Treatment device for intermittent treatment with negative pressure and / or positive pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment device for carrying out an intermittent treatment of at least part of the body of a person using negative pressure and / or positive pressure. According to the invention, in order to improve the known treatment device in such a way that, for a given indication of the treatment, the individual constitution of the person to be treated can be automatically appropriately taken into account, a "human-machine interface" is provided in the treatment device which detects selected vital values of the person to be treated in order to, by means of a controller, individually determine the treatment parameters, i.e. the duration of the negative and / or positive pressure phases and the magnitude of the negative and / or positive pressure, taking into account the vital values, in order to thereby achieve optimal treatment results.

Description

[0001]Treatment device for intermittent treatment with negative and / or positive pressure. The invention relates to a treatment device for carrying out intermittent treatment of at least a part of a person's body with negative and / or positive pressure. From EP 1002 510 B1, a treatment device with a pressure-resistant chamber for medical and / or cosmetic-physical therapy with negative and / or positive pressure is known. It serves to hold the lower limbs or the lower limbs and parts of the torso of a person to be treated, i.e., their lower half of the body, and to subject them to a defined negative and / or positive pressure repeatedly or intermittently. Furthermore, technically essentially identical chambers of a smaller size are known that only hold an upper limb, e.g., an arm of a person.The chambers, which are particularly tubular, have an opening at one end for inserting a part of the body, which is sealed against the torso or body part by means of a closure. A closure disclosed in DE 19912 611 C2 comprises a hose made of a gas-tight material in the technical sense, the rear end of which is fixed to the chamber. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 1 von 30The front end of the hose is non-rotatably connected to a rotating ring that is mounted to rotate about a pivot axis. By twisting the front and rear ends of the hose relative to each other using the rotating ring, the hose can be positioned in a linear fashion against the part of the body, i.e., the torso or arm of the person being treated. The known devices also feature a control system for generating the alternating pressure in the chamber. This control system allows for different operating modes of the treatment device: The pressure in the chamber is reduced by 35 to 80 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure and alternates between the ambient atmospheric pressure and the reduced pressure. An alternative operating mode of the known chamber involves the pressure in the chamber being alternately reduced by 35 to 80 mbar and increased by 20 to 60 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.Both known solutions utilize the effect of alternating pressure. When the pressure in the chamber is reduced relative to atmospheric pressure (negative pressure), the lymphatic vessels dilate and absorb tissue fluid and lymphatic waste products. Subsequently, increasing the pressure in the chamber, either to atmospheric pressure or to a positive pressure in the range of 20-60 mbar, creates a targeted lymph flow and transport of the metabolic waste products towards the filtering organs, directed by the lymphatic valves in the lymphatic vessels. The alternating pressure between negative and positive pressure is described by patent attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 2 von 30Ambient pressure or overpressure maintains the removal of metabolic waste products. The known treatment devices can be used not only for cosmetic purposes, for example, to improve the appearance of cellulite, but also for medical purposes, such as for orthopedic or vascular conditions, or for regeneration in sports. Due to the tensile forces exerted in the chamber by the negative pressure, they are also used as traction aids, for example, for pain therapy in cases of lower back pain. A characteristic feature of the known treatment device for intermittent pressure therapy is that it alternately applies negative pressure to the part of the body contained in the pressure-resistant chamber. This physiologically leads to rhythmic vasodilation.After each negative pressure phase, atmospheric pressure or even a higher positive pressure is applied; both are equivalent to vascular compression, especially in light of the preceding dilation. To specifically target the vessels—arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels—the duration of the negative pressure, atmospheric pressure, and, if applicable, the positive pressure in the chamber, as well as the magnitude of the negative and / or positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, play a crucial role in the respective treatment outcome of rhythmic vascular dilation and compression. Short negative pressure phases with high negative pressure stimulate arterial blood flow and the supply of the involved tissue. (Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p.) eite 3 von 30Oxygen and nutrients are supplied, while significantly longer negative pressure phases with a lower negative pressure primarily stimulate lymph flow. With the known treatment device, one of the treatment programs stored in the control unit is selected depending on