Partial Limb Occlusion Cuff for Remote Ischemic Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote ischemic conditioning methods using inflatable cuffs to occlude blood flow can cause pain and discomfort, and increase the risk of thromboembolism due to high cuff pressures and prolonged cessation of blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize partial occlusion of the limb to induce ischemic stress, allowing some blood flow to reduce the risk of clot formation and discomfort, by inflating the cuff to a pressure that partially reduces blood flow without complete cessation, and deflating to increase blood flow sufficiently to relieve ischemic stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cuff is inflated to high pressure to achieve complete blood flow occlusion for remote ischemic conditioning, then the ischemic stress is sufficient to induce therapeutic effect, but pain and discomfort to the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial occlusion instead of complete occlusion by inflating the cuff to a pressure that reduces but does not completely stop blood flow. This partial action maintains sufficient ischemic stress to trigger remote ischemic conditioning while avoiding the extreme conditions that cause severe pain and discomfort associated with complete blood flow cessation.
2Reliability
If the cuff is inflated to high pressure for extended periods to ensure complete blood flow cessation, then the ischemic conditioning protocol is effectively delivered, but the risk of clot formation and thromboembolism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial occlusion that reduces blood flow to a threshold level sufficient to induce ischemic stress without completely stopping flow. This prevents the stasis conditions that lead to clot formation and thromboembolism while maintaining treatment effectiveness through sustained partial ischemia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of complete blood flow cessation (clot formation) into a beneficial partial flow state. By maintaining minimal blood flow, the system prevents thrombus formation while still achieving the therapeutic ischemic stress needed for remote conditioning, effectively turning a harmful extreme into a beneficial intermediate state.
3Reliability
If the cuff is inflated to supra systolic pressure to achieve complete occlusion, then the remote ischemic conditioning protocol is properly delivered, but the treatment becomes more invasive and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent delivers the remote ischemic conditioning protocol effectively by using partial occlusion at pressures below supra systolic levels. This partial action approach maintains protocol effectiveness through sustained ischemic stress while significantly improving subject comfort by avoiding the extreme pressures and complete occlusion that cause discomfort.
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 minimizes pain and discomfort while reducing the risk of thromboembolism by achieving effective remote ischemic conditioning at lower cuff pressures and minimizing clot formation, allowing for safer and more comfortable treatment.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the cuff to a pressure that partially reduces blood flow
Implementation Method 2
deflating to increase blood flow sufficiently to relieve ischemic stress
Data Source
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AI summary
Single- or dual-bladder devices (100) for automated delivery of remote ischemic conditioning treatment via partial limb occlusion involve various methods of operating the cuff (110) in which partial or full limb occlusion is achieved during the periods of cuff inflation. Achieving clinical benefits of remote ischemic conditioning without extended cessation of limb blood flow are advantageous due to lower required cuff pressure and reduced risk of clot formation in the limb vasculature.