Segmented Pneumatic Cuff for Arterio-Venous Gradient Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for treating inferior limbs with peripheral arteriopathy are inadequate in improving arterial perfusion and oxygen exchange at the microcirculatory level, particularly in reducing venous pressure gradients.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible, inflatable cuff designed for targeted compression of the superficial femoral vein and deep veins of the femoral popliteal segment, utilizing a compressor with a manual electromechanical timer to apply 20 seconds of compression and 40 seconds of decompression, enhancing venous drainage and arterial inflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional CPI devices are used for treating inferior limbs, then venous drainage is improved, but arterial perfusion at microcirculatory level is not sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevenous drainage efficiencyVSAvoidarterial perfusion improvement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the compression function into two independent inflatable bladders: a first bladder for compressing the thigh and a second bladder for compressing the leg. This segmentation allows independent control of compression in different anatomical regions, enabling optimized venous drainage from the thigh while simultaneously improving arterial perfusion to the lower leg and foot through targeted compression sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements periodic compression cycles with specific timing: the first bladder compresses the thigh for 20 seconds followed by 40 seconds of decompression, while the second bladder compresses the leg for 40 seconds followed by 20 seconds of decompression. This periodic action creates rhythmic pressure gradients that enhance both venous return and arterial inflow at different phases of the cycle, addressing both venous drainage and arterial perfusion requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Stress or pressure

If compression pressure is increased to improve venous drainage, then venous pressure gradient reduction is enhanced, but arterial blood flow may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevenous pressure gradientVSAvoidarterial blood flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adjusts compression timing and sequence for different bladders rather than applying uniform static compression. The thigh compression (first bladder) and leg compression (second bladder) operate with different durations and timing within the same cycle, creating dynamic pressure gradients that favor venous drainage during compression phases while allowing arterial reperfusion during decompression phases. This dynamic approach prevents sustained high pressure that would compromise arterial flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies preliminary compression to the thigh (first bladder) before full leg compression (second bladder) in the treatment sequence. This preliminary action on the proximal segment creates initial pressure gradients that facilitate venous drainage from the upper limb, preparing the system for subsequent distal compression while maintaining arterial perfusion pressure through the controlled sequencing of compression events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The device effectively increases the arterio-venous gradient, improving perfusion and oxygen exchange in ischemic limbs, as demonstrated by increased blood flow and tissue oxygenation, with significant improvements in perfusion area and oxygen extraction.

Implementation Method 1

the increase in interstitial' pressure at the subcutaneous level could favour a re-entrance into circulation of interstitial fluids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterstial pressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

CPI provokes a distension of the epithelial cells of the artery and an increase of sheer stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

The final result would be a vasodilatation action and an increase in perfusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVasodilatation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

the elicited increase in contraction is responsible for an increase of the arterio-venous gradient and of arterial flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArterio-venous gradient increase: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2306958B1Device for pneumatic treatment of an inferior limb having peripheral arteriopathy problems
Publication Date: 2015.05.27 LONDON EQUITABLE & ITS CAPACITY TRUSTEE OF THE THINK TANK TRUST
  • EP2306958B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2306958B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2306958B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A device (1) for compression treatments of an inferior limb (A) of a subject, said device (1) comprising an inflatable element (2) apt to being placed in contact with a portion of said inferior limb (A) to exert an action of compression and decompression on said portion of inferior limb (A), wherein the inflatable element (2) includes a rigid element (3), positionable on the medial part of the thigh of the subject for compression of the internal femoral vein.