the indication for treatment. Each program contains a pressure profile for the alternating operating pressure of the compressor, specific to the indication. The different treatment programs use these pressure profiles to control the compressor in such a way that either blood circulation, lymph flow, or venous return is stimulated more strongly. A disadvantage of the stored treatment programs is that they cannot adequately consider the individual constitution of a person being treated, even if the indication for treatment is the same.For example, patients with ischemia or chronic wounds react very differently and individually to physical forces acting on the tissue from the outside. The same applies to regeneration after physical exertion, such as in high-performance sports. It is known from sports medicine and training theory that athletes react and regenerate differently to physical forces acting on the tissue from the outside in connection with regeneration. Based on this prior art, the invention aims to improve the known treatment device in such a way that, given a specific indication, the patent attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 4 von 30The treatment can automatically and appropriately take into account the individual constitution of the person being treated. The solution to this problem is based on the idea of ​​providing a "human-machine interface" that records selected vital signs of the person being treated in order to individually determine the treatment parameters, i.e., the duration of the negative and / or positive pressure phases and the level of negative and / or positive pressure, by means of a control system, taking these vital signs into account, in order to achieve optimal treatment results. In detail, this problem is solved by a treatment device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the features of the dependent claims. The treatment device according to the invention is suitable for carrying out intermittent treatment of at least a part of a person's body with negative and / or positive pressure.A part of the body is understood to mean either the lower limbs and parts of a person's torso, or just one of the upper limbs. Intermittent treatment is understood to be treatment with alternating pressure in the chamber, in which the pressure in the chamber is lowered relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure and alternates between the ambient atmospheric pressure and the lowered pressure, or the pressure in the chamber is alternately lowered and raised relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Typical negative pressure values ​​are lowered by 35-80 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 5 von 30Typical overpressure values ​​are increased by 20-60 mbar compared to ambient atmospheric pressure. Depending on the indication, greater pressure reductions of up to 100 mbar and greater pressure increases of up to 80 mbar compared to ambient atmospheric pressure are also possible. The pressure-resistant chamber is designed to accommodate at least one part of the body; it consists of a pressure-resistant material, for example, a metallic material, and preferably has an elongated cylindrical shape, in particular a circular cylindrical shape. The chamber has an opening for inserting at least one part of the body. In the case of a cylindrical chamber, the preferably circular opening is preferably located on one of the two end faces. A closure, known per se from, for example, DE 19912 611 C2 or EP 3072 491 A1, is arranged at the opening to create a gas-tight seal against the at least one part of the body.The applicant expressly refers to the two aforementioned publications regarding the design of the closure, and their content is incorporated into the present disclosure. Lowering and / or increasing the pressure in the chamber relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure to a negative pressure and / or a positive pressure, after the chamber has been sealed against the part of the patient's body by means of the closure, is accomplished with a compressor with adjustable operating pressure. A compressor is understood to be a machine that increases the pressure of a [Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx 9 July 2025 p.] eite 6 von 30The pressure of the gas enclosed in the chamber can be increased and / or decreased. The term "compressor" as used in this invention also includes vacuum pumps (negative pressure generators), which are technically not pumps but compressors. If the only requirement is to generate a pressure alternating between a negative pressure and atmospheric pressure in the chamber, it is sufficient to connect a compressor operating as a negative pressure generator to the chamber. However, if the pressure is to alternate between a negative pressure and a positive pressure, there are basically two possibilities: The first possibility involves connecting two compressors to the chamber, one of which generates the negative pressure as a negative pressure generator and the other generates the positive pressure as a compressor. The control system ensures that each compressor is activated alternately.The second option involves connecting only one compressor to the chamber, which fulfills both functions: it can increase pressure as a compressor and decrease pressure as a vacuum generator. In compressor mode, the compressor compresses the gaseous medium in the chamber, particularly air, and increases the pressure. As a vacuum generator, the compressor draws the gaseous medium out of the chamber and reduces the pressure. Switching between