U.S. patent application number 13/132417 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for compression device and control system for applying pressure to a limb of a living being.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medical Minds LLC. Invention is credited to Patrick E Eddy.
Application Number | 20110245743 13/132417 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42223463 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110245743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eddy; Patrick E |
October 6, 2011 |
COMPRESSION DEVICE AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR APPLYING PRESSURE TO A
LIMB OF A LIVING BEING
Abstract
A compression device (10) comprising an inflatable bladder (12),
an optional controller (14), a source of fluidic pressure (16), and
a cuff (18) at least partially housing the inflatable bladder and
capable of being attached to a body part (20) of a living being.
The controller is in fluid communication with the source of fluidic
pressure and the inflatable bladder. The controller is capable of
maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure
supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure,
even if the body part to which the device is attached decreases in
volume. The source of fluidic pressure can be container of
compressed fluid, like carbon dioxide. The source of fluidic
pressure and the controller can be removably attachable to the
cuff. A method of using the device to maintain constant pressure to
decrease the volume of a limb or to lessen lymphedema.
Inventors: |
Eddy; Patrick E; (Allendale,
MI) |
Assignee: |
Medical Minds LLC
|
Family ID: |
42223463 |
Appl. No.: |
13/132417 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 2, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/66367 |
371 Date: |
June 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61119235 |
Dec 2, 2008 |
|
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|
61221650 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/165 20130101;
A61H 2205/106 20130101; A61H 1/008 20130101; A61H 2201/5046
20130101; A61B 17/1355 20130101; A61H 9/0078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/151 |
International
Class: |
A61H 9/00 20060101
A61H009/00 |
Claims
1. A portable compression device comprising: an inflatable bladder;
a controller; a source of fluidic pressure; and a cuff at least
partially housing the inflatable bladder and capable of being
attached to a body part of a living being, the source of fluidic
pressure being releasably attached to the cuff; wherein: the
inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the controller;
the controller is in fluid communication with the source of fluidic
pressure; and the controller is capable of maintaining the fluid
pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the
inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure while the limb of a
body part is decreasing in volume.
2. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the source of fluidic
pressure is a container of compressed fluid.
3. The compression device of claim 2, wherein the compressed fluid
is carbon dioxide.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the cuff further
includes fasteners that are capable of assisting the attachment of
the cuff to the limb of a living being.
10. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the cuff comprises a
non-rigid base material.
11. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the cuff comprises a
rigid base material.
12. (canceled)
13. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the controller is
removably attachable to the cuff.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The compression device of claim 18, wherein the first constant
fluid pressure is different than the second constant fluid
pressure.
20. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the cuff further
comprises an antimicrobial substance.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. A method of using a compression device comprising: a.
presenting a portable compression device comprising: an inflatable
bladder; a controller; a source of fluidic pressure; a cuff at
least partially housing the inflatable bladder and capable of being
attached to a body part of a living being, the source of fluidic
pressure being releasably attached to the cuff; wherein the
inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the controller;
the controller is in fluid communication with the source of fluidic
pressure; and the controller is capable of maintaining the fluid
pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the
inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure; b. at least
partially surrounding a body part of a living being with the
compression device, the body part having an initial volume; and c.
using the source of fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable
bladder to a first fluid pressure; d. allowing the volume of the
body part to decrease from the initial volume to a second volume;
and e. using the controller to further inflate the inflatable
bladder to maintain the first fluid pressure.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. The method of claim 23, wherein: a. the compression device
further comprises a first valve and a second valve, wherein the
first valve is in fluidic communication with the first chamber and
the controller; wherein the second valve is in fluidic
communication with the second chamber and the controller; and
wherein the first valve and the second valve are separately
adjustable in order to maintain the fluid pressure that the source
of fluidic pressure supplies to the first chamber at a first
constant fluid pressure and to maintain the fluid pressure that the
source of fluidic pressure supplies to the second chamber at a
second constant fluid pressure; and b. the step of using the source
of fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable bladder to a first
fluid pressure comprising the steps of: i. using the source of
fluidic pressure to inflate the first chamber to a first fluid
pressure; and ii. using the source of fluidic pressure to inflate
the second chamber to a second fluid pressure; c. allowing the
volume of the body part to decrease from the initial volume to a
second volume; and d. further inflating the first chamber to
maintain the first fluid pressure and the second chamber to
maintain the second fluid pressure.
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. (canceled)
45. The method of claim 23, wherein the method is used for
decreasing lymphedema.
46. (canceled)
47. (canceled)
48. (canceled)
49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. (canceled)
52. (canceled)
53. (canceled)
54. (canceled)
55. (canceled)
56. (canceled)
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
61. (canceled)
62. (canceled)
63. (canceled)
64. (canceled)
65. (canceled)
66. (canceled)
67. The compression device of claim 1, wherein said cuff is
configured as a shoe at least partially housing the inflatable
bladder and capable of being attached to a foot of a living being,
wherein the controller is capable of maintaining the fluid pressure
that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the inflatable
bladder at a constant fluid pressure while the foot is decreasing
in volume.
68. The compression device of 67, the shoe comprising an ankle and
midfoot region, wherein the shoe at least partially houses the
inflatable bladder at the ankle and midfoot region.
69. (canceled)
70. (canceled)
71. A compression device comprising: a wrap comprising a first end
and a second end; a winding reel capable of receiving the first end
and the second end of the wrap; the winding reel attached to a
ratchet gear; a base supporting the winding reel; and a ratchet
lever