Pneumatic Cuff with Flow Restricting Structure for DVT Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DVT treatment options, such as compression garments and pneumatic compression devices, are either uncomfortable, costly, or limited in availability, and there is a need for a low-cost, user-friendly solution that can provide both thermal and compression therapy for deep vein thrombosis and other conditions like sore muscles or joints.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-based pneumatic pressure therapy system that includes electronic controls, sensors, and a user interface for customizable therapy, featuring pneumatic cuffs and a thermal/compression therapy wrap, allowing for varying pressure profiles and independent control of DVT and thermal therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression garments are used for DVT treatment, then compression therapy is provided, but comfort and ease of wear deteriorate due to heat buildup and discomfort in warmer climates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is divided into multiple independently controllable zones or chambers that can be differentially compressed. This allows selective compression of specific areas while maintaining breathability and comfort in other regions, resolving the contradiction between effective compression therapy and wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time modification of compression levels based on user feedback, activity level, and environmental conditions. This enables the garment to adapt between high-compression therapy mode and comfortable wear mode, addressing both therapy effectiveness and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If pneumatic compression devices are used, then effective DVT therapy is provided, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pneumatic compression therapy capabilities with gradient compression garment features into a single integrated system. This merging allows the system to provide effective DVT therapy through pneumatic mechanisms while maintaining the simplicity and affordability of gradient compression garments, thus reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated control systems that enable users to independently adjust compression parameters without requiring complex manual intervention or professional monitoring. This self-service capability simplifies operation and reduces the need for expensive professional oversight, lowering overall system cost while maintaining therapy effectiveness.
3Reliability
If prescription strength compression stockings are used, then appropriate compression support is provided, but availability and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic compression adjustment capabilities that allow users to customize compression levels to match prescription requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables over-the-counter devices to achieve prescription-strength compression effects, improving availability and accessibility while maintaining appropriate compression support through user-adjustable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows users to modify compression parameters such as pressure levels, duration, and intensity to achieve prescription-strength effects. By enabling parameter customization, the system makes advanced compression therapy accessible to users without requiring prescription garments, thus improving availability while maintaining therapeutic appropriateness.
4Reliability
If compression garments are worn continuously, then DVT prevention is maximized, but user compliance and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic compression cycles that alternate between compression and relief phases. This periodic action maintains DVT prevention effectiveness through regular compression pulses while allowing brief relief periods that improve user comfort and compliance, resolving the contradiction between continuous therapy effectiveness and user willingness to wear the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment features that automatically modify compression intensity and duration based on user feedback, activity level, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while adjusting parameters to maximize user comfort and compliance, addressing the contradiction between continuous wear effectiveness and user willingness to comply.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure therapy system includes an air pump; a pneumatic line pressurized by the air pump; and a cuff in fluid communication with the pneumatic line, the cuff including flaps sized and shaped to extend around a user's limb, a first chamber and a second chamber separated fluidly by the cuff from the first chamber, wherein the pneumatic line splits into first and second line segments or openings, the first line segment or opening communicating fluidly with the first separated chamber, the second line segment or opening communicating fluidly with the second separated chamber, and wherein the second line segment or opening or a pathway of the cuff leading to the second separated chamber includes a flow restricting structure that delays pressurized air from reaching the second chamber relative to the first chamber.