U.S. patent application number 10/633164 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for method of treating deep vein thrombosis.
Invention is credited to Belzidsky, Hugues C..
Application Number | 20050165463 10/633164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115820 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050165463 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Belzidsky, Hugues C. |
July 28, 2005 |
Method of treating deep vein thrombosis
Abstract
A method of treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user
includes applying a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the
limb of the user so that portions of the user's limb extend from
opposite open ends of the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve;
allowing the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to
the limb and adhere to the limb over the area of the user's limb
where the deep vein thrombosis resides through negligible
compression suction adhesion; heating up the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve with a user's body heat so that the user barely
notices the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's
limb; and treating the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve on the limb of the user over the area
of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides. The
treatment sleeve may also be used for treating a ligament or muscle
injury in a joint of a user.
Inventors: |
Belzidsky, Hugues C.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PROCOPIO, CORY, HARGREAVES & SAVITCH LLP
530 B STREET
SUITE 2100
SAN DIEGO
CA
92101
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 0033392 A1 |
February 10, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
34115820 |
Appl. No.: |
10/633164 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/107 20130101;
A61F 13/101 20130101; A61F 13/08 20130101; A61F 13/066 20130101;
A61F 7/02 20130101; A61F 13/06 20130101; A61F 13/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/108 |
International
Class: |
A61F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user,
comprising: providing a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve
having a generally tubular configuration with at least one open end
in use and configured to apply negligible compressive engagement to
the limb of the user disposed thereon; applying the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the limb of the user over the area
of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides and a
portion of the user's limb extends from at least one open end of
the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve; allowing the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to the limb and adhere to
the limb over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein
thrombosis resides through negligible compression suction adhesion;
heating up the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve with the body
heat of the user until the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve
reaches the body temperature of the limb the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is applied to so that the user barely notices the
deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's limb; treating
the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein thrombosis treatment
sleeve on the limb of the user over the area of the user's limb
where the deep vein thrombosis resides.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is made of urethane.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is made of polyurethane.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is made of polyether-based aromatic
polyurethane.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is made of an elastic silicone material with
negligible compression at body temperature while adhering naturally
to the user's skin.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is made of an elastic silicone material with
negligible compression at body temperature while adhering naturally
to the user's skin.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is provided in a flat sheet of material prior to
application onto the limb, and is wrapped around the limb.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve includes opposite open ends.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein one of the opposite open ends of
the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve is larger than the
other.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the opposite open ends are
substantially the same size.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the limb is a leg.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the limb is an arm.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the limb includes at least one
joint that the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve is applied to,
and at body temperature the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve
does not interfere with flexion of the at least one joint.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve has a truncated conical configuration.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is a narrow band.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is reinforced with a cloth reinforcement.
17. The method of claim 1, further including removing the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve, and symptoms of the deep vein
thrombosis not returning for a period of time after the removing
the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the period of time that the
symptoms of the deep vein thrombosis do not return after removing
the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve increases with increases
in the amount of time that the deep vein thrombosis treatment
sleeve is applied, and the method further includes increasing the
amount of time that the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve is
applied to the limb before removing the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve to increase the period of time that the symptoms
of the deep vein thrombosis do not return after removing the deep
vein thrombosis treatment sleeve.
