Neck Cuff Device for Jugular Vein Pressure Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heart failure patients experience excessive venous and left ventricular filling pressures leading to edema and acute decompensated heart failure, which current treatments inadequately address, resulting in severe health consequences including death.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that applies pressure to the jugular vein using a neck cuff or similar mechanism to restrict blood flow, decreasing lymphatic outflow pressure and reducing venous pressures, thereby enhancing lymphatic return and alleviating edema.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pressure is applied to the jugular vein to restrict blood flow, then venous pressure is reduced and lymphatic return is improved, but blood flow restriction may cause tissue ischemia or discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevenous pressureVSAvoidtissue ischemia
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies pressure locally to the jugular vein rather than uniformly across the entire neck. The projection is positioned to contact only the jugular vein at a specific location, creating a localized flow restriction that reduces venous pressure without causing widespread tissue ischemia. This selective local application allows the beneficial pressure reduction effect while minimizing harmful effects to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stress or pressure

If a projection is used to press against the neck near the jugular vein, then blood flow restriction is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood flow restrictionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar member is segmented into a body portion and a projection that extends from it. This segmentation allows the projection to be positioned independently to contact the jugular vein while the main collar body provides structural support and circumferential stability. The separated design enables simplified manufacturing and assembly while achieving the complex function of targeted pressure application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If an extended collar member is used to apply pressure, then the device can be adjusted to fit different neck circumferences, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneck circumference adjustmentVSAvoidfastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar member incorporates a dynamic fastening system that allows the collar to expand and contract to different circumferences. The fastening mechanism enables the collar to be adjusted during use to fit different patients and different neck sizes. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through simple mechanical components rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively reduces venous pressures, improves lymphatic return, and alleviates edema by creating a local decrease in blood pressure near the lymphatic duct outlet, enhancing the heart's filling pattern and contractility, thus addressing the severe health consequences of heart failure.

Implementation Method 1

creating a local decrease in blood pressure within the jugular vein near an outlet of a lymphatic duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Restricting the flow within the jugular vein causes pressure near an outlet of a lymphatic duct to decrease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3600178B1Devices for reducing pressure
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 WHITE SWELL MEDICAL LTD
  • EP3600178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3600178B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3600178B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure provides device and related methods that can be used to treat edema by applying pressure to a blood vessel such as a jugular vein to restrict flow therein, creating a local decrease in blood pressure within the jugular vein near an outlet of a lymphatic duct, causing lymph to drain from the interstitium.