Limb Sleeve Warming and Compression for Normothermia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining normothermia during surgical procedures are inadequate, leading to significant complications and increased healthcare costs due to the high incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia, which affects 30-50% of surgical patients and is associated with increased recovery time, surgical site infections, and cardiac morbidities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising warming elements applied to the popliteal fossa and sole of the foot, combined with compression elements for the calf, using conductive and convective means to maintain core body temperature, with a limb sleeve design that allows for easy application and mobility, and a controller interface for temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional warming methods are used during surgery, then patient temperature can be maintained, but the methods are inadequate and lead to high incidence of hypothermia affecting 30-50% of surgical patients
Solution Approach 1:
The warming system is divided into multiple independent warming zones targeting specific anatomical regions (popliteal fossa, sole of foot, calf). Each zone has its own warming element that can be independently controlled, allowing localized heat application to maximize warming efficiency while minimizing overall energy consumption and reducing the risk of widespread hypothermia.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies warming to specific strategic locations on the lower extremities where blood vessels are proximal to the skin surface. By concentrating thermal energy at these localized points rather than distributing it broadly, the system achieves more effective core temperature maintenance with reduced total energy input.
2Temperature
If warming elements are applied to maintain normothermia, then patient temperature is stabilized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warming system is divided into multiple independent warming zones targeting specific anatomical regions (popliteal fossa, sole of foot, calf). Each zone has its own warming element that can be independently controlled, allowing localized heat application to maximize warming efficiency while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element operates in periodic cycles, alternating between compression and relaxation phases. This periodic action creates rhythmic blood flow enhancement that improves thermal transfer efficiency during warming cycles while reducing continuous energy consumption compared to constant compression.
3Productivity
If compression element is applied to the calf, then blood flow is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is integrated into the same limb sleeve structure that houses the warming elements, combining multiple therapeutic functions (warming and compression) into a single unified device. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate warming blankets and compression devices, while enhancing blood flow through the warmed extremities.
Solution Approach 2:
The limb sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal warming through heating elements, mechanical compression for blood flow enhancement, and anatomical positioning guidance. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one universal apparatus.
4Temperature
If warming elements are applied to popliteal fossa and sole of foot, then normothermia is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The limb sleeve incorporates pre-marked anatomical indicators that guide proper positioning of the warming elements on the patient's body. These indicators are prepared in advance on the device itself, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning adjustments and ensuring correct placement over the popliteal fossa, sole of foot, and calf regions during application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses visual indicators (anomaly markings) that may change color or provide visual feedback to confirm proper positioning of the warming elements. This visual guidance system simplifies the application process by providing immediate feedback on whether the device is correctly positioned for effective warming.
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 system effectively maintains normothermia, reducing the risk of complications and hospital stays, and offers a cost-effective solution by limiting energy use and monitoring requirements, potentially saving $15 billion annually by keeping 30% of high-risk surgical patients normothermic.
Implementation Method 1
The first warming element may be configured to apply warming to the popliteal fossa and sole of the foot via conductive means
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, warming is applied to the popliteal fossa and sole of the foot through the use of resistive heating
Implementation Method 3
Warming may be applied to the popliteal fossa and sole of the foot through the use of a fluid-warmed bladder
Implementation Method 4
contact between the first warming element and the popliteal fossa is maintained through the use of a limb-biasing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for maintaining normothermia in a patient via compression and warming are disclosed and include a first warming element configured to apply warming to the popliteal fossa, a second warming element configured to apply warming to the sole of the foot, and a compression element configured to apply compression to the calf.