Intermittent Electrical Stimulation for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are inadequate, particularly in hospitalized patients, as existing prophylactic measures like intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and electrical stimulation devices are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective for long-term use due to muscle fatigue, and fail to address associated symptoms like muscle spasticity and contractures.
Innovation Solution
A small, lightweight, mobile device using intermittent electrical stimulation to mimic physiological muscle contractions, providing brief bouts of stimulation followed by extended periods of relaxation, which increases venous blood flow and velocity without causing muscle fatigue, allowing for continuous use over 24 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is used to prevent DVT, then venous blood flow is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome pads and pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical IPC system (pads and pumps) with an electrical stimulation system that uses electrical signals to induce muscle contractions. This substitution eliminates the need for cumbersome mechanical components while achieving the same physiological effect of enhancing venous blood flow through the muscle pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation device leverages the patient's own muscle tissue to perform the blood pumping function. By stimulating the muscles to contract, the system uses the body's inherent physiological mechanisms rather than requiring external mechanical compression, thereby simplifying the device and improving ease of operation.
2Speed
If electrical stimulation is used to prevent DVT, then venous blood flow is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic stimulation protocol with specific on/off timing. The device delivers electrical stimulation in controlled bursts followed by rest periods, preventing continuous muscle contraction that would lead to fatigue. This periodic action pattern allows the muscles to recover while maintaining enhanced venous blood flow over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation parameters (duration, intensity, frequency) are dynamically adjusted based on muscle response and fatigue levels. The system adapts the stimulation protocol in real-time to prevent fatigue while maintaining therapeutic effect, thereby extending the usable duration of the device.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blood thinners are used to prevent DVT, then thrombus formation is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to ineffectiveness and contraindications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological intervention (blood thinners) with a physical/physiological approach using electrical stimulation to enhance venous blood flow. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with medication effectiveness and contraindications by using a mechanical-physiological mechanism that promotes natural blood circulation and prevents stasis-related thrombosis.
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 effectively prevents DVT by maintaining increased venous blood flow and velocity, reducing the risk of thrombus formation, and can be used continuously without discomfort, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a comfortable and effective solution for both in-hospital and post-discharge use.
Implementation Method 1
apparatus and methodologies for the mitigation and prevention of venous thromboembolism by electrical stimulation are provided
Implementation Method 2
A small, lightweight, mobile device using intermittent electrical stimulation to mimic physiological muscle contractions
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methodologies for the mitigation and prevention of venous thromboembolism-related disorders resulting from by venous blood stasis. More specifically, repeated cycles of brief bouts of intermittent electrical stimulation are repeated every several minutes to contract at least one target muscle, causing a temporary increase in venous blood flow and blood velocity in the veins in the region of the target muscle(s). The present intermittent electrical stimulation paradigm may be used to mimic physiological responses following voluntary contraction of the target muscle(s), without fatiguing the muscle(s).