19. A method of treating a ligament or muscle injury in a joint of
a user, comprising: providing a treatment sleeve having a generally
tubular configuration with at least one open end in use and
configured to apply negligible compressive engagement to the joint
of the user disposed thereon; applying the treatment sleeve onto
the joint of the user where the ligament or muscle injury resides,
the joint being at least one of a knee, an ankle, an elbow, and a
wrist of the user; allowing the treatment sleeve to conform to the
joint and adhere to the joint over the area of the ligament or
muscle injury through negligible compression suction adhesion;
heating up the treatment sleeve with the body heat of the user
until the treatment sleeve reaches the body temperature of the
joint the treatment sleeve is applied to so that the user barely
notices the treatment sleeve on the user's joint; treating the
ligament or muscle injury in the joint with the treatment sleeve on
the joint of the user over the area of the user's joint where the
ligament or muscle injury resides.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein at body temperature the
treatment sleeve does not interfere with flexion of the joint.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to therapeutic
medical devices and methods, and, in particular, to devices and
methods for treating deep vein thrombosis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
constitute major health problems in the United States. It has been
estimated that 300,000 to 600,000 hospitalizations a year are
attributable to DVT and PE conditions. Venous thromboembolism is
also a significant risk in surgical patient populations where
preoperative, operative and postoperative immobilization with
concomitant loss of venous pump function causes blood stasis.
[0003] The use of prophylactic antithrombotic drugs for preventing
DVT are known to the art. However, the efficacy of prophylactic
administration of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents has been
disputed, and is certainly not absolute. An alternative approach,
attractive because of its freedom from hemorrhagic side effects, is
the use of specially fitted compression stockings designed to treat
or help prevent blood clots from developing in deep leg veins.
These stockings are available from a medical supply store with a
doctor's prescription or over the counter at some pharmacies. There
are generally two types of compression stockings used for deep leg
vein thrombosis. The type recommended will usually be based upon
one of two treatment goals: 1) to relieve symptoms associated with
existing deep leg vein thrombosis, especially swelling and pain,
and prevent postthrombotic syndrome. This type of stocking may also
help prevent additional clots from forming, although this is not
its primary function. Compression stockings for existing deep leg
vein thrombosis are expensive, usually around $150 per pair. 2) To
reduce the risk of developing deep leg vein thrombosis in people
who are at high risk. This kind of compression stocking is less
expensive than those used to help treat existing deep leg vein
thrombosis.
[0004] Compression stockings are tight at the feet with a gradually
looser fit on the leg (graduated compression). They are as thick as
two pairs of regular panty hose and cover the leg from the arch of
your foot to just below or above your knee. Compression stockings
are also available as a panty hose or trouser socks.
[0005] Compression stockings have disadvantages. The compressive
nature of the stockings make them uncomfortable to wear, especially
when worn all day. They are hot and may be difficult to put on,
especially for older adults, overweight people, and people with
arthritis. Also, many medical professionals do not believe
compression stockings are useful to treat deep leg vein
thrombosis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, an aspect of the invention involves a deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve and method of treating deep vein
thrombosis in a limb of a user where a deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve made of materials such as, but not limited to,
urethane, polyurethane, or polyether-based aromatic polyurethane is
applied to and maintained in position on a limb of a user suffering
from deep vein thrombosis over the area where the deep vein
thrombosis exists through negligible compressive suction adhesion
to treat deep vein thrombosis without the discomfort suffered by
compression stocking users.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention involves a method of
treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user. The method
includes providing a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve having a
generally tubular configuration with at least one open end in use
and configured to apply negligible compressive engagement to the
limb of the user disposed thereon; applying the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the limb of the user over the area
of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides and a
portion of the user's limb extends from at least one open end of
the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve; allowing the deep vein
thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to the limb and adhere to
the limb over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein
thrombosis resides through negligible compression suction adhesion;
heating up the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve with the body
heat of the user until the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve
reaches the body temperature of the limb the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve is applied to so that the user barely notices the
deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's limb; and
treating the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein thrombosis
treatment sleeve on the limb of the user over the area of the
user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides.
[0008] A further aspect of the invention involves a method of
treating a ligament or muscle injury in a joint of a user. The
method includes providing a treatment sleeve having a generally
tubular configuration with at least one open end in use and
configured to apply negligible compressive engagement to the joint
of the user disposed thereon; applying the treatment sleeve onto
the joint of the user where the ligament or muscle injury resides,
the joint being at least one of a knee, an ankle, an elbow, and a
wrist of the user; allowing the treatment sleeve to conform to the
joint and adhere to the joint over the area of the ligament or
muscle injury through negligible compression suction adhesion;
heating up the treatment sleeve with the body heat of the user
until the treatment sleeve reaches the body temperature of the
joint the treatment sleeve is applied to so that the user barely
notices the treatment sleeve on the user's joint; and treating the
ligament or muscle injury in the joint with the treatment sleeve on
the joint of the user over the area of the user's joint where the
ligament or muscle injury resides.
