Inflatable Compression Garment Compliance via Pressure Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) systems for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis rely on patient adherence to a treatment protocol, but there is no effective method to monitor compliance with the use of the compression garment.
Innovation Solution
A compression device controller with processors and a memory device monitors pressure signals from inflatable bladders in the garment to detect variance, indicating whether the garment is properly applied, and adjusts parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are integrated into the compression garment to detect compliance, then compliance monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensors as intermediary devices embedded within the compression garment to detect compliance. These sensors act as mediators between the garment and the control system, converting physical compression states into electrical signals that can be processed for compliance determination without requiring direct observation or complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it controls the inflation/deflation cycles of the compression garment, processes pressure sensor signals, determines compliance status, and provides feedback. This multi-functional approach consolidates compliance monitoring capabilities within the existing IPC system infrastructure, avoiding the need for separate dedicated monitoring devices.
2Measurement precision
If real-time pressure signal monitoring is implemented to detect garment condition changes, then compliance detection accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors pressure signals during periodic inflation and deflation cycles of the compression garment. Rather than continuous monitoring, the system evaluates compliance at specific intervals during the compression therapy cycles, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining accurate compliance detection through repeated periodic assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback from pressure sensors during compression cycles and uses this information to determine compliance in real-time. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its monitoring strategy and provide immediate compliance status updates without requiring excessive energy input, as it leverages the existing compression cycle timing.
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
Provides real-time compliance monitoring, reducing the burden on caregivers by ensuring the garment is worn correctly and enhancing the effectiveness of IPC systems.
Implementation Method 1
receive pressure signals indicative of fluid pressure in the inflatable bladder from a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
Determining whether a compression garment is worn by a wearer of the garment by analyzing a pressure signal waveform indicative of a fluid pressure in an inflatable and deflatable bladder of the compression garment. Variance detected in the pressure signal waveform during the analysis is indicative of a change in condition of the compression garment. In one aspect the change in condition is verified using confirmatory analysis. In another aspect, the variance is one of a pressure rise and a pressure impulse. In yet another aspect, the variance is an oscillating amplitude as a function of time representative of a pulse of the wearer.