these two functions requires, for example, a reversal of the direction of rotation. (See patent attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx, July 9, 2025, p.) eite 7 von 30The compressor drive or a switch between the suction and pressure sides. According to the invention, the treatment device includes a measuring device for recording at least one vital parameter of the person being treated in the treatment device. In the simplest case, the measuring device consists of a single transmitter with a transducer or sensor for recording a vital parameter and a measurement signal as an output. Preferably, however, the measuring device comprises several transmitters for recording different vital parameters of the person being treated, the measurement signals of which are processed in the control unit to control the at least one compressor. The four fundamental vital parameters are heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.The invention is not limited to recording these vital parameters, but can also record other vital parameters of the person being treated, such as blood oxygen saturation, transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure, or bioimpedance. In order to control the at least one compressor taking into account the recorded vital parameter(s), the invention provides that the control system uses the operating pressure and / or the operating mode of the compressor as a compressor or vacuum generator as its output variable. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 8 von 30The operating pressure of the at least one compressor is adjusted to control the vacuum or pressure in the chamber. This can be achieved, for example, by setting the rotational speed of the compressor's drive motor as the output variable. The speed setting includes a setting to "0" speed, i.e., switching off the compressor so that the pressure is neither increased nor decreased. Increasing the rotational speed increases the compressor's operating pressure, while decreasing the rotational speed decreases the operating pressure. However, the operating pressure of the at least one compressor can also be adjusted by controlling a pressure regulator. By reversing the direction of rotation, a single compressor can selectively generate a vacuum or pressure of varying magnitudes, depending on the set operating pressure.The control system can also simply set the operating pressure of the single compressor and, via a valve control, selectively connect either the suction or pressure side of the single compressor to the chamber. Alternatively, if two compressors are provided, the control system changes the operating pressure of the compressor operating as a compressor or the compressor operating as a vacuum generator. However, the control system's output variable influences not only the operating pressure but also the time with which the patent attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 9 von 30At least one compressor is operated at the set operating pressure, i.e., the duration of the phase in which a specific overpressure and / or underpressure prevails in the chamber. Depending on the indication and the resulting treatment to be performed with the treatment device, it is necessary that the output signal from each transmitter is continuously evaluated by the controller and converted into corresponding control commands. The controller's output variable(s) are set directly based on the evaluation. This is necessary, for example, if the prevailing pressure in the chamber is to be controlled directly based on the respiratory rate. Other indications and resulting treatments suffice if the output signal from each transmitter is evaluated by the controller only discontinuously over specific, defined time periods.Depending on the evaluation, a program stored in the control unit is activated, which sets the initial parameter(s). This is the case, for example, if the bioimpedance is determined as a vital parameter of the person being treated at the beginning of the treatment, and a specific program stored in the control unit is then activated to activate lipid metabolism. Recording over a limited period is sufficient in this case, as a short-term effect of the treatment on this measured vital parameter is not to be expected during the treatment session. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 10 von 30In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one transmitter includes a sensor for measuring respiratory rate. Plethysmography-based transmitters (RRp) measure respiratory rate based on changes in the plethysmographic curve. They can be integrated with clinically proven pulse oximetry and offer continuous and non-invasive respiratory rate monitoring, utilizing commercially available pulse oximetry sensors. Non-contact transmitters for measuring respiratory rate use RGB cameras to track chest movement and analyze respiratory rate. This transmitter does not require direct contact with the patient. The camera can, for example, be mounted on the top inside of the chamber such that the patient's chest or abdomen is within the camera's field of view.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has a sensor for measuring oxygen saturation. A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive transmitter with a sensor that measures the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood. The pulse oximeter sends red and infrared light through a finger or other tissue. The blood absorbs varying amounts of these light waves, depending on the oxygen saturation. Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in the blood, changes its absorption properties depending on the oxygen content. When more oxygen is present, it absorbs less light. The pulse oximeter detects the light intensity after penetration of the tissue. Based on these variations, the device calculates the SpO2, which indicates the percentage of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the blood. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 11 von 30Pulse oximeters are widely used in clinical practice and enable a quick and painless measurement of arterial oxygen saturation. Instead of a separate transmitter and sensor for the treatment device, it is also possible to connect the device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, to the smartwatch worn by the patient. Modern smartwatches typically have integrated SpO2 sensors that can measure blood oxygen saturation. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes for application to the skin of the patient, configured to detect the transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (tcpO2). The transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (tcpO2) is crucial for determining the amount of oxygen released locally from the capillaries through the skin.Measuring the transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure allows conclusions to be drawn about tissue perfusion. The measurement is taken via sensor electrodes that are applied to the skin. This is helpful for patients for whom other methods are not applicable due to calcified vessels. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has sensors for measuring heart rate and / or blood pressure. Chest straps or wristbands with sensor electrodes that lie directly on the skin of the patient are used. (Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p.) eite 12 von 30Transmitters are being considered; they detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart and calculate the heart rate from them. Chest straps or wristbands with optical sensors, which detect the fluctuating light absorption resulting from the heart rate, can also be used as transmitters. The transmitter calculates the heart rate based on these fluctuations. Instead of a separate transmitter for the treatment device, it is also possible to connect the device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, to the smartwatch worn by the patient. Modern smartwatches typically have integrated heart rate monitors that can measure the heart rate. To automatically determine the patient's blood pressure, a standard cuff for automated blood pressure measurement with oscillatory measurement can be used as a transmitter.The cuff serves both for arterial occlusion and as a sensor. The oscillations of the cuff pressure are measured and combined with the corresponding cuff pressure to determine the blood pressure values. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes for application to the skin to record an electrocardiogram (ECG), configured to detect electrical signals of the heart. The heartbeat is triggered by an electrical excitation. The pace is set by the so-called sinoatrial node. This electrical excitation [Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p.] eite 13 von 30It spreads across the heart muscle cells. During an ECG, sensor electrodes are attached to the patient's limbs or chest to measure the electrical current. The ECG transmitter can also record heart rate variability (HRV), which is then processed by the control unit. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes for recording bioimpedance (BIA), configured to measure the resistance of the tissue of the person being treated to the current flow. The bioimpedance measurement transmitter (BIA) allows for a non-invasive method for analyzing body composition using electrical current. The resistance of the tissue to the current flow is measured. A constant alternating current is passed through the body. The voltage drop and phase shift are measured via the sensor electrodes.Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) determines the resistive load (R), which analyzes body fluid status, and the capacitive reactance (Xc), which indicates body cell mass and cell quality. The BIA output signal provides, among other things, information about fat mass, body water, muscle mass, and the fat-free mass of the person being treated. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmitter has an optical sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation. Optical sensors detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible and / or invisible spectral range. Both thermal imaging cameras and NIRS-Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 14 von 30These systems utilize optical sensors that detect infrared radiation and convert it into electrical signals. NIRS systems are used in the visible near-infrared range (0.78–2.50 µm) to determine molecular compositions using absorption-based spectroscopy. Thermal imaging cameras, on the other hand, detect emitted thermal radiation in the mid- to long-wave IR range (3.5–15 µm) and provide area-wide temperature distributions. Thermal imaging cameras are particularly suitable for measuring temperature, respiration, and heart rate, as well as estimating the blood pressure of the patient. NIRS systems primarily provide information on heart rhythm, respiration and perfusion-related signals, and regional tissue oxygenation of the patient.Insofar as the transmitters of the measuring device require at least one sensor electrode for application to the skin of the person being treated, this electrode