Multi-Loop Compression Cuff for Vein Adhesive Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating venous reflux in hollow anatomical structures, such as veins, require manual compression by clinicians to ensure adhesive closure, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A compression cuff with multiple sets of mated pairs of compression members that automatically compress the limb to facilitate closure of hollow anatomical structures, allowing clinicians to focus on delivering adhesive without manual pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual compression is applied by clinicians to ensure adhesive closure, then the hollow anatomical structure closes properly, but the procedure time increases and clinician efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive closure effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compression system is divided into multiple independent compression members (first compression member, second compression member, third compression member, fourth compression member) that can be applied to different locations along the hollow anatomical structure. Each compression member can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing simultaneous compression at multiple sites without requiring sequential manual compression, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining reliable closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression members act as intermediary devices between the clinician and the hollow anatomical structure. Instead of the clinician directly applying and maintaining manual compression, the compression members are applied and then maintain continuous compression force automatically. The members can be secured using attachment mechanisms (such as tape, clips, or interlocking features), allowing the clinician to set the compression and then move on to deliver adhesive without needing to maintain physical pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual compression is maintained while waiting for adhesive to cure, then the vein remains closed, but the clinician cannot quickly move to the next treatment section

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevein closure maintenanceVSAvoidclinician efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression members are designed to maintain compression automatically once applied and secured. The members can be attached to each other or to the patient's body using self-securing mechanisms (such as Velcro straps, interlocking clips, or adhesive backing), allowing the compression system to serve itself without requiring continuous manual intervention. This enables the clinician to deliver adhesive and move to the next treatment section while the compression members independently maintain vein closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous compression is applied to facilitate adhesive setting, then the hollow anatomical structure closes effectively, but the complexity of the compression device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive setting effectivenessVSAvoidcompression device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression members are constructed using flexible materials such as elastic bands, compressible foam, or flexible membranes that can conform to the anatomy of the patient and the hollow anatomical structure. These flexible materials provide continuous compression force through their inherent elastic properties when stretched or compressed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation systems. The flexibility allows the members to adapt to different anatomical shapes while maintaining effective compression for adhesive setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If multiple compression members are used to compress different locations, then comprehensive vein closure is achieved, but the device complexity and application time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive vein closureVSAvoidnumber of compression members
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression members are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to perform multiple functions. Each compression member can be used to compress different locations along the hollow anatomical structure, and they can be combined in various configurations depending on the treatment requirements. The members share common features such as similar attachment mechanisms, comparable sizing options, and consistent compression force characteristics, which simplifies the overall system complexity despite having multiple members. This universality allows comprehensive vein closure while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces procedure time and complexity, improves clinician efficiency, and enhances patient outcomes by enabling continuous adhesive delivery and closure of veins without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression member and a second compression member are wrapped around a hollow anatomical structure to compress the hollow anatomical structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3785646B1Compression cuff
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3785646B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3785646B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3785646B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Devices, assemblies, systems, and techniques described herein may facilitate the closure of hollow anatomical structures (e.g., veins) with adhesive delivered within the hollow anatomical structure. For example, a medical assembly may include a plurality of medial compression members extending from a central body in a first direction, each medial compression member of the plurality of medial compression members comprising a first attachment element, and a plurality of lateral compression members extending from the central body in a second direction different than the first direction, each lateral compression member of the plurality of lateral compression members comprising a second attachment element. Each first attachment element may be configured to attach to the respective second attachment element to create a respective loop configuration with a respective medial compression member and lateral compression member pair to compress a portion of the limb of the patient.