Implantable Pulsatile Compression Device for Venous Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for venous insufficiency and lymphedema are ineffective, uncomfortable, and often require invasive surgery, limiting patient mobility and compliance due to the need for direct access to veins and cumbersome external devices.
Innovation Solution
A pulsatile pressure implant with volume-changing members that compress deep veins and subcutaneous tissue by expanding and contracting, placed between the fascia and muscular compartment, optionally using a non-stretchable outer garment to enhance compression, and controlled by microprocessor electronics for targeted and minimally invasive therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic compression stockings are used, then compression treatment is provided, but the user experiences difficulty applying them and discomfort in hot environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of elastic compression stockings with an implantable device that uses inflatable balloons to generate compression. This substitution eliminates the need for the user to manually apply tight stockings while maintaining effective compression treatment through automated pneumatic inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device provides self-service compression treatment by automatically inflating and deflating the balloons within the tissue compartment. The system monitors and regulates compression pressure without requiring user intervention, eliminating the discomfort and application difficulties associated with external compression garments.
2Reliability
If inelastic compression bandages are used, then compression treatment is provided, but the user experiences limited mobility and inability to bathe the wrapped area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bandage system with an implantable pneumatic compression device. The inflatable balloons provide compression treatment while allowing the user to move freely and access the treatment area for hygiene purposes, as the device is integrated within the tissue compartment rather than wrapping the exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is divided into multiple independent inflatable balloons placed within separate tissue compartments. This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently inflated and deflated, providing targeted compression while maintaining overall mobility and hygiene access to the limb.
3Reliability
If external compression pumps are used, then compression treatment is provided, but the user requires cumbersome equipment and power outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the external mechanical pump system with an implantable device that uses simple inflatable balloons. The compression mechanism is simplified to pneumatic inflation within the tissue compartment, eliminating the need for complex external pumping equipment and power outlets while maintaining effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the compression generation function from the external environment and places it directly within the tissue compartment. The inflatable balloons are implanted within the target area, removing the need for external pumps and power sources, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If existing treatments are used, then compression is applied, but the treatments are difficult to apply and render the user immobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex external mechanical compression systems with an implantable pneumatic device. The compression is generated by inflatable balloons within the tissue compartment, eliminating the need for difficult-to-apply external garments or bandages while maintaining mobility throughout the treatment period.
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 approach provides effective, targeted compression that mimics natural muscle contractions, improving blood and lymphatic circulation without the need for invasive surgery, enhancing patient mobility and treatment compliance by allowing wireless adjustment of therapy as needed.
Implementation Method 1
A pulsatile pressure implant with volume-changing members that compress deep veins and subcutaneous tissue by expanding and contracting
Implementation Method 2
places pulsatile, localized pressure that compresses the deep veins and subcutaneous tissue by expanding and contracting volume-changing members
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating venous insufficiency and lymphedema in an individual by placing pulsatile, localized pressure or compression on deep veins and subcutaneous tissue by inflating and deflating volume-changing members implanted within the individual. A method of potentiating venous circulation, by placing pulsatile, localized pressure that compresses the deep veins by expanding and contracting volume-changing members located between the fascia and muscular compartment, such that the increase in volume from the volume-changing members is transferred to deep veins, and augmenting the effects of muscle contractions around the deep veins and improving blood circulation. A method of potentiating lymphatic circulation. A method of potentiating venous and lymphatic circulation. A pulsatile pressure implant including at least one volume-changing member in electronic connection with an electronic-controlled microprocessor.