can, in an advantageous embodiment of the treatment device according to the invention, be designed as an integral component of a support surface for the person being treated within the chamber and / or at least one handle arranged externally on the treatment device. Skin contact with the sensor electrode is automatically established by touching the support surface and / or the handle, without the need to separately apply and secure the sensor electrode to the skin surface. If the at least one transmitter has a sensor for measuring the respiratory rate, the control system is [Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx 9 July 2025 p.] eite 15 von 30Preferably configured to adjust the operating pressure of at least one compressor synchronously with the measured respiratory rate, such that the pressure in the chamber changes during each respiratory cycle. Such control can, for example, support lung respiration by lowering the pressure in the chamber during inhalation and increasing it during exhalation. Furthermore, similar to physiotherapy, lumbar spine traction can be performed by synchronizing the pressure in the chamber with the respiratory cycle to a negative pressure value, thereby relieving pressure on the spine of the person being treated and alleviating pain.Provided that at least one transmitter has a sensor for measuring oxygen saturation, the control system is preferably configured to set the operating pressure of at least one compressor and the time for which the compressor operates at a set operating pressure such that, if the oxygen saturation of the person being treated falls below a lower limit, the negative pressure in the chamber is gradually increased, and simultaneously, with each step, the time during which the progressively increased negative pressure in the chamber is effective is shortened until the control system detects an increase in oxygen saturation to a normal value. In summary, the treatment until the oxygen saturation normalizes is carried out with increasingly shorter, but progressively stronger, negative pressure phases. To detect deviations of a vital parameter measured by the at least one transmitter from a value set in the control system, [Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing.]Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 16 von 30To correct the stored setpoint, if possible, even during treatment, the control system in one embodiment of the invention is configured to adjust the operating pressure of the at least one compressor and the time during which the at least one compressor is operated intermittently at different, preset operating pressures, such that the vital parameter recorded by the at least one transmitter, when deviating from the setpoint stored in the control system, moves towards the stored setpoint. The control system can continuously and independently adjust the parameters for setting the operating pressure and the length of the phases in which the operating pressure prevails in the chamber for each phase, provided the control system is designed as a self-learning system.For example, in the treatment of cellulite or edema, the negative pressure phases can be modified, in particular extended, by continuously monitoring the bioimpedance of the person being treated, until the venous-lymphatic return is detectable by a decrease in the fluid content in the tissue of, for example, 5%, as measured by bioimpedance. The increment with which the negative pressure phases are extended for the treatment of cellulite or edema can be continuously adapted and optimized by a self-learning system, taking into account the data collected from previous treatments. In a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring device of the treatment device is configured, which Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 17 von 30Heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) can be measured simultaneously. Heart rate variability (HRV) shows how much the intervals between two heartbeats (RR intervals) change. It provides insight into the balance of the autonomic nervous system. High HRV indicates a strong parasympathetic nervous system (high vagal tone) and good cardiac regulation. Low HRV suggests stress, a predominantly active sympathetic nervous system, and an increased risk of heart disease. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) describes how heart rate and respiration change synchronously. During inhalation (inspiration), the RR intervals shorten, and the heart rate increases. During exhalation (expiration), the RR intervals lengthen, and the heart rate decreases. The pulse oximeters mentioned earlier are suitable for measuring HRV and RSA in combination.The control system is preferably configured such that the operating pressure of the at least one compressor is set to a negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure depending on the inspiration of the treated person as detected by the measuring device, and to a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure during expiration of the treated person as detected by the measuring device. With the rise and fall of the heart rate synchronized to the respiration, which is recorded via the RSA measurement, the operating pressure of the at least one compressor is adjusted such that the pressure is reduced to a negative pressure during inhalation and increased during exhalation. [The following appears to be unrelated and possibly a separate document: Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p.] eite 18 von 30During exhalation, the pressure is increased to a positive level. The