[0009] Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those
skilled in the art after a review of the drawings and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a treatment
sleeve that may be used for treating deep vein thrombosis and the
associated pain.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a leg of a user and
illustrates areas of the leg where the treatment sleeve may be
applied for treating deep vein thrombosis or an injury area and the
associated pain.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of an arm of a user and
illustrates injury areas of the arm where the treatment sleeve may
be applied for treating deep vein thrombosis or an injury area and
the associated pain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a treatment
sleeve 100 and associated method for treating deep vein thrombosis
and the associated pain in a user's leg, arm, or pelvis will now be
described. Although the treatment sleeve 100 will initially be
described for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, the treatment
sleeve 100 may be used to treat other complications such as, but
not limited to, sports injuries, ligament sprains or tears, muscle
strains or tears, pain areas, carpal tunnel syndrome; joint
injuries in the legs and other areas of the body, and other related
injuries.
[0014] In the embodiment shown, the treatment sleeve 100 has a
generally tubular shape, and, more specifically, a generally
truncated conical shape sized and configured to snugly conform to
the shape of a lower leg 105 (FIG. 2) or an arm 200 (FIG. 3) of a
wearer. The treatment sleeve 100 has a larger diameter circular
open end 110 and a smaller diameter circular open end 120 connected
by a generally conical main body portion 130 of a uniform
elasticity. The treatment sleeve 100 has a thickness T that
preferably ranges between 1.5 mm-6 mm and a length L that
preferably ranges from 12 cm (e.g., a narrow band) to the distance
between the end of a user's foot and the ischium; however, in
alternative embodiments, the treatment sleeve 100 has a thickness T
and/or length L outside of this range.
[0015] The treatment sleeve 100 is preferably injection molded and
made of a resiliently stretchable non-compressive material that
naturally adheres to the skin of the wearer with negligible
compression on the skin of the wearer. As used herein, "negligible
compression" means at body temperature the treatment sleeve 100
does not interfere with any blood flow of the user. The material of
the treatment sleeve 100 is advantageously soft at body
temperature, conforms and adheres to the shape of the body part
thereunder through non-compressive suction adhesion to maintain the
sleeve in position upon the body part with negligible compression
and without restricting blood flow and shifting of the treatment
sleeve 100 during movement or physical activity. Exemplary
materials that may be used for the treatment sleeve 100 are
urethane or polyurethane. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 100
is made of a polyether-based aromatic polyurethane material. The
urethane or polyurethane material has excellent memory which
enables the sleeve 100 to return to its original shape or the shape
of the body part hereunder while applying negligible compressive
forces on the user's skin after stretching. Although the treatment
sleeve 100 is described as preferably being made of polyurethane or
urethane, in alternative embodiments, the treatment sleeve 100 may
be made of an elastic silicone or another material that is elastic,
provides negligible compression at body temperature, and adheres to
the skin of the user naturally. The material of the sleeve 100 may
be optionally reinforced with a cloth reinforcement that does not
interfere with the elasticity of the sleeve 100.
[0016] When the treatment sleeve 100 is applied over a joint (e.g.,
knee, elbow, wrist, ankle) and is at body temperature, the sleeve
100 does not interfere with flexion of the joint.
