mobile due to condition or the type of treatment vest used, for example, certain HFCWO devices are not mobile (e.g., tethered to an airflow generator as described herein).

[0034] To account for various scenarios, an embodiment may consider dynamic body fit parameters, such as body posture, and allow compartment adjustments to allow for changes in body posture or to dynamically accommodate. Note that categorizing body fit parameters as static or dynamic is merely for illustrative purposes, and depending on the circumstances, a given body fit parameter may be considered to be either static or dynamic; for example, if the patient is always in a particular posture during treatment, then a dynamic body posture parameter may be considered to be static or relatively unchanging.

[0035] Traditionally, variations in use conditions result in poor individual fit of a standardized HFCWO vest to a patient. By defining independently controllable body fitting layers or compartments, such as multiple inflatable vest compartments, the body fitting layers or compartments can be inflated independently of the treatment layers or compartments to meet the specific needs of a patient and conditions, such as changes in body position or posture.

[0036] Referring back to the example shown in FIG. 1, the pneumatic vest utilizes an airflow generator 102 including a pump system in combination with a valve, e.g., a selection valve 103, to control or regulate an inflatable body-fitting layer or section. Controlling this inflation is accomplished by having one or more pressure sensors, e.g., pressure sensor 107, that provide an indication of the inflation level. For example, a pressure sensor may be disposed between each body-fitting section, e.g., sections 201a, 201b in the example of FIG. 2, and the patient 203 or a layer of the vest adjacent to the patient 203. One or more exhaust valves, e.g., exhaust valve 106, may be used to reduce the pressure within the body-fitting layer or section. In this way, the therapeutic vest can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient.

[0037] The input data (body fit parameters) for the settings to be applied to the body fit layer or section can be obtained in a variety of ways. For example, the body fit parameters can be obtained by using retrospective data (specific to the patient's history or otherwise applicable, e.g., to a patient population), data collected at the beginning of treatment (e.g., a visit with a respiratory therapist), or data collected dynamically, e.g., via one or more pressure sensors or other suitable sensors provided in the vest to detect areas of proper or improper fit during treatment. It should be noted that dynamic body fit parameters are provided via patient or therapist input, e.g., if the vest or system components are equipped with input elements to indicate areas or types of proper or improper fit, etc. As with other data, retrospective or historical data can have different origins, e.g., body morphology analysis (e.g., via a 3D laser body scan obtained from an external system such as a laser scanner or other body scanner), therapy intake visits where data is collected from historical vest settings for a given patient, patient population, electronic medical records of the patient, etc.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pneumatic therapeutic layer is provided as a separate inflatable inner layer that connects to an airflow generator that achieves the vibration function of the vest. This therapeutic layer, like the body fitting layer, can be a single section or layer that covers the torso, or multiple sections or components. In a multiple section or component configuration, the sections or components are separated by valves, like the body fitting layer or sections. The control of the vibration function can be decoupled from the body fitting function, for example, by using a selective valve. Due to its small volume compared to the current size of the therapeutic layer or section of the vest, it does not require much flow rate to provide sufficient vibration through the therapeutic layer.

[0039] In one embodiment, settings used to adjust or control the body fit layer or component, the therapy layer or component, or a combination thereof, such as valve selection, pressure, etc., may be recorded as settings. The settings of both the body fit layer and the therapy layer can be saved for subsequent reuse or application to new similar patients, such as based on body shape, position of use, etc. These setting data can be used by the respiratory therapist to more precisely define future therapy scenarios for the patient. Depending on the situation, different settings can be used. For example, in addition to body shape and position, the embodiment can provide appropriate settings for different scenarios, such as early morning therapy, midday therapy, high or low intensity therapy depending on the patient's daily condition, adjustment of therapy based on better body fit (low output vibration), etc.

[0040] 3B, and in view of the above, it will be appreciated that components of the system 100, e.g., CPU 101, are configured to adjust the body fit of the therapy vest to accommodate various scenarios. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the program executed by CPU 101 implements a method including obtaining or determining body fit parameters, e.g., body shape, body position, posture, etc., as sensed by pressure or other sensors, input by a therapist or patient, obtained from an external system, etc., as shown at 300b. If more than one section or layer is provided, the method includes identifying available sections or layers that can be adjusted or controlled taking into account the body fit parameters, as shown at 310b.

[0041] Taking into account the body fit parameters, the method may adjust sections of the body fit layer, for example, via manipulating select valves that control the inflation of the body fit sections, controlling (passively or actively) valves that isolate the body fit sections, as shown at 320b. If no adjustment is currently required (e.g., the previous or initial adjustment is still appropriate), the method loops back to monitor the body fit parameters. At 320b, various mechanisms are used to determine if one or more sections need to be adjusted, such as using data obtained from pressure sensors (e.g., comparing to thresholds, acceptable ranges, or baseline values), or obtaining data from user (patient or therapist) input.

