Automated Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Cuff Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for remote ischemic preconditioning require constant medical professional oversight and are not configured to automatically cycle between ischemic and reperfusion durations, making them inefficient and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cuff with an actuator and controller that follows a predefined treatment protocol, automatically occluding and releasing blood flow to a limb in cycles, allowing for remote ischemic preconditioning without continuous medical supervision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sphygnamometer or manual tourniquet is used to perform rIPC, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but it requires constant medical professional oversight and is prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The automated rIPC system performs the treatment protocol independently without requiring continuous medical professional intervention. The controller automatically cycles the cuff between inflation and deflation phases, monitors treatment progress, and completes the full protocol sequence, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating dependence on human operators for routine execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by automatically cycling the cuff through repeated sequences of inflation (ischemic phase) and deflation (reperfusion phase). The controller manages multiple treatment cycles with precise timing, creating regular periodic patterns of blood flow occlusion and restoration that constitute the core therapeutic mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a medical professional manually performs each rIPC cycle, then the treatment can be customized for each patient, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires continuous presence of medical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with treatment protocols that define specific inflation pressures, durations, and cycle sequences tailored to different patient needs. These preliminary configurations allow the system to automatically execute customized treatment plans without requiring real-time manual adjustment during the procedure, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/manual operation of inflating and deflating the cuff with an automated actuation mechanism controlled by a controller. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention, allowing customized protocols to be executed automatically and significantly reducing the time medical professionals need to be present.
3Ease of manufacture
If blood pressure measuring systems are used for rIPC, then existing equipment can be utilized, but they cannot hold pressure for extended durations or cycle between ischemic and reperfusion durations
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating a cuff capable of both blood pressure measurement and extended pressure holding for rIPC treatment. The controller provides universal control over the cuff, enabling it to switch between measurement mode and treatment mode (with extended inflation duration and cyclic operation), thereby making a single device adaptable to multiple functions that previously required separate equipment.
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
Enables safe and reliable remote ischemic preconditioning with minimal oversight, ensuring compliance with treatment protocols and accommodating varying patient sizes, thus improving the efficiency and safety of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator contracts the cuff about the limb of the subject to a pressure above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb
Implementation Method 2
the actuator releases the cuff to allow blood flow through the limb
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.