PAD Pump High-Frequency Pneumatic Pulses for Vascular Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peripheral arterial disease (PAD) pumps are limited in their ability to effectively improve vascular blood flow in the lower extremities, as they often rely on static compression cycles that may not adequately stimulate blood flow or promote vessel growth, particularly for individuals with obstructed arterial flow.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of high-frequency pneumatic pulses applied to cuff bladders in PAD pumps, which can be achieved through external devices or software modifications, allows for more dynamic compression therapy, including rapid inflation and deflation cycles, and adaptive pressure control to reach target pressures quickly and accurately, enhancing blood flow and potentially stimulating vascular growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional static compression cycles are used, then the pump structure is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to effectively improve vascular blood flow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic compression cycles with varying durations - an initial shorter first duration followed by a longer second duration. This periodic variation in compression timing creates enhanced hemodynamic effects that improve vascular blood flow beyond what constant compression achieves, while maintaining the basic pump structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of compression by implementing two distinct duration phases. The first compression duration is deliberately shorter than the second duration, creating a dynamic parameter variation that stimulates blood flow and vascular function without requiring complex additional hardware
2Duration of action of stationary object
If longer therapy durations are applied, then vascular growth stimulation is enhanced, but the conventional therapy time limit restricts treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary compression phase with a first duration that prepares the vascular system for the subsequent longer second duration phase. This preliminary action of compressed duration followed by extended compression maximizes vascular growth stimulation and allows therapy to exceed conventional time limits effectively
3Speed
If rapid pressure changes are implemented, then blood flow stimulation is enhanced, but pressure control precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic compression cycles with defined first and second durations to create controlled pressure variations. This rhythmic application of pressure changes stimulates blood flow through dynamic compression while the structured timing maintains predictable pressure control within the system
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
This approach significantly increases acute blood flow and may stimulate longer-term vascular growth by applying high-frequency pulses, allowing for more flexible and effective treatment regimens that can exceed conventional therapy durations, improving vascular function and predictability.
Implementation Method 1
conventional or modified vascular assist pneumatic compression pumps
Implementation Method 2
applying compression to a patient's limb with the cuff
Implementation Method 3
applying high-frequency pulses to one or more of the cuff bladders... frequency greater than the conventional compression cycles... as high as 30, 45, or even 100 Hz
Implementation Method 4
pneumatic pulse generator in line with the tubing to the cuff bladder
Implementation Method 5
electromagnetic device such as a solenoid or motor and cam assembly
Implementation Method 6
enhancing functionality of vessels such as with high shear rates
Data Source
AI summary
Arterial compression methods and apparatus may include high-frequency pulse waveforms applied to one or more cuffs on a limb. Additionally or alternatively, they may include high inflation rate configurations, such as may be used to more quickly inflate a cuff on a limb. They may also include inflating a cuff on a limb using a plurality of inflation pulses.