level of negative or positive pressure during the inhalation and exhalation phases is controlled by simultaneously measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in such a way that targeted breathing training can be performed with the treatment device, particularly for the targeted stress reduction of the person being treated. The treatment device is explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a treatment device (1) for performing intermittent treatment of at least one part of a person's body (2) with negative and / or positive pressure. The treatment device (1) comprises a circular cylindrical chamber (3) which is mounted on a frame (4). Furthermore, the treatment device (1) has a lying surface (5), wherein a first part (5.1) is arranged inside the chamber (3) and a second part (5.2) is arranged outside the chamber (3) in extension of the first part (5.1). On the first part (5.1) The legs and part of the torso rest on the second part (5.2) outside the chamber (3). The upper body of the person to be treated (2) rests on the second part (5.2). The angle of the second part (5.2) is adjustable to increase lying comfort. The cylindrical chamber (3) has an opening (6) on the front side facing the second part (5.2) of the lying surface. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 19 von 30The treatment device (1) is equipped with a frame (4) that can be sealed gas-tight against the torso of the person (2) shown by means of a closure (7). A first compressor (8) with adjustable operating pressure is housed in the frame (4) of the treatment device (1), configured to reduce the pressure in the chamber (3) to a negative pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure (vacuum generator). A second compressor (9) with adjustable operating pressure is housed in the frame (4), configured to increase the pressure in the chamber (3) to a positive pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure (compressor). The treatment device (1) further comprises a measuring device for recording at least one vital parameter of the person (2) being treated in the treatment device (1). The measuring device includes at least one transmitter with a sensor (10) for the vital parameter. In the illustrated embodiment, two sensor electrodes (10.1, 10.2) are provided.2) recognizable for application to the skin, wherein the first sensor electrode (10.1) is designed as an integral part of a handle (11) arranged externally on the treatment device (1), while the second sensor electrode (10.2) is designed as an integral part of the contact surface (12) for the person (2) to be treated within the chamber (3). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface (12) is the upper side of the first part (5.1) of the lying surface (5). Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 20 von 30Finally, the treatment device (1) has a control unit (13) which is housed below an operating console (14) in the frame (4). In order to control the two compressors (8, 9) taking into account the vital parameter detected by the sensors (10), the control unit (13) is designed to set the operating pressure of both the compressor (8, 9) and the vacuum generator (8, 9) as its output variable. Furthermore, the control unit determines the time for which each compressor (8, 9) operates at the set operating pressure.The controller (13) is therefore able to generate a pressure profile for the intermittent pressure treatment of the person (2) being treated in the chamber (3), in particular a pressure profile in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure by means of the compressor (8) and subsequently increased relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure by the compressor (9), which is operating as a compressor, taking into account the sensor-detected vital parameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating pressure of both compressor (8) and compressor (9) is set by the controller (13) by controlling the speed of the drive motor of the two compressors (8, 9). If the pressure is only to alternate between a vacuum and the ambient atmospheric pressure, the treatment device (1) only requires the compressor (8) operating as a vacuum generator. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing.Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 21 von 30In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the transmitter of the measuring device has two sensor electrodes (10.1), (10.2) designed to detect bioimpedance (BIA). The resistance of the tissue of the person being treated to an electric current is measured by means of the two sensor electrodes (10.1), (10.2). The transmitter for bioimpedance measurement (BIA) allows for a non-invasive measurement of the body composition of the person being treated (2). For the treatment of cellulite or edema, the negative pressure phases can be extended by continuously detecting the bioimpedance (BIA) of the person being treated (2) until the venous-lymphatic return is detectable by a decrease in the fluid content in the tissue of, for example, 5%, as measured by the sensors (10) of the transmitter. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 S eite 22 von 30Reference symbol list N r. Bezeichnung 1. Treatment device 2. Person 3. Kammer 4. Frame 5. Lying surface 5.1 First part 5.2 Second part 6. Opening 7. Closure 8. Compressor (vacuum generator) 9. Compressor (compressor) 10. Sensors 10.1 Sensor electrode 10.2 Sensor electrode 11. Handle 12. Support surface 13. Control 14. Operating console Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 S eite 23 von 30

