Vibratory PAD Treatment Device Using Sinusoidal Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) management is challenging due to limited availability of supervised exercise programs and low patient compliance, with existing treatments like revascularization procedures having limitations, especially in severe cases and diabetic patients, and current methods do not effectively address the underlying vascular issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing three-dimensional sinusoidal vibration therapy (SVT) with frequencies between 15 to 75 Hz and amplitudes of 0.1 to 2 mm, applied to the affected limbs to improve blood circulation, combined with a controller to ensure patient compliance through programmed treatment regimes and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supervised exercise programs are implemented to improve blood circulation and walking distance, then patient health and mobility improve, but program availability is limited and patient compliance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of supervised exercise programs with a vibration-based therapeutic device that applies mechanical oscillations to the limb. This substitution eliminates the need for supervised exercise sessions and patient compliance, as the device can be used independently at home while still improving blood circulation and walking distance through vibrational stimulation of the vascular system.
2Reliability
If revascularization procedures such as angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery are performed to treat severe PAD, then blood flow to lower limb muscles improves, but the procedures are invasive and have limitations especially in diabetic patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-invasive, low-cost vibration therapy device that can be used repeatedly at home instead of expensive, invasive surgical procedures. The device delivers therapeutic vibrations through a simple applicator that contacts the skin, providing sustained blood flow improvement without surgical risks, making it particularly suitable for diabetic patients who are high-risk candidates for surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration device acts as an intermediary between the patient's own vascular system and the therapeutic goal of improved blood flow. Rather than directly opening blocked arteries through surgery, the device uses mechanical vibrations as a mediator to stimulate endothelial function, promote collateral circulation, and improve microvascular perfusion, achieving blood flow improvement through a gentler indirect mechanism.
3Reliability
If standard care guidelines recommend smoking cessation, exercise and pharmacological interventions for PAD management, then patient health improves, but these interventions require significant patient effort and time commitment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic vibrational stimulation delivered in structured sessions (e.g., 30 minutes, twice daily) to achieve therapeutic effects. This periodic action provides consistent blood flow improvement and symptom relief without requiring the extensive time commitment of supervised exercise programs (2 hours per week for 12 weeks), making it more feasible for patients with limited time or mobility.
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 SVT method significantly increases pain-free walking distance and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) in patients with PAD, improving limb circulation and reducing symptoms, with high patient compliance and potential reduction in the need for surgical revascularization.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having an eccentric weight mounted on its shaft and adapted to deliver mechanical vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15 and 75 Hz and with an amplitude in each orthogonal direction of between 0.1 and 2 mm
Implementation Method 2
The transmission of these vibrations into the tissues generate a range of mechanical forces and stresses on vascular endothelial cells, resulting in a vasodilatory response
Data Source
AI summary
A vibratory treatment device has a motor driving an output shaft on which is mounted an eccentric weight to create vibration of the motor as the shaft rotates. A frame is connected to the motor to which frame said vibrations are transmitted through the connection of the frame to the motor. A pad surrounds the frame and into which said vibrations of the frame are transmitted. The pad is applied to the affected limb or limbs of the patient and activated to cause vibrations of the motor to be transmitted through the frame and pad into the tissue of the patent's limb or limbs. The treatment is continued for a therapeutically effective period of time and repeated periodically.