Portable Limb Compression Cooling for Continuous CIPN Cryotherapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryotherapy solutions for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are bulky, manpower-intensive, energy inefficient, and limit patient mobility, while intermittent cooling methods may not be efficacious and can cause temperature fluctuations, leading to rebound blood flow and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A portable compression apparatus utilizing a state-of-the-art vapor compressor, programmable logic controller, and integrated cooling and compression circuits to provide controlled, continuous limb hypothermia with adjustable pressure and temperature settings, ensuring safe and convenient cryotherapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic compression devices are used to treat DVT, then blood flow improvement is achieved, but the devices are bulky and inconvenient for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is divided into separate modular components: an inflatable cuff, a portable pump unit, and a control unit. This segmentation allows the compression function to be delivered in a compact, travel-friendly format while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through coordinated operation of the modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles with an inflatable cuff and portable pump to deliver controlled compression. The pump generates pneumatic pressure to inflate the cuff, providing the necessary compression force in a compact form factor that eliminates bulky traditional pneumatic systems.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pneumatic compression devices are used, then DVT treatment is effective, but the devices require large space and are difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The inflatable cuff can be stored compactly, and the pump unit is designed to be portable and space-efficient, allowing the entire system to occupy minimal space during travel while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If compression therapy is interrupted during travel, then portability is improved, but DVT risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for easy self-operation by the patient during travel. The portable pump can be easily deployed and operated by the patient themselves, enabling continuous treatment without requiring medical staff or complex setup procedures, thus maintaining treatment reliability while ensuring travel convenience.
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 apparatus effectively prevents CIPN by maintaining consistent limb hypothermia, reducing inflammation, and enhancing patient comfort and mobility, while avoiding frostbite and temperature instability.
Implementation Method 1
a portable pump, all of which is configured to apply compression to a limb of the user
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A compression apparatus for applying pressure to a subject is provided. The compression apparatus comprises a compression system, and one or more compression components connected to the compression system and secured around the subject, the one or more compression components comprising an air cavity. A method of applying pressure to a subject is also provided. In an embodiment, the compression apparatus further comprises a liquid cavity and a method circulating coolant through the liquid cavity.