Dynamic Compression-Expansion Thrombosis Prevention Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices, such as support stockings, fail to effectively simulate the dynamic action of the calf muscle pump, leading to inadequate prevention of deep vein thrombosis, especially during prolonged sitting or immobility.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible, non-elastic tether system with a compression chamber and an expansion chamber, connected by a hose-like piece, that actively pumps blood from the superficial vein into the deep vein system through alternating pressure changes, mimicking the calf muscle pump's action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support stockings are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis, then they provide continuous compression to the legs, but they fail to simulate the dynamic action of the calf muscle pump
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static continuous compression (support stockings) to dynamic alternating compression and expansion. The compression chamber and expansion chamber alternately change volume to simulate the calf muscle pump's dynamic action, creating rhythmic blood flow propulsion that adapts to the physiological pumping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs periodic compression and expansion cycles through the alternating operation of compression and expansion chambers. This periodic action replicates the rhythmic nature of the calf muscle pump during walking or movement, creating intermittent but effective blood flow stimulation rather than continuous static pressure.
2Productivity
If the compression chamber is compressed to pump blood into the deep vein, then blood flow in the deep vein system increases, but the expansion chamber must accommodate the displaced volume
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion chamber is positioned to wrap around anatomical structures (Achilles tendon, medial malleolus) and is integrated into the overall device architecture. The compression chamber and expansion chamber are spatially arranged and connected through tubing, with the expansion chamber's volume changes directly accommodating the compression chamber's volume displacement through the fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a fluid-filled closed system connecting the compression and expansion chambers. When the compression chamber is compressed, the incompressible fluid transmits the pressure and volume displacement to the expansion chamber, which expands accordingly. This hydraulic/pneumatic coupling ensures volume conservation while enabling blood pumping action.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made with flexible material to conform to the foot, then comfort and fit are improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression chamber and expansion chamber are constructed from flexible material that can conform to the complex anatomical surfaces of the foot and ankle. This flexibility allows the device to adapt to individual foot shapes and provide comfortable fit while maintaining the necessary compression and expansion functionality through the material's elastic properties.
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
This device enhances blood flow in the deep vein system, reducing the risk of thrombosis by actively pumping blood upwards towards the heart, even when the calf muscle pump is compromised, thereby preventing the formation of thrombi.
Implementation Method 1
A device (1) for preventing thrombosis, in particular deep vein thrombosis in the veins of the legs, comprises a tether (3) that can be fastened around an ankle, a compression chamber (5) that can be arranged under the sole of a foot and can change its volume, an expansion chamber (6) that can change its volume, with the expansion chamber (6) wrapping around the Achilles tendon and the inner side of the ankle bone, a hose-like connecting piece (7) connecting the compression chamber (5) and the expansion chamber (6), wherein the compression chamber (5) and the expansion chamber (6) are in each case made of a flexible material and are filled with a fluid, wherein the tether (3), the compression chamber (5), the expansion chamber (6) and the connecting piece (7) form a closed system, wherein the free end of the compression chamber (5) is connected to the tether (3) by a connecting strap (4)
Implementation Method 2
Both chambers preferably have a flat structure. A preferred direction is thus specified for a change in volume, namely preferably approximately perpendicular to the base area. This is because a change in volume can be achieved with the slightest deformation of the chamber envelope in question. Therefore, in such a case, one or both chambers can consist of a flexible and therefore pliable material, but more or less inelastic and therefore little or not at all stretchable material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for preventing thrombosis, in particular deep vein thrombosis in the leg veins, wherein at least one closed system (2) comprising two inter-communicating chambers filled with a flowable medium and surrounded by at least one cover, specifically a compression chamber (5) beneath the sole of the foot and an expansion chamber (6) in the region of the medial malleolus, is pressed into direct contact with the perforator vein system in those areas, so that upon a compression of the compression chamber (5) arranged adjacent the sole of the foot the subsequently expanding expansion chamber (6) arranged at the medial malleolus presses the blood out of the perforator vein system in that area into the deep veins.