Pneumatic Compression Pressure Feedback for Consistent Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic compression systems for lymphedema treatment suffer from system failures and sub-optimizations that are not easily detected, leading to inconsistent and potentially ineffective therapy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for applying compression using a fitting cycle and treatment cycle, with automated pressure adjustments based on actual and calculated internal pressures, and a pneumatic system with a pump, fluid pathway, pressure valves, and a pressure transducer to ensure accurate and consistent pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of pneumatic system pressure is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but pressure accuracy and treatment consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pressure transducer that continuously monitors internal chamber pressure and provides feedback to the control system. The controller compares actual pressure readings with target pressure values and automatically adjusts the pump operation to maintain accurate treatment pressure, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while ensuring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual pressure monitoring and adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses a pressure transducer and controller to continuously regulate pressure, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated electro-mechanical control.
2Reliability
If automated pressure control systems are implemented, then treatment consistency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives continuous feedback from the pressure transducer regarding actual chamber pressure and automatically adjusts pump operation to maintain target pressure levels, ensuring consistent treatment delivery without requiring complex manual intervention protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of pressure through automated control algorithms that monitor pressure readings and adjust pump operation independently, eliminating the need for operator intervention and ensuring reliable, consistent treatment delivery.
3Measurement precision
If frequent pressure measurements and adjustments are made, then pressure accuracy is maintained, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transducer continuously monitors chamber pressure throughout the treatment cycle without interruption, and the controller continuously adjusts pump operation as needed, eliminating the need to stop treatment for manual pressure checks and adjustments, thereby maintaining accuracy while minimizing time loss.
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 reliable and consistent compression therapy by preventing pressure deviations, ensuring optimal treatment pressures, and reducing the need for manual intervention, thereby enhancing therapy effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an actual internal pressure of the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
delivering or removing an amount of a fluid to a chamber of a compression sleeve sufficient to adjust the chamber to a calculated internal pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to automated methods of applying compression to the body of a subject comprising a fitting cycle and a treatment cycle, including related devices, systems, and processors.