Integrated Thermal Compression Blanket for DVT Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical therapies for preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lack refinement, particularly in the integration of thermal and compression treatments, which are essential for effective prophylaxis and post-surgical recovery.
Innovation Solution
A programmable thermal and compression system that includes a control unit capable of heating and cooling a heat-transfer liquid within a specific temperature range and providing compressed air, combined with a thermal-treatment blanket and compressive-therapy device, to facilitate both thermal therapy and pneumatic compression for DVT prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pneumatic compression is used for DVT prevention, then prophylaxis effectiveness is improved, but treatment versatility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines external pneumatic compression (EPC) with thermal therapy (heating and cooling) into a single integrated system. The compression device includes inflatable chambers that can simultaneously apply mechanical compression and thermal treatment through integrated heating elements or thermal fluid circulation, allowing both therapies to be delivered concurrently or sequentially through the same device interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical compression for DVT prevention, thermal heating for vasodilation and pain relief, thermal cooling for inflammation reduction, and programmable control for different treatment protocols. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate therapies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal therapy is added to compression treatment, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal therapy components directly into the compression device structure. Heating elements are embedded within the compression chambers, and thermal fluid circulation pathways are incorporated into the device housing, eliminating the need for separate thermal therapy equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple therapy modes (compression, heating, cooling) through a single programmable interface. The same microprocessor and sensor array that control compression timing and pressure also regulate thermal parameters, allowing unified control logic to manage complex multi-therapy operations without proportionally increasing control system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If programmable control is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable control system includes automated sensors that monitor patient response, compression effectiveness, and thermal comfort in real-time. The system automatically adjusts treatment parameters based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for constant manual intervention and allowing complex programmable sequences to execute autonomously, thereby justifying the added control complexity through reduced operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor treatment delivery and patient response, feeding this information back to the programmable controller. This feedback loop enables precise adjustment of compression pressure, thermal parameters, and treatment timing to optimize therapeutic outcomes while maintaining programmable control complexity at manageable levels through automated decision-making algorithms.
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 system effectively prevents DVT by providing versatile thermal and compression treatments, reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism and enhancing patient recovery by minimizing cell damage through controlled temperature and pressure application.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit adapted to heat and cool a heat-transfer liquid within about 37-105° F.
Implementation Method 2
a control unit adapted to heat and cool a heat-transfer liquid within about 37-105° F.
Implementation Method 3
provide compressed air at a pressure of at least 25 mmHg above ambient atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 4
a thermal-treatment blanket adapted for receipt of the transfer liquid from the control unit
Implementation Method 5
a compressive-therapy treatment device adapted to utilize the compressed air from the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A DVT and temperature therapy system. A temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. The DVT system functions independently of the temperature therapy. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).