[0042] As shown at 330b, after one or more adjustments are provided, the method loops back again to take into account the body fit parameters, e.g., in a scenario where one or more dynamic body fit parameters are considered to adjust the vest during treatment. In another example, the method may end if only an initial fitting of the vest is required, e.g., for a static treatment session. As a further example, the method determines body fit parameters at 300b based on treatment efficacy or feedback data, e.g., patient or therapist assessment of clearance due to treatment using a particular body fit setting, obtained via a mobile application or a connected computer system, and used to maintain the current fit or adjust the fit of the vest.

[0043] While the above examples have focused in part on pneumatic implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other mechanisms and material components may be utilized to achieve improved body fit in accordance with these illustrated exemplary embodiments. For example, one or more pneumatic components for applying therapy may be replaced with mechanical or electroactive components. In a non-limiting example, actuators may be used to apply vibration or other therapy in a mobile or semi-mobile vest configuration, for example, the use of (e.g., magnetic, electric, electroactive, or piezoelectric) actuators may replace a pneumatic therapy layer.

[0044] 1 may be omitted and inflation of the layers or compartments may be accomplished by disposable or refillable gas cylinders (e.g., air, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, etc.), a recessed fan built into the vest, a hand pump to supply air, etc. In one embodiment, one layer, e.g., the body fitting layer, may be inflated while another layer, e.g., the therapeutic layer, does not inflate.

[0045] For example, in embodiments that do not include pneumatic system components, such as an airflow generator, typically used to deliver therapy, the utility of the HFCWO vest is increased because the patient is no longer tethered to the airflow generator. Different user scenarios are possible, each suited to the needs (or conditions) of a different type of patient.

[0046] In a first exemplary scenario, the embodiment is implemented as a non-portable system, where the user inflates a vest (body-fitting layer or section and therapeutic layer or section) and is tethered to an airflow generator that provides therapeutic vibrations, and when both are functional, the body-fitting and vibrations are provided by the airflow generator. This configuration may be preferred for patients with low mobility (or requiring heavy therapeutic settings).

[0047] In a second exemplary scenario, the embodiment is implemented as a semi-portable system. This system is applicable to patients who are mobile at home. In one embodiment, at the start of treatment, the patient can inflate the vest for a proper fit, for example by selecting a setting, manually inflating the vest, etc., and then detach the vest from the airflow generator and begin treatment. In such a configuration, a type of treatment layer or section using an actuator, for example an electric actuator, is appropriate. The patient is then free to move around the house and perform other activities. In one embodiment, the use of a pneumatic or airflow-based layer to deliver treatment is facilitated by allowing modularity in the components of the system. For example, a reversibly attachable airflow generator may be provided as a separate unit or module, for example in a backpack or carrying case, which is then carried by the patient in a mobile setting for attachment to the treatment vest while being easy to carry.

[0048] In a third exemplary scenario, the embodiment is provided for a portable system. Here, a conventional or standard airflow generator is not used, and one or more of the body-fitting layer and the therapy layer (e.g., the vibration section) need to be provided without assistance from a standard airflow generator. For example, in one embodiment, a battery is provided to power one or more components, such as a fan for inflating the body-fitting layer, an actuator for delivering therapy, and a valve for controlling the inflation level. In such an embodiment, the vest is portable. By way of example, this scenario is applicable to patients who require therapy outside during the day. As with other specific embodiments, the components or parts of the system may be provided in a modular manner. For example, a battery may be reversibly attached to a vest, for example, via a compartment for housing the battery, with the vest comprising ports or connections for allowing the battery to power various components of the vest. In a portable scenario, a user may add a battery to the vest to power the actuators for mobile therapy, while in a stationary setting, the battery may be used or not (and removed), in favor of an airflow generator that is also attached via an appropriate port or connection. Such a modular system can therefore offer the best of both fixed and portable advantages in a hybrid solution.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 4, it will be readily appreciated that certain embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety of devices or combinations of devices. In FIG. 4, an exemplary system-on-chip (SoC) is shown included in a computer 400, which may be used in implementing one or more embodiments, for example, as a controller. The SoC outlined in FIG. 4 or similar circuitry may be implemented in a variety of devices, for example, a similar circuitry may be included in an airflow generator, such as shown at 102 in FIG. 1, in place of the CPU 101 in FIG. 1, or in another device or platform. In addition, circuitry other than an SoC, an example of which is provided in FIG. 4, may be utilized in one or more embodiments. The SoC in FIG. 4, as shown, includes functional blocks integrated onto a single semiconductor chip to meet specific application requirements.

[0050] A central processing unit (CPU) 410, which may include one or more graphic processing units (GPUs) and / or microprocessing units (MPUs), includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing arithmetic and logical operations, an instruction decoder for decoding instructions and providing information to a timing and control unit, and registers for storing temporary data. CPU 410 may include a single integrated circuit with several units, the design and arrangement of which will vary according to the architecture selected.

[0051] Computer 400 also includes a memory controller 440 having, for example, a direct memory access (DMA) controller for transferring data between memory 450 and hardware peripherals. Memory controller 440 includes a memory management unit (MMU) that functions to handle cache control, memory protection, and virtual memory. Computer 400 can communicate with a variety of communication protocols (e.g., I 2 The device may include a controller for communicating using a USB or other communication protocol.

[0052] Memory 450 includes various memory types, volatile and non-volatile, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, and cache memory. Memory 450 can include embedded programs and downloaded software, such as control software, such as a body fit adjustment program for operating the body fit layer, the therapeutic layer, etc. By way of example and not limitation, memory 450 can also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data, which can be downloaded, updated, or modified via a remote device.

[0053] The system bus 422 allows communication between various components of the computer 400. An I / O interface 430 and radio frequency (RF) devices 420, e.g., WiFi and telecommunications radio, are included to allow the computer 400 to transmit data to and receive data from remote devices using wired or wireless mechanisms. The computer 400 can operate in a networked or distributed environment using logical connections with one or more other remote computers or databases. The logical connections can include a network, e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can also include other networks / buses. For example, the computer 400 communicates data with and between remote devices 460, e.g., a body scanning device or an electronic medical record system, and other devices 401, e.g., a vest or system component including the CPU 101 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] Thus, computer 400 may execute program instructions configured to store and control the body fitting layer or component, the therapeutic layer or component, combinations thereof, and perform other functions of the embodiments as described herein. A user may interact with computer 400 (e.g., input commands and information) via input devices connected to I / O interface 430. A display or other type of device may be connected to computer 400 via an interface selected from I / O interface 430.

[0055] It should be noted that various functions described herein are implemented using instructions stored in a memory, such as memory 450, that are sent to and executed by a processor, such as CPU 410. Computer 400 includes one or more storage devices for persistently storing programs and other data. Storage devices, as used herein, are non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Some examples of non-transitory storage devices or computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, storage devices built into computer 400, such as memory 450, a hard disk or solid state drive, and removable storage, such as an optical disk or memory stick.

[0056] The program code stored in the memory or storage device may be transmitted using any suitable transmission medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber cable, RF, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0057] The program code for performing the operations is written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on a single device, partially on a single device as a stand-alone software package, partially on a single device and partially on other devices, or entirely on other devices. In one embodiment, the program code is stored on a non-transitory medium and executed by a processor to perform the functions or operations specified herein. In some cases, the devices referred to herein are connected via any type of connection or network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection is made via another device (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider (ISP)), via a wireless connection, or via a hard wire connection, such as via a USB connection.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to figures illustrating exemplary methods, apparatus, and program products according to various exemplary embodiments. It is understood that operations and functions are at least partially embodied by program instructions. These program instructions (computer code) are provided to a processor of a device such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the device, perform the specified functions / operations to produce a special purpose machine, e.g., a controller.

[0059] It is worth noting that, although certain elements are used and a particular order is shown in the figures, these are non-limiting examples. In some circumstances, the examples shown are used merely for convenience and should not be construed as limiting, so that two or more elements can be combined, an element can be divided into two or more elements, or an element can be rearranged, reorganized, or omitted, as appropriate.

[0060] This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiments have been chosen and described to explain the principles and practical applications, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure in various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular applications contemplated.

[0061] Thus, although example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that this description is not intended to be limiting, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. one or more inflatable body fitting compartments; One or more inflatable treatment compartments; and one or more sensors associated with the one or more inflatable body-fitting sections for measuring body-fit parameters; A treatment vest having a vest body including: the one or more sensors are configured to provide sensor data to a controller; A therapy vest, wherein one or more of the one or more inflatable body-fitting sections and one or more of the one or more inflatable treatment sections are configured to be independently controllable by the controller.

2. one or more of the one or more inflatable body-fitting compartments are disposed over the one or more of the one or more inflatable treatment compartments when the treatment vest is worn by a patient; The medical vest of claim 1.

3. one or more of the one or more inflatable body-fitting sections are disposed beneath one or more of the one or more inflatable treatment sections when the treatment vest is worn by a patient; The medical vest of claim 1.

4. The therapeutic vest of claim 1 , wherein the one or more inflatable, body-fitting compartments include two or more inflatable, body-fitting compartments.

5. The therapeutic vest of claim 4 , wherein the two or more inflatable body-fitting compartments are configured for independent control.

6. The therapeutic vest of claim 4 , further comprising a separator disposed between the two or more inflatable body-fitting compartments.

7. The therapeutic vest of claim 6 , wherein the separator has a valve configured to control fluid communication between the two or more inflatable, body-fitting compartments.

8. A separator is provided. The therapeutic vest of claim 1 , wherein the one or more inflatable treatment sections comprises two or more inflatable treatment sections separated by the separator.

9. The therapeutic vest of claim 1 , comprising one or more actuators disposed within the one or more inflatable treatment sections.

10. Power supply, and controller 2. The therapeutic vest of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the one or more inflatable body-fitting compartments independently of the one or more inflatable treatment compartments using sensor data obtained from the one or more sensors.

11. An airflow generator, and The medical vest according to claim 1 A system having

12. a controller configured to acquire one or more body fit parameters; and The medical vest according to claim 1 A system having

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