Compression Therapy Monitoring via Pressure Curve Endpoint Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compression therapy systems lack precision and reproducibility in monitoring the efficacy of compression devices over time, particularly due to changes in materials and therapeutic effects, necessitating a reliable method for preventing over-exertion and ensuring effective compression.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring system comprising a pressure sensor and an evaluation unit that measures and evaluates resting and extended standing pressures, using a measurement curve to automatically detect endpoint changes and calculate key figures such as static stiffness indices, to assess the efficacy of compression devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compression therapy is applied to treat venous insufficiency, then blood flow improvement is achieved, but risk of over-exertion and injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidover-exertion injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pressure exerted by the compression device and provides feedback to automatically adjust compression levels. Pressure sensors measure real-time pressure values, which are processed by an evaluation unit to determine venous refill time and adjust compression parameters, ensuring therapy remains within safe and effective ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes compression parameters based on measured physiological responses. By adjusting pressure levels, duration, and timing based on venous refill time measurements, the system optimizes treatment efficacy while preventing over-compression injuries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If compression device pressure is increased to improve treatment efficacy, then blood flow improvement increases, but measurement precision and reproducibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidpressure measurement reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of venous refill time at baseline before initiating compression therapy. These preliminary measurements establish reference values that are used to normalize and compare subsequent measurements, improving reproducibility across different compression levels and time points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual pressure measurement methods with automated electronic pressure sensors and computerized evaluation. This substitution eliminates human error and variability, providing precise and reproducible pressure measurements even under varying compression conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual monitoring methods are used to assess compression therapy, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and continuous assessment capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidefficacy assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of compression therapy parameters. The embedded pressure sensors, evaluation unit, and control algorithms enable the device to autonomously assess its own performance and make real-time adjustments without requiring external manual intervention, maintaining simplicity while achieving high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides precise and reproducible measurements, enabling continuous assessment of compression therapy efficacy, reducing the risk of over-exertion and ensuring effective treatment by automatically detecting changes in pressure and alerting users or medical staff.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure exerted onto a body part of a user by the at least one compression device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9968294B2Monitoring system for determining the efficacy of a compression device

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Disclosed is a monitoring system for determining the efficacy of at least one compression device for use in compression therapy. The monitoring system comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure exerted onto a body part of a user by the compression device and at least one evaluation unit which is connectable to the pressure sensor. The evaluation unit is adapted to acquire at least one resting pressure prest with the user being in a resting position. The evaluation unit is further adapted to determine at least one extended standing pressure pstanding, extended with the user being in a standing position, by using the following procedure: the evaluation unit acquires a measurement curve of pressure values after a position change of the user into the standing position and a slope of the measurement curve is automatically compared to at least one endpoint threshold value and, depending on a result of the comparison, an endpoint of a change in the measurement curve induced by the position change is automatically detected, and a pressure value acquired at or after the endpoint is assigned to the extended standing pressure pstanding, extended.