Adjustable Abdominal Compression Device for Orthostatic Syncope
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension (OH), and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) face challenges in maintaining blood pressure and reducing venous pooling when standing, leading to symptoms like lightheadedness and fainting due to inadequate blood flow to the upper body, as existing wearable medical devices provide constant abdominal compression without adjustable pressure.
Innovation Solution
A wearable compression device with a pressure applicator and regulator that allows for precise, focused, or selective abdominal compression, enabling users to adjust the pressure from a minimum to a maximum as needed, thereby improving blood flow and reducing symptoms by applying therapeutic pressures of 40 mmHg to 150 mmHg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing wearable medical devices provide constant abdominal compression, then blood pressure maintenance is improved, but pressure adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static constant compression to dynamic adjustable compression through a regulator mechanism that allows real-time pressure modification. The regulator enables the device to adapt compression force based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between reliable blood pressure maintenance and pressure adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the compression pressure parameter from fixed to variable through the regulator mechanism. Users can adjust the compression force within a range (e.g., 20-80 mmHg), allowing the system to maintain effectiveness across different scenarios while improving adaptability.
2Device complexity
If fixed compression pressure is applied, then device simplicity is improved, but user control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic regulator mechanism that adds user control capability without significantly increasing overall complexity. The regulator is integrated into the compression device structure, allowing users to adjust pressure as needed while maintaining relatively simple operation.
3Reliability
If constant compression is applied, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but pressure precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables precise control of compression pressure parameters through the regulator, allowing users to select specific pressure levels within the therapeutic range. This precision ensures optimal therapeutic effectiveness while adapting to individual patient needs.
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
The device effectively maintains blood pressure and reduces heart rate increases upon standing, alleviating symptoms of POTS, OH, and NOH by allowing users to control the compression pressure, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure applicator connected to the at least one support, the pressure applicator configured to apply compressive pressure to a treatment zone on an abdomen of a wearer
Implementation Method 2
a regulator for controlling the amount of compressive pressure applied to the wearer by the pressure applicator, the regulator for controlling an amount of the compressive pressure from a minimum pressure to a maximum pressure as selected by the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A compression device is provided. The compression device includes at least one support, a pressure applicator connected to the at least one support and a regulator. The pressure applicator is configured to apply compressive pressure to a treatment zone on an abdomen of a subject. The regulator controls the amount of compressive pressure applied to the subject by the pressure applicator. The regulator controls an amount of the compressive pressure from a minimum pressure to a maximum pressure as selected by the subject.