Non-Invasive Fluid Stimulation System for Outpatient Decongestion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances, such as those in heart failure and edema, rely heavily on diuretics and hospital-based therapies, which often lead to inadequate decongestion and resistance, and lack effective non-invasive alternatives for managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances outside of a hospital setting.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive fluid stimulation system that uses a wearable treatment device to create a controlled warm air environment around the body, stimulating sweat production through eccrine and apocrine glands to remove excess fluids and electrolytes via the skin, utilizing a console unit with temperature, humidity, and airflow control to enhance fluid transfer and maintain patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diuretics and hospital-based therapies are used to treat fluid overload, then fluid removal is achieved, but patient resistance develops and adequate decongestion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pharmaceutical mechanism (diuretics acting on kidneys) with a physical/thermal mechanism (infrared heating causing vasodilation and sweat-mediated fluid loss). This substitution avoids the development of pharmacological resistance and provides a reliable alternative for fluid removal that does not depend on renal function or medication adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physiological parameters by using thermal energy to induce vasodilation and increase skin blood flow, which subsequently enhances sweat production. This parameter change (temperature increase) triggers a cascade of physiological responses that facilitate fluid removal through an alternative pathway (skin vs. kidneys), bypassing the limitations of conventional diuretic therapy.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pharmaceutical treatments are used, then fluid overload is addressed, but non-invasive outpatient treatment options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform fluid removal therapy independently in outpatient or home settings using a portable infrared heating device. The system requires no medical supervision, hospital infrastructure, or complex administration procedures, allowing patients to self-manage their fluid overload condition reliably outside of clinical environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the need for hospital-based medical interventions with a home-compatible physical therapy system. By using infrared heating technology that can be deployed in outpatient or home settings, the system eliminates the barrier between effective treatment and accessibility, providing reliable decongestion without requiring hospital resources.
3Productivity
If skin-based fluid removal is stimulated through heat, then fluid transfer through skin is enhanced, but core body temperature must be maintained within normal ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy locally to the skin surface rather than heating the entire body. The infrared heating device targets specific treatment areas, inducing vasodilation and sweat production in localized regions while leaving core body temperature unchanged. This spatial differentiation allows high fluid removal productivity without compromising overall thermal homeostasis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses skin vasodilation as an intermediary mechanism between external heat application and fluid removal. The thermal stimulus causes local vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the skin and enables sweat glands to actively transport fluid. This intermediary physiological response allows controlled fluid transfer without requiring direct heat penetration to core body tissues.
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 decongests fluid overloaded patients by promoting controlled fluid transfer through the skin, achieving significant fluid removal rates while maintaining core body temperature and vital signs within normal ranges, allowing for outpatient or home-based treatment.
Implementation Method 1
stimulating sweat production through eccrine and apocrine glands to remove excess fluids and electrolytes via the skin
Implementation Method 2
provide controlled, non-invasive skin fluid transfer, independent and regardless of pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and mental condition of the patient
Implementation Method 3
the console unit may provide heated air to the treatment device by way of a heat generator and air blower or fan incorporated into the console unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for treating fluid overload in a patient by providing controlled stimulation of fluid transfer directly and non-invasively from an interstitial compartment of the patient through the skin of the patient.