Venous Compression Element Using Folded Thin Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression elements for treating venous diseases like varicose veins face issues such as crushing, irregularity, heaviness, inflexibility, and skin contact problems, and fail to maintain even pressure over the limb.
Innovation Solution
A compression element featuring a central core of fluid-filled cells encapsulated between layers of plastics sheet, providing a soft, flexible, and lightweight structure that maintains consistent pressure, avoiding gas or liquid displacement and skin irritation, and can be cut to length for customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional foam rubber pads or folded roll compression elements are used, then compression pressure can be applied to the limb, but the pads become heavy, inflexible, and irregular in shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film structure (foil or plastic material) to create the compression element, replacing traditional heavy foam rubber pads. The thin film is folded into a multi-layer configuration that provides both flexibility and structural integrity while maintaining minimal weight. This resolves the contradiction by achieving effective compression through the folded thin film structure rather than through material density.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element is divided into multiple folded layers or segments of thin film material. Each fold creates a discrete section that can independently conform to the limb surface, providing distributed compression pressure. This segmentation allows the pad to remain lightweight while delivering effective compression force across the treatment area.
2Force
If traditional compression pads are used, then compression can be applied, but the pads are inflexible and difficult to conform to limb contours
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film material inherently provides flexibility and adaptability, allowing the compression element to conform to irregular limb contours. The material can be easily shaped and molded to match the specific anatomy of the patient's limb while maintaining its compression function. This resolves the contradiction between providing effective compression force and adapting to various limb shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded multi-layer structure creates multiple flexible segments that can independently adjust to the limb's contours. Each fold acts as a flexible joint that allows the compression element to bend and conform to complex three-dimensional surfaces, providing both compression pressure and adaptability simultaneously.
3Stress or pressure
If gas filled pouches or liquid filled tubes are used to maintain pressure, then pressure can be applied, but the gas or liquid moves from higher to lower pressure areas distorting the compression effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable single-use compression element made from thin film material. The element is pre-formed with a specific folded structure that provides inherent pressure distribution. Being disposable eliminates the reliability issue of gas or liquid migration, as each new element starts with uniform properties and is discarded after single use, ensuring consistent compression pressure without distortion over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film folded structure creates a rigid yet flexible form that maintains its shape and pressure distribution characteristics. The folded layers interlock to provide structural stability, preventing the kind of deformation that occurs in gas or liquid filled systems. This structure delivers reliable, uniform compression pressure throughout its service life.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous use of compression elements is required for weeks, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but skin contact problems such as allergic reactions and sweat-related issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the compression element allows for frequent replacement, preventing prolonged skin contact that leads to allergic reactions and sweat-related problems. Patients can use a new element each day or as needed, ensuring fresh contact surfaces that minimize skin irritation while maintaining continuous treatment effectiveness over weeks.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film material provides a smooth, non-irritating surface that is easier on the skin compared to traditional foam or fabric materials. The material's properties reduce friction and skin contact irritation, allowing for extended wear periods with minimal discomfort or adverse skin reactions.
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 solution ensures even and continuous compression, alleviates skin contact issues, and maintains pressure effectiveness for weeks without distorting, making it suitable for prolonged use in treating varicose veins post-endovenous treatments.
Implementation Method 1
it is effectively incompressible at clinical pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A venous compression element is provided which is useful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins. The compression element comprises a central core of fluid filled cells and an outer layer of soft material suitable for maintaining contact with skin for a prolonged period of time and which covers the core. A particular embodiment comprises a folded or rolled cylindrical core of air or nitrogen filled bubble wrapsheet material covered by a skin compatible bandaging material. The compression elements described are particularly useful in providing consistent compression to a blood vessel after endovenous endothelial wall damaging techniques