Sequential Gradient Compression Limb Apparatus for Arterial Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for treating impaired circulation and non-healing wounds are inadequate in enhancing arterial blood flow and promoting healing, as they often apply non-sequential and non-gradient pressure, which can lead to discomfort, inefficiency, and limited clinical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus that applies a sequential gradient arterial pulse wave, synchronized with the cardiac cycle, using a series of inflatable cells along the limb to mimic and enhance natural arterial flow, with adjustable pressure and timing to maximize distal blood flow, and incorporates monitoring to optimize treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-sequential and non-gradient pressure is applied using a single inflatable compartment, then the device structure is simple, but the arterial blood flow enhancement is ineffective and may push fluid proximally toward the trunk
Solution Approach 1:
The limb is divided into multiple sequential compartments (first, second, third, and fourth compartments) arranged from proximal to distal regions. Each compartment can be independently inflated and deflated in a sequential manner to create a gradient pressure wave that moves distally, mimicking natural arterial blood flow patterns and effectively enhancing blood flow without pushing fluid proximally.
2Ease of operation
If the entire limb including the foot is encased in a single enclosure, then the device can apply pressure to the foot, but the foot is squeezed along with the rest of the limb impeding blood flow to the most vulnerable area
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into multiple independent compartments, with the fourth compartment specifically positioned to cover the foot. This allows the foot to be treated separately from the rest of the limb, enabling pressure application to the foot without simultaneous compression of proximal regions that would impede blood flow to this vulnerable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic sequential inflation where compartments are inflated in a specific sequence (first through fourth compartments from proximal to distal) and deflated in reverse order. This dynamic control ensures that when the foot compartment is pressurized, proximal compartments are already deflating or deflated, maintaining a pressure gradient that facilitates rather than impedes blood flow to the foot.
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied continuously to squeeze the limb, then fluid movement within the limb is enhanced, but discomfort occurs and tissue damage may result
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies pressure in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Each compartment is inflated to a therapeutic pressure level, maintained for a controlled duration, and then deflated. This periodic action allows tissue to recover between pressure applications, preventing discomfort and tissue damage while still achieving effective fluid movement and blood flow enhancement during the pressurized phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure application is dynamically controlled through sequential inflation and deflation of individual compartments. The system can adjust pressure levels, inflation duration, and sequencing patterns to optimize therapeutic effect while minimizing adverse effects. This dynamic control allows pressure to be applied only where and when needed, rather than continuous high pressure across the entire limb.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single compartment is used to compress the limb, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot provide gradient compression and may allow fluid to exit proximally opposite to the goal
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple sequentially arranged compartments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the creation of a pressure gradient where proximal compartments inflate before distal compartments, and deflate after them. This gradient compression pattern ensures that fluid is pushed distally through the limb rather than allowing proximal escape, significantly enhancing blood flow to the foot while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
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 effectively enhances arterial blood flow, promotes wound healing, and allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment to improve circulation and tissue health, overcoming the limitations of prior devices by delivering cardiosynchronized sequential and gradient compression.
Implementation Method 1
an electrocardiograph to detect signals from the heart
Implementation Method 2
a series of inflatable cells... to apply a sequential gradient arterial pulse wave... to enhance arterial blood flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The system of the present invention uses inputs from EKG and PPG signals of blood flow at the end of the limb. To maximizes the PPG signal the system opens a series of valves in sequence, to inflate corresponding sequentially located cells wrapped circumferentially around the limb so that the most proximal cell inflates first, and its neighbor is inflated next. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the valves so that when opened, fluid enters the air cells and inflates them, compressing the underlying limb sequentially, from proximal to distal, to push blood downstream. Negative pressure wound treatment is used in combination with compression or separately therefrom.