Claims

Claims:

1. Treatment device (1) for performing intermittent treatment of at least a part of a person's body (2) with negative pressure and / or positive pressure, comprising: - a chamber (3) configured to receive at least a part of the body, - at least one compressor (8, 9) with adjustable operating pressure, configured to reduce the pressure in the chamber (3) relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure to a negative pressure and / or to increase it to a positive pressure, - an opening (6) in the chamber (3) for inserting at least a part of the body, - a closure (7) for gas-tight sealing of the opening (6) against the at least part of the body, - a measuring device for recording at least one vital parameter of the person (2) treated in the treatment device (1), - a control unit (13) configured to control the at least one compressor (8, 9).9) to control, taking into account at least one vital parameter recorded by the measuring device as an input variable. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 S, eite 24 von 302. Treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (13) sets the operating pressure of the at least one compressor (8, 9) and / or the operating mode of the at least one compressor (8, 9) as a compressor or vacuum generator as an output variable.

3. Treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (13) influences the time for which the at least one compressor (8, 9) is operated at a set operating pressure as an output variable.

4. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring device comprises at least one transmitter with a sensor (10) for the vital parameter.

5. Treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that the output measurement signal of each transmitter is evaluated by the control unit continuously over time or discontinuously over specific, defined time periods. 6.Treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that the output variable(s) of the control (13) are set directly depending on the evaluation. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 25 von 30 7. Treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, depending on the evaluation, a program stored in the control unit (13) is activated which influences the output variable(s).

8. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has a sensor for measuring the respiratory rate.

9. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has a sensor for measuring oxygen saturation.

10. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes for application to the skin of the person to be treated, configured to detect the transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (tcpO2). 11.Treatment device according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has sensors for recording heart rate and / or blood pressure. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Clients\Weyergans\24035-02\note 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 26 von 3012. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes for application to the skin of the person to be treated for recording an electrocardiogram (ECG), configured to detect electrical signals of the heart.

13. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the at least one transmitter has sensor electrodes (10.1, 10.2) for application to the skin of the person to be treated for recording a bioimpedance (BIA), configured to measure the resistance of the tissue of the person to be treated to an electric current.

14. Treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the at least one transmitter comprises an optical sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation. 15.Treatment device according to one of claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one sensor electrode (10.1, 10.2) of a transmitter with sensor electrode(s) for application to the skin is designed as an integral component of a contact surface (5.1) for the person (2) to be treated within the chamber (3) and / or at least one handle (11) arranged externally on the treatment device (1). Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 27 von 3016. Treatment device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured to adjust the operating pressure of the at least one compressor (8, 9) synchronously with the measured respiratory rate such that the pressure in the chamber (3) changes during each respiratory cycle.

17. Treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured to adjust the operating pressure of the at least one compressor (8, 9) and the time for which the at least one compressor (8, 9) is operated at a set operating pressure such that, if the oxygen saturation of the person being treated falls below a lower limit value, the negative pressure in the chamber (3) is gradually increased and, at the same time, the time during which the increased negative pressure in the chamber (3) is effective is reduced with each step until an increase in oxygen saturation to a setpoint value is detected by the control unit (13). 18.Treatment device according to one of claims 4-17, characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured to adjust the operating pressure of the at least one compressor (8, 9) and the time with which the at least one compressor (8, 9) is operated intermittently with different set operating pressures, such that the vital parameter recorded by the at least one transmitter develops in the direction of the stored setpoint value when there are deviations from the setpoint values ​​stored in the control unit (13). Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 28 von 3019. Treatment device according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the measuring device is configured to measure the heart rate variability (HRV) and the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) of the treated person.

20. Treatment device according to claim 19, characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured such that the operating pressure of the at least one compressor (8, 9) is set to a negative pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure depending on the inspiration of the treated person detected by the measuring device based on the RSA, and to a positive pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure depending on the expiration of the treated person detected by the measuring device based on the RSA. 21.Treatment device according to claim 20, characterized in that, depending on the measured HRV, the level of negative pressure during the detected inspiration and the level of positive pressure during the detected expiration are controlled. Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Kai Kohlmann S:\Mandanten\Weyergans\24035-02\anm 01.docx July 9, 2025 p. eite 29 von 30

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