Pneumatic Compression Sleeve Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing compression therapy, such as intermittent pneumatic compression devices, lack a reliable and consistent way to measure volume changes in body parts, making it difficult to assess treatment efficacy and detect potential contraindications like deep vein thrombosis, especially in self-administered treatments at home.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compression sleeve containing a bladder that inflates and deflates to provide enhanced circulation, which estimates volume changes by measuring the time required to reach a predetermined pressure level, allowing for controlled operation and alerting users to volume thresholds or changes, thereby enabling effective monitoring and adjustment of treatment parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compression therapy is provided using traditional pneumatic devices, then enhanced circulation is achieved, but there is no reliable method to measure volume changes and assess treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical volume measurement methods (such as manual girth measurements) with a pneumatic measurement system. By inflating a bladder within the compression sleeve and measuring the pressure required to achieve a specific volume, the system calculates body part volume using the relationship between pressure, volume, and compressibility. This substitution enables precise, automated volume change detection throughout the compression therapy cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles to both provide compression therapy and measure volume changes. A bladder within the compression sleeve is inflated with controlled amounts of air or gas, and the pressure required to achieve specific volumes is measured. By monitoring the pressure-volume relationship during inflation and deflation cycles, the system accurately determines body part volume and detects volume changes, providing real-time feedback on treatment efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If compression therapy is self-administered at home, then patient convenience is improved, but the ability to detect contraindications like deep vein thrombosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor volume changes during compression therapy. The system measures volume at the beginning, middle, and end of compression cycles, and automatically compares these measurements to detect abnormal changes that may indicate deep vein thrombosis or other contraindications. This feedback loop enables home users to safely self-administer therapy while maintaining reliable contraindication detection through automated monitoring and alert systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the compression device to automatically perform monitoring and detection functions without requiring external medical personnel. The system self-measures volume changes, automatically analyzes the data for signs of contraindications, and provides alerts when abnormalities are detected. This self-service capability allows patients to safely administer compression therapy at home while maintaining the reliability of contraindication detection that would otherwise require clinical supervision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional compression devices are used, then treatment is provided, but there is no way to control operation based on real-time volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control where volume measurements taken during compression cycles directly influence subsequent treatment parameters. The system continuously monitors volume changes and automatically adjusts compression pressure, duration, and cycle frequency based on the measured responses. This closed-loop control enables the device to adapt to individual patient needs in real-time, optimizing treatment efficacy while responding immediately to volume changes without delay.
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 solution provides a reliable method for measuring volume changes during and after treatment, allowing for real-time adjustments and alerts, enhancing the safety and efficacy of compression therapy, particularly in preventing deep vein thrombosis and managing lymphedema.
Implementation Method 1
a compression sleeve configured to be surroundingly engageable with the body part, the sleeve comprising at least one bladder configured to be inflated and deflated such that enhanced circulation is achieved
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to calculate and/or estimate a change in a volume of the subject's body part by determining the time required for a pressure level in the at least one bladder to change from a predetermined vacuum level to a predetermined pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compression therapy of a subject's body part including a compression sleeve configured to be surroundingly engageable with the body part, the sleeve having at least one bladder configured to be inflated and deflated such that an enhanced circulation is achieved and a controller configured to calculate a change in the volume of the body part by determining a change in a time required for inflating the at least one bladder from a predetermined vacuum level to a predetermined pressure level obtained during at least two inflation cycles; and to control operation of the compression sleeve based at least on the calculated change in the volume of the body part.