Gas-Filled Compression Element for Venous Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 they fail to provide even and continuous pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compression element comprising a central core of fluid-filled cells, typically gas-filled cells made of plastics laminate material, encapsulated between layers of plastics sheet, covered with a soft outer layer for skin contact, which is lightweight, flexible, and incompressible at clinical pressures, allowing for even and continuous compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional foam rubber pads or folded roll compression elements are used, then compression therapy can be applied to treat venous disease, but the pads become heavy, inflexible, and irregular in shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film structure filled with gas bubbles (bubble wrap) as the compression element. This flexible shell structure provides the necessary compression while being lightweight and adaptable to limb contours, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates gas-filled cells (pneumatic structure) within the compression element. The gas-filled bubbles provide consistent compression force while maintaining flexibility and reducing weight compared to solid foam or liquid-filled alternatives.
2Weight of moving object
If gas filled pouches are used to provide compression, then the element can be lightweight and flexible, but the gas moves from higher pressure areas to lower pressure areas distorting the compression effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas-filled structure into multiple discrete, sealed cells or bubbles rather than a single continuous pouch. This segmentation prevents gas migration between high and low pressure areas, maintaining stable compression while keeping the element lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
Each gas-filled cell is enclosed in a sealed flexible membrane that maintains its shape and pressure independently. This sealed shell structure prevents gas movement while allowing the overall element to remain flexible and lightweight.
3Weight of moving object
If liquid filled tubes are used to provide compression, then the element can be lightweight, but the liquid moves from higher pressure areas to lower pressure areas distorting the compression effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses discrete sealed cells rather than continuous liquid-filled tubes. This segmentation prevents fluid movement and pressure equalization that would occur in connected liquid-filled systems, maintaining stable compression forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prefers gas-filled cells over liquid-filled tubes. Gas provides similar lightweight properties but with better compressibility and no risk of leakage or permanent deformation associated with liquid-filled systems.
4Force
If firm compression pads are applied to treat varicose veins, then the compression effect is achieved, but skin contact problems such as allergic and sweat related contact issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane or film as the outer layer of the compression element. This thin film barrier reduces direct skin contact with potentially irritating materials while maintaining the necessary compression force, thereby reducing allergic and sweat-related contact issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with an inner compression layer and an outer soft protective layer. This composite structure provides both effective compression and skin-friendly contact, reducing harmful skin reactions.
5Force
If conventional compression pads are used, then compression therapy is provided, but the pads crush and become irregular in shape during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane structure that maintains its shape through the membrane's inherent structural integrity rather than relying on soft compressible materials. The membrane flexes to accommodate limb movement but returns to its original shape, preventing crushing and irregularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-filled cells provide structural support through internal gas pressure, preventing the compression element from collapsing or deforming under external forces. The gas pressure maintains cell shape and prevents crushing while allowing flexibility.
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 provides effective, even, and continuous compression for treating varicose veins, alleviating skin contact issues and maintaining pressure over extended periods without distorting, thus facilitating healing and reducing inflammation.
Implementation Method 1
it is effectively incompressible at clinical pressure
Data Source
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 wrap sheet 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.