Decompression Therapy System Using Parallel Plate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for swelling associated with trauma or pathologies like lymphedema are inadequate as they do not provide a durable, reusable, and effective means to apply decompression therapy and increase blood perfusion and lymphatic flow.
Innovation Solution
A treatment system comprising an occlusive layer, a decompression layer, and a connector, where the occlusive layer forms a sealed chamber around the tissue site, the decompression layer is compressible and includes channels, and the connector couples the chamber to a vacuum source, allowing the decompression layer to compress away from the tissue site upon vacuum application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a decompression therapy system is designed to be durable and reusable, then it can be sterilized and used multiple times, but it becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression therapy system is divided into separate components: a reusable occlusive layer assembly containing the decompression layer and connector, and a separate vacuum source. This segmentation allows the occlusive layer to be sterilized and reused while simplifying the overall system design and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusive layer is designed as a flexible, sealable structure that can be applied to various tissue sites. The decompression layer within it is a compressible fabric that responds to vacuum pressure. This flexible film-based design enables reusability through sterilization while maintaining simplicity in construction.
2Reliability
If the occlusive layer extends 360° around an extremity to provide complete coverage, then it creates a more effective sealed chamber, but it increases the difficulty of application and reduces patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusive layer is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to be applied in different configurations. It can be wrapped 360° around extremities like limbs for complete coverage, or applied as a partial wrap for specific tissue sites. This dynamic adaptability maintains seal effectiveness while improving ease of application and patient comfort based on the specific treatment area.
3Strength
If the decompression layer uses a dense macro-mesh material to provide structural support, then it maintains chamber integrity, but it reduces the compressibility needed for effective therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression layer utilizes a macro-mesh material with strategically designed open structures. The mesh provides structural integrity to maintain chamber integrity when not in use, while the open mesh architecture allows significant compression when vacuum pressure is applied. Different regions of the mesh can have varying densities to optimize both structural support and compressibility in different areas of the layer.
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 effectively reduces swelling by increasing blood perfusion and lymphatic flow, allowing for repeated use and easy sterilization, thereby improving patient outcomes and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the connector is provided along the occlusive layer and is configured to fluidly couple the chamber to a vacuum source. Upon operation of the vacuum source, the decompression layer is configured to compress in a direction away from the tissue site.
Implementation Method 2
a decompression layer, and a connector. The occlusive layer is configured to be sealed to a patient around the tissue site to define a substantially air-tight chamber. The decompression layer is disposed within the chamber defined by the occlusive layer at a location proximate the tissue site. The decompression layer includes a compressible fabric defining one or more channels therethrough.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment system includes an dressing having a decompression layer and an occlusive layer that secures the dressing about a treatment site, and defines a treatment chamber within which the decompression layer is positioned. Operation of an air displacement device fluidly coupled to the chamber causes the decompression layer to compress away from the tissue site, resulting in a pulling force being imparted onto the treatment site. This decompression of the tissue site increases the perfusion of blood and other fluids, and advantageously may reduce swelling at the treatment site. To increase the degree of lifting of the treatment site, the decompression layer is advantageously constructed to exhibit a parallel plate effect during use of the treatment system. For example, the decompression layer is constructed having a center of stiffness located closer to an outwardly-facing surface of the decompression layer than a tissue-facing surface of the decompression layer.