Vacuum Extremity Device for Vascular Access and Thermal Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for regulating body temperature and preventing thermal maladies such as hypothermia and deep vein thrombosis are inadequate, as they fail to effectively increase blood flow to venous plexuses and Arteriovenous Anastomoses, leading to inefficient heat exchange and increased risk of clot formation.
Innovation Solution
A device that applies vacuum or negative pressure to an extremity to increase blood flow by conforming to the surface and providing thermal exchange units for heat regulation, allowing for improved contact and perfusion, and optionally includes mechanical compression to enhance blood return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional methods are used to regulate body temperature, then thermal control is provided, but blood flow to venous plexuses and Arteriovenous Anastomoses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts between two operational modes: thermal control mode for temperature regulation and blood flow enhancement mode for increasing perfusion to venous plexuses and AVAs. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize between temperature control and blood flow productivity based on clinical needs
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single system: temperature regulation, blood flow enhancement, and vascular access facilitation. The same device structure serves both thermal control purposes and hemodynamic enhancement purposes, particularly targeting the venous plexuses and AVAs in extremities
2Temperature
If conventional thermal control methods are used, then heat exchange is provided, but heat exchange efficiency is insufficient due to poor blood perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies negative pressure or mechanical compression before or during thermal procedures to pre-enhance blood flow to the target area. This preliminary blood flow enhancement ensures that when thermal exchange is subsequently applied, adequate blood perfusion is already present to facilitate efficient heat transfer to and from the venous plexuses and AVAs
3Ease of operation
If standard vascular access procedures are used, then catheter insertion is attempted, but access to vessels is difficult due to vasoconstriction
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically modifies the vascular state from constricted to dilated by applying negative pressure or mechanical compression. This dynamic change in vascular tone transforms the stability of the vasoconstricted state, making vessels more accessible for catheter insertion while maintaining the ability to return to baseline state after the procedure
4Productivity
If negative pressure is applied to increase blood flow, then perfusion to venous plexuses and AVAs is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs pneumatic mechanisms (vacuum application) to generate negative pressure within the extremity enclosure. This pneumatic approach provides controlled blood flow enhancement through venous plexuses and AVAs while using well-established engineering principles to manage the complexity of the pressure application system
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 blood flow and heat exchange, reducing the risk of thermal maladies and deep vein thrombosis by enhancing vasodilation and venous blood return, while also facilitating interventional procedures by improving vascular access.
Implementation Method 1
disposing a thermal exchange unit in thermal contact with the extremity positioned within the internal region
Implementation Method 2
applying a vacuum or negative pressure to an extremity to increase blood flow
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally include methods and/or devices for increasing blood flow, controlling the vasodilatation of a patient's vascular structure, regulating the temperature of a portion of a mammal, and for improving various interventional procedures and/or therapeutic techniques. The device may also include one or more access ports, or apertures, that allow access to portions of the mammal's extremity to allow interventional type medical devices, therapeutic devices, surgical support equipment or patient monitoring devices to have access to the extremity on which a body element is disposed. The device may also be configured to allow other supporting components, which may include IV or other catheters, a means of accessing to a portion of the extremity positioned inside the temperature regulating device. In one configuration the device comprises flexible materials that are adapted to conform to the surface of the extremity disposed in the device when a vacuum pressure is applied to an internal region of the device.