Flexible Extremity Device for Blood Flow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for regulating body temperature and preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are inadequate, as they often fail to effectively increase blood flow to venous plexuses and Arteriovenous Anastomoses (AVAs), leading to thermal maladies and increased risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism, especially in immobilized patients during surgery or travel.
Innovation Solution
A flexible extremity device that applies pressurized compression using collapsible and pliant body elements with integrated thermal exchange units, which can be sealed around the extremity to increase blood flow and control temperature by adjusting pressure and thermal exchange, promoting venous return and preventing clot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods for regulating body temperature and preventing DVT are used, then thermal maladies and DVT risk are reduced, but blood flow to venous plexuses and AVAs is not effectively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges temperature regulation and DVT prevention functions into a single integrated system. The compression garment incorporates heating elements and massaging mechanisms that work simultaneously to increase blood flow to venous plexuses and AVAs while regulating body temperature, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability of blood flow increase and productivity of the overall prevention effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment serves multiple functions: it applies graduated compression to prevent DVT, provides thermal regulation through heating elements, and delivers mechanical massage to enhance blood flow to specific vascular structures. This multi-functionality addresses the inadequacy of current single-purpose methods and effectively increases blood flow while maintaining thermal homeostasis.
2Reliability
If compression is applied to increase blood flow, then venous return is promoted, but patient comfort and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates adjustable compression levels that can be dynamically modified based on patient needs and tolerance. The integrated massaging mechanism provides dynamic mechanical stimulation that adapts to blood flow requirements, while heating elements can be adjusted to maintain comfort during prolonged wear, thereby preserving patient comfort while effectively promoting venous return.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic adjustment mechanisms that respond to patient physiology, reducing the need for constant manual adjustment and improving ease of operation. The massaging and heating functions automatically activate based on detected blood flow patterns, allowing the system to self-regulate while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness and patient comfort.
3Productivity
If specialized vascular structures are targeted for heat exchange, then thermal regulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates heating elements and massaging mechanisms specifically positioned to target venous plexuses and AVAs in the extremities. This localized approach concentrates thermal and mechanical energy where it is most needed for heat exchange and blood flow enhancement, improving thermal regulation efficiency without requiring complex system-wide modifications. The graduated compression design also concentrates force on specific vascular structures rather than distributing it uniformly.
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 device efficiently increases blood flow and temperature regulation, reducing the risk of DVT and thermal maladies by enhancing perfusion and venous return, while being non-invasive and convenient for use in various clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal exchange units adapted to contact a portion of the extremity... controlling the temperature of the one or more thermal exchange units
Implementation Method 2
capable of applying compression forces to an extremity of the patient... adjusting the pressure in the internal region to cause at least one of the one or more walls to urge at least one of the one or more thermal exchange units against the surface of the extremity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for increasing blood flow by applying positive pressure to extremities of a mammal and/or controlling the temperature of the mammal. The device includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements capable of expanding and flexibly applying pressurized compression forces to the extremity of the mammal by attaching one or more pressure-applying gas plenums as close to the extremity as possibly. The flexible extremity device can be used independently or can be used in conjunction with thermal pads disposed to the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Alternatively, the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements can be manufactured into thermal pads.