Adaptive Venous Augmentation System for Dynamic Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermittent pneumatic compression devices operate with a single predetermined chamber inflation pressure, which is inadequate for varying limb shapes and sizes, leading to suboptimal vascular refill and thrombi formation prevention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust compression pressures to maximize venous refill time by sensing pressure changes, determining customized compression pressures through repeated cycles of pressurization and depressurization, and applying sequential compression therapy based on calculated optimal pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single predetermined chamber inflation pressure is used in IPC devices, then the device structure and operation are simple, but the vascular refill is suboptimal for varying limb shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compression pressure based on real-time venous refill time measurements. The controller modifies the inflation pressure of compression chambers during therapy delivery to optimize blood flow for each patient's specific limb characteristics, transitioning from static predetermined pressure to dynamic adaptive pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor venous refill time and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust compression pressure levels, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to individual patient needs without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If compression pressure is increased to improve blood flow, then vascular refill efficiency improves, but the risk of tissue damage and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes compression pressure parameters dynamically based on measured venous refill times. By adjusting pressure levels according to individual patient responses, the system maximizes blood flow augmentation while staying within safe tissue tolerance limits, preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines its own optimal treatment parameters by measuring the patient's venous refill time and automatically selecting appropriate compression pressures. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual pressure selection and ensures treatment remains within safe boundaries while maximizing therapeutic effect.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances blood flow and minimizes thrombi formation by delivering tailored compression therapy that adapts to individual limb characteristics, improving vascular refill efficiency and preventing thrombi formation across different limb shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure to move blood in the limb from the region generally underlying the chamber
Implementation Method 2
pressure in the chamber is reduced to a refill pressure to allow blood to reenter the region of the limb generally underlying the chamber
Implementation Method 3
Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time corresponding to an elapsed amount of time for venous blood flow in the limb to return to a steady state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.