[0017] Although the treatment sleeve 100 is shown as having a
generally tubular construction with two open ends 110, 120, in
alternative embodiments, the treatment sleeve 100 may have an open
end 110 and a closed end 120 (e.g., the closed end may be snug
around the user's toes in a foot application), the treatment sleeve
100 may have an open end 110 and a closed end 120 with
substantially the same size or diameter, or the treatment sleeve
100 may have other configurations or the treatment sleeve 100 may
be made of a flat piece or sheet of material that is wrapped
circumferentially around the user's leg 105 or other body part. For
example, in such an embodiment, opposite end portions of the flat
piece of material may include respective hook fasteners and loop
fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) to connect the opposite end portions
for circumferential attachment of the treatment sleeve 100 around
the user's leg 105 or other body part.
[0018] To treat deep leg vein thrombosis, the treatment sleeve 100
is applied to the user's leg 105 over the location of the deep leg
vein thrombosis. The user's foot is inserted through the larger
diameter circular open end 110, fed through the generally conical
main body portion 130, and inserted out through the smaller
diameter circular open end 120, similar to feeding one's leg
through the leg of one's pants when putting on one's pants. The
treatment sleeve 100 is then pulled up the user's leg 105 to the
location of the deep vein thrombosis. It should be noted that when
applying the treatment sleeve to the user's leg 105, the treatment
sleeve 100 is elastically stretched. When the treatment sleeve is
in position over the location of the deep vein thrombosis, the
memory of the elastic treatment sleeve 100 enables the sleeve 100
to conform to the shape of the user's leg 105. The user's body
heats the treatment sleeve 100 up to the temperature of the user's
body in approximately 10-15 minutes. Once the treatment sleeve 100
is at body temperature, the treatment sleeve 100 is advantageously
soft, conforming and adhering to the shape of the user's leg
thereunder through non-compressive suction adhesion to maintain the
sleeve 100 in position upon the user's leg with negligible
compression and without restricting blood flow in the leg 105. In
this position, the treatment sleeve 100 creates a sealed
environment around the target deep vein thrombosis or pain area
without an adhesive such as glue and with negligible compression.
In this condition, the treatment sleeve 100 also takes on the feel
of another layer of skin to the user so that the user barely
notices or does not notice the treatment sleeve 100. Application of
the treatment sleeve 100 causes the pain, swelling, and other
symptoms from deep vein thrombosis in the leg 105 to subside.
Because of the negligible compression of the treatment sleeve 100
and skin-like feel that the treatment sleeve 100 takes on after the
body warms it to body temperature, the treatment sleeve 100 can be
worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The user may
remove the treatment sleeve 100 from the leg 105, in an opposite
manner to that described above for applying the treatment sleeve
100 to the leg 105, similar to removing one's pant leg of one's
pants when taking off one's pants. It has been determined that the
user continues not to feel pain from deep vein thrombosis or the
pain is minimized for a period of time after the treatment sleeve
100 is removed from the user's leg 105. Further, the period of time
that the user does not feel pain, swelling or other symptoms from
deep vein thrombosis after removing the treatment sleeve 100
increases the longer the treatment sleeve 100 is applied to the
user's leg 105.
[0019] The treatment sleeve 100 may be applied to one or more of a
lower leg area 140, a knee area 150, an upper leg area 160, a bicep
area 170, an elbow area 180, and a forearm/wrist area 190 for
treating deep vein thrombosis or for treating other complications.
Although the treatment sleeve 100 has been described for the
treatment of deep vein thrombosis, the treatment sleeve 100 may be
used to treat other complications such as, but not limited to,
sports injuries, ligament sprains or tears, muscle strains or
tears, pain areas, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint injuries in
the legs and other areas of the body. Similar to that described
above for treating deep vein thrombosis, it has been determined
that the user continues not to feel pain from the sports injury,
ligament sprain, etc. or the pain is minimized for a period of time
after the treatment sleeve 100 is removed from the user's limb.
Further, the period of time that the user does not-feel pain or
other symptoms from the sports injury, ligament sprain, etc. after
removing the treatment sleeve 100 increases the longer the
treatment sleeve 100 is applied to the user's limb.
[0020] It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that
still further changes and modifications in the actual concepts
described herein can readily be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *