A device used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device which allows pressure to be applied parallel to the limb in order to anatomically and physiologically follow the vascular structures and to mimic the functionality, and which is used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema.

Description

[0001] A Device Used in the Treatment of Lymphedema and Edema

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device which delivers pressure in a peristaltic and linear fashion and which is used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema.

[0004] The present invention particularly relates to a device which allows pressure to be applied parallel to the limb in order to anatomically and physiologically follow the vascular structures and to mimic the functionality, and which is used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema.

[0005] Description of the Related Art

[0006] Lymphedema is a condition characterized by excess fluid accumulation in the body due to impaired lymphatic system function. This condition typically results in swelling of the extremities, such as the arms or legs. A variety of devices are employed in the treatment of lymphedema, particularly to address edema and enhance lymphatic circulation.

[0007] The terms “peristaltic” and “linear pressure transfer” typically refer to mechanisms used to advance or transfer liquid or gas in a specific direction. These types of devices are used in a variety of industrial, medical, and laboratory applications. Peristaltic pumps are equipped with a mechanism that conveys liquid through a hose or tube by means of a range of bearings or rotors. One of the key advantages of these pumps is that they prevent contamination Since the only surface the liquid comes into contact with as it passes through the tubing is the material the tubing is composed of. They are widely used in medical applications, including drug infusions and for metering instruments in laboratories. Linear pressure transfer refers to the process of applying pressure in a straight line in a given direction. This pressure transfer is typically achieved through reciprocating or screw-type mechanisms.

[0008] The research on this subject has led to application No. 2021 / 017938. The application relates to an automatic massage system that allows for the mixing of lymph fluid with blood by means of massage of the areas where lymphedema occurs, thus eliminating the need for effort on the part of the patient. However, the application does not mention a device employed in lymphedema and edema treatments that enables the application of pressure in parallel with the limb, with the objective of following the vascular structures anatomically and physiologically and of mimicking functionality.

[0009] Consequently, in view of the aforementioned drawbacks and the shortcomings of existing solutions, a need has emerged for an advancement in the relevant technical domain.

[0010] Purpose of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is inspired by the prevailing situation and aims to address the aforementioned issues.

[0012] The primary objective of this invention is to facilitate the transfer of pressure in a peristaltic and linear manner for the treatment of edema.

[0013] Another purpose of the invention is to fallow the anatomical and physiochemical characteristics of vascular structures, applying pressure parallel to the limb to imitate the functionality.

[0014] In order to accomplish the aforementioned objectives, the present invention is a device utilized in lymphedema and edema treatments, that transfers pressure in a peristaltic and linear manner for edema, and comprises a pneumatic compression unit for applying pressure to the limb and activating the lymph flow; piping structures with a serrated structure that accurately distributes the pressure from the pneumatic compression unit to the patient's limb; a synchronous valve to ensure a synchronized operation of the pneumatic compression unit and the piping structure; biocompatible coating to ensure direct contact of the pneumatic compression unit with the patient's limb and minimize irritation and side effects; micro diaphragm pump to ensure that the pneumatic compression unit pumps air or liquid effectively, sensor to measure lymph flow rate and pressure parameters and transmit data, control unit to control synchronous valves and micro diaphragm pump based on data from sensors, and safety mechanism to turn off the system in the event of abnormal pressure or electrical leakage.

[0015] The structural and characteristic features as well as all advantages of the invention will be better understood with the help of the following figures and the detailed description with references to these figures and therefore, evaluation should be carried out taking into account these figures and the detailed description.

[0016] Figures to Assist in the Understanding of the Invention

[0017] Figure 1 provides a representative illustration of the device for the treatment of lymphedema and edema, which is subject to the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 provides a representative illustration of the device for the treatment of lymphedema and edema, which is subject to the invention.

[0019] Figure 3 provides a representative illustration of the device for the treatment of lymphedema and edema, which is subject to the invention.

[0020] Description of the Part References

[0021] 1. Pneumatic compression unit

[0022] 2. Piping structure

[0023] 3. Synchronous valves

[0024] 4. Biocompatible coating

[0025] 5. Micro diaphragm pump

[0026] 6. Sensor

[0027] 7. Control unit

[0028] 8. Safety mechanism

[0029] AFD. Air flow direction

[0030] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] The present detailed description describes the preferred embodiments of a device for the treatment of lymphedema and edema, which are the subject matter of the invention, solely for the purpose of a better understanding of the subject. The ability of a device used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema to exert a gradual pressure on the extremities is important in terms of treatment efficacy. In terms of convenience of use, a modular design is also important in order to adapt to different sections of the extremities as well as to the anatomical structure. The structure to exert pressure on the limb is therefore transferred to the tissue by peristaltic motion at each size and so that air flow is gradual with the design of the interior section. An alternative configuration has a transferable pressure in the range of 30 - 120 mmHg. In addition, the serrated structure is obtained by the curing of liquid silicone.

[0032] The synchronous valves (3) are of critical importance for air flow control. Correct synchronization yields more efficacious treatment. For this purpose, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the operating frequencies of the valves range between 0.5 and 180 Hertz.

[0033] The pump systems and optimum positions and the correct pump selection and positioning is an important parameter to achieve effective pneumatic compression. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the flow capacity of the pump ranges between 0.01 - 20 l / min and the pressure capacity between 0.01 - 10000 kPa.

[0034] The device used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema comprises a structure to transfer pressure to the extremity, a synchronous valve (3) and pump systems. Due to its structural feature, the structure to transfer pressure to the extremity provides autonomy of the manual patting movement on the tissue and has a serrated structure. The synchronous valve (3) plays an important role in transferring the material (air or liquid) that will create pressure (air or liquid) at the desired frequency and in a gradual manner. The pump system functions as a motor to generate pressure on the tissue in a peristaltic pattern.

[0035] The pneumatic compression unit (1) applies pressure (e.g. in the 30-60 mmHg pressure range) to the extremity and stimulates lymph flow. The piping structures properly distribute the pressure from the pneumatic compression unit (1) to the patient's limb. The inner diameter and surface roughness have an effect on the efficiency of the air flow. Synchronous valves (3) ensure synchronized operation of the pneumatic compression unit (1 ) and the piping structure (2). The biocompatible coating (4) ensures direct contact between the pneumatic compression unit (1) and the patient's limb. This minimizes irritation and side effects. The micro diaphragm pump (5) allows the pneumatic compression unit to pump air or liquid efficiently. Sensors (6) measure parameters such as lymph flow rate and pressure and send this data to the control unit (7). The control unit (7) controls the synchronous valves (3) and the micro diaphragm pump (5) based on the data from the sensors (6). Safety mechanisms immediately shut down the system in the event of abnormal pressure or electrical leakage.

[0036] Operating principle of the invention

[0037] The control unit (7) commands the activation of the micro diaphragm pump (5) and the pneumatic compression unit (1 ). The pneumatic compression unit (1 ) applies pressure to the patient's limb through the biocompatible coating (4). This pressure is regulated through the piping structure (2) and synchronous valves (3). Sensors (6) measure the lymph flow and pressure and share this data with the control unit (7). Based on this data, the control unit (7) adjusts the system parameters or activates the safety mechanism (8) when necessary.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device which delivers pressure in a peristaltic and linear fashion and which is used in the treatment of lymphedema and edema, comprising;• a pneumatic compression unit (1) for applying pressure to the limb and activating the lymph flow,• piping structure (2) with a serrated structure characterized in that it accurately distributes the pressure from the pneumatic compression unit to the patient's limb,• synchronous valve to ensure synchronized operation of the pneumatic compression unit (1 ) and the piping structure (2),• biocompatible coating (4) to ensure direct contact of the pneumatic compression unit (1) with the patient's limb and minimize irritation and side effects,• micro diaphragm pump (5) to ensure that the pneumatic compression unit pumps air or liquid effectively,• sensor (6) to measure lymph flow rate and pressure parameters and transmit data,• control unit (7) to control synchronous valves (3) and micro diaphragm pump (5) based on data from sensors (6), and safety mechanism (8) to turn off the system in the event of abnormal pressure or electrical leakage

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