Lower Extremity Device for DVT Prevention via Thermal and Vacuum Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are inadequate, particularly in immobilized patients, as anticoagulation therapy carries bleeding risks and pneumatic compression devices are cumbersome and uncomfortable, lacking portable and user-friendly options.
Innovation Solution
A lower extremity device that regulates temperature and applies vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow, featuring a hard or soft chamber with a seal and thermal exchangers to vasodilate arteriovenous anastomoses, reduce constriction, and apply mechanical compression, thereby preventing clotting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic compression devices are used to apply mechanical compression to increase blood flow, then blood circulation is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The lower extremity device is divided into separate functional components: a chamber body for containing the extremity, a seal for creating a closed environment, and thermal exchangers for temperature control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a more comfortable and manageable device compared to traditional pneumatic compression systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a thermal regulation system. Instead of using pneumatic pressure to drive blood flow, the device uses temperature control through thermal exchangers to induce vasodilation and improve circulation. This substitution eliminates the need for cumbersome compression mechanisms while achieving the same physiological effect.
2Reliability
If anticoagulation therapy is used to prevent clots, then clot prevention is improved, but bleeding risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the potential harm of blood stasis (which leads to clotting) into a benefit by using controlled thermal stimulation to promote active blood flow. Instead of relying on anticoagulation drugs that thin the blood and increase bleeding risk, the device mechanically stimulates circulation through temperature-induced vasodilation, preventing clots through flow enhancement rather than blood thinning.
3Productivity
If thermal exchangers are used to regulate temperature and vasodilate vessels, then blood flow is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal exchangers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they regulate temperature of the lower extremity, induce vasodilation to improve blood flow, and provide therapeutic heating or cooling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced physiological effects achieved.
4Productivity
If vacuum is applied to the chamber to increase blood return, then circulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses vacuum (negative pressure) applied to the chamber to create a pressure gradient that facilitates venous blood return to the heart. This pneumatic approach leverages natural pressure differentials in the circulatory system, using simple vacuum application rather than complex mechanical pumping systems to achieve enhanced circulation.
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 increases blood flow and reduces venous clots, providing a non-invasive, convenient solution for preventing DVT in high-risk individuals by using temperature regulation and vacuum application to dilate vascular structures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal exchangers, which are placed inside the lower extremity device, permanently or detachably, are connected to one or more thermal exchange lines. The one or more thermal exchangers are also connected via one or more supply lines and return line through the one or more apertures of the hard or soft chamber body to a thermal source, a heating source, a cooling source, and/or, a thermal fluid source in order to regulate the temperature to the human extremity
Implementation Method 2
one or more vacuum lines can be connected through the one or more apertures of the hard or soft chamber body to one or more vacuum pumps in order to apply vacuum to the hard or soft chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow. A human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein.