Wearable Pneumatic Limb Compression Device with Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression devices for treating venous leg ulcers, such as elastic bandages and pneumatic devices, face issues with inconsistent pressure application, patient compliance, and aesthetic and mobility concerns, leading to inadequate treatment and prolonged healing times.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wearable pneumatic compression device with an inflatable sleeve, pressure sensors, and a control system that monitors and adjusts pressure, detects sleeve placement, and stores usage data, allowing for precise compression profiles and improved patient compliance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic bandages are used for compression therapy, then the patient can be mobile and treated at home, but the pressure generated is not measured and depends on the skill of the health care professional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual elastic bandaging with an automated pneumatic compression system that uses a pump and inflatable cuff to apply controlled pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for manual pressure application while enabling precise pressure measurement through integrated sensors, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors and a control system that continuously monitor and adjust the compression pressure applied to the limb. This feedback mechanism ensures that the prescribed pressure is maintained accurately throughout treatment, solving the problem of unmeasured and inconsistent pressure in elastic bandages while maintaining patient mobility and home treatment capability.
2Ease of operation
If compression stockings are used, then the patient can be mobile and treated at home, but compliance with treatment is difficult to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a microprocessor-controlled system with memory that automatically records treatment parameters including pressure levels, duration of application, and number of compression cycles. This automated data collection and storage eliminates the need for patient self-reporting, providing objective compliance information to healthcare professionals while maintaining patient mobility and home treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a portable controller unit with display and memory as an intermediary between the compression mechanism and the healthcare professional. This device automatically captures and stores treatment data, serving as a mediator that transfers compliance information from the patient-side device to the healthcare provider without requiring direct patient involvement or manual recording.
3Measurement precision
If pneumatic compression devices are used, then pressure is more readily controlled and monitored, but the device is large, heavy and requires professional supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression device into separate functional modules: an inflatable cuff for compression, a portable pump for pressure generation, and a microprocessor-controlled unit for monitoring and data storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity and size while maintaining precise pressure control and monitoring capabilities suitable for home use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated operation through a microprocessor-controlled system that autonomously manages compression cycles, pressure regulation, and data recording without requiring professional supervision. The device self-regulates treatment parameters based on programmed protocols, eliminating the need for continuous medical oversight while maintaining accurate pressure control and comprehensive monitoring.
4Reliability
If known pneumatic devices are used, then effective treatment is provided, but the thick cuffs affect patient mobility and are aesthetically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible inflatable cuff made of elastic material that conforms closely to the limb contour. This thin-film design replaces the thick rigid cuffs of traditional pneumatic devices, maintaining effective compression capability while significantly improving patient mobility, comfort, and aesthetic appearance for home use.
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 ensures accurate and consistent pressure application, enhances patient compliance by providing usage data to healthcare professionals, and offers adjustable settings for comfort, reducing the risk of inadequate treatment and promoting faster healing.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic compression device more suitable for home use... the inflatable cuff or cuffs are easy to apply to the patient's leg... the pump which produces the compression can supply fluid to the cuffs
Data Source
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AI summary
A compression device for a limb of a patient comprises an inflatable sleeve (2) arranged to surround the limb and a conduit (10) attached to the sleeve (2) arranged to deliver fluid to the sleeve (2). The device also comprises a control system arranged to control fluid flow in the device and a memory (30) arranged to store gathered data relating to use of the device.