Thermal Therapy Wrap With Pressure Feedback for Uniform Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal therapy devices for treating specific body regions suffer from uneven temperature distribution due to concave and convex body regions, leading to localized thermal insulation and ineffective treatment outcomes, particularly exacerbating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and hand-foot syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer device with a flexible material and pressure mechanism to maintain uniform contact pressure, using a temperature control fluid and sensors to ensure an approximately uniform temperature across the treated region, minimizing air pockets and enhancing thermal uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal therapy device is used to treat a selected region of the body, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but uneven temperature distribution occurs due to concave and convex body regions causing localized thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer device incorporates a pressure unit with adjustable pressure distribution that adapts to different body topographies. The pressure distribution is optimized locally to ensure uniform contact pressure across concave and convex regions, thereby eliminating localized thermal insulation and achieving uniform temperature distribution throughout the treated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature distribution on the body surface and feed this information back to the control device. The control device adjusts the heating power and pressure unit operation in real-time to compensate for uneven heat transfer, ensuring uniform temperature distribution despite variations in body geometry.
2Reliability
If conventional thermal therapy devices are used, then treatment is provided, but chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and hand-foot syndrome are exacerbated due to ineffective treatment outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables precise control of thermal parameters including temperature magnitude, spatial distribution, and temporal profile. By optimizing these parameters to achieve uniform and controlled heating, the treatment enhances its efficacy in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and hand-foot syndrome, thereby improving overall treatment reliability.
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 solution achieves uniform temperature distribution, reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects by minimizing thermal insulation and maintaining consistent thermal therapy, thereby improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer device (2), which is arranged for the transfer of heat to the selected region of the body, and which is further arranged to temper the heat transfer device (2) with a heat transferring temperature control fluid flowing through the heat transfer device (2)
Implementation Method 2
A heat transfer device with a flexible material and pressure mechanism to maintain uniform contact pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for thermal therapy of a selected region of a human or animal body, particularly for treating tissue damage after surgery, injuries, inflammation, chronic rheumatic conditions, and for supporting chemotherapy. The system includes a temperature control device that circulates a temperature-controlled fluid through a heat transfer unit configured for uniform skin contact, and a pressure device to optimize thermal transfer. During chemotherapy, the device maintains the selected region, such as hands or feet, at a target temperature to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN). Sensors monitor temperature and pressure, enabling feedback control for consistent therapy. Methods include fitting the device to the patient, adjusting pressure, and maintaining even skin cooling throughout chemotherapy, thereby improving patient comfort, reducing adverse side effects, and supporting adherence to treatment. The invention provides improved outcomes in thermal therapy applications.