Compression Sleeve with Inflatable Bladders for DVT Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression devices for preventing deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema are inadequate in effectively applying sequential compression therapy, particularly in immobile patients, as they often lack full-length coverage and sufficient elasticity, leading to reduced efficacy and patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A compression sleeve with four layers, including an inner wicking layer, two inflatable bladder layers made of elastic PVC material, and an outer breathable cover, designed for sequential compression therapy, providing full-length coverage and enhanced elasticity to improve blood circulation and comfort by applying graduated pressure and facilitating moisture evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing compression devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the coverage length and elasticity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is divided into multiple inflatable bladders arranged sequentially along the length of the limb. Each bladder can be independently inflated and deflated to provide graduated compression therapy, thereby increasing the effective coverage length while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inflatable bladders are nested within each other along the longitudinal axis of the device, with each bladder contained within the structure of the previous one. This nested arrangement allows full-length coverage while maintaining a compact, manageable device structure
2Reliability
If existing compression devices are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the compression efficacy and patient comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs sequential inflation and deflation of bladders in a periodic cycle, creating a wave-like compression motion that mimics physiological muscle pumping. This periodic action enhances compression efficacy by promoting venous return, while the automated cycling reduces the operational burden on the user
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically changes compression parameters including pressure magnitude, inflation sequence, and deflation timing to optimize therapeutic effect. These parameter variations improve compression efficacy while the automated control system maintains ease of operation
3Reliability
If the sleeve applies continuous compression, then blood circulation is improved, but skin moisture accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous compression therapy through sequential bladder inflation, ensuring uninterrupted venous support while allowing periodic deflation phases that enable moisture evaporation and skin breathing, thus preventing moisture accumulation while maintaining circulation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous compression function is segmented into discrete inflatable bladders that operate in sequence. This segmentation allows different regions of the limb to experience compression at different times, maintaining overall circulation improvement while creating intervals for moisture management at each segment
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 sleeve effectively enhances blood circulation by applying wavelike compression, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and improving patient mobility and comfort through its design, which ensures continuous contact with the skin and even pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an inner wicking layer, two inflatable bladder layers made of elastic PVC material, and an outer breathable cover, designed for sequential compression therapy, providing full-length coverage and enhanced elasticity to improve blood circulation and comfort by applying graduated pressure and facilitating moisture evaporation
Implementation Method 2
two inflatable bladder layers made of elastic PVC material, designed for sequential compression therapy, providing full-length coverage and enhanced elasticity to improve blood circulation by applying graduated pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. Hook indicia on the outer face of the device generally overlie patches of hook material on the inner face of the device. The hook indicia includes first colored areas and hook-engagement areas include second colored areas. Upon wrapping the device around the wearer's body part and fastening the patches of hook material at the respective hook-engagement areas, each first colored area and corresponding second colored area form a predetermined shape indicating that the device is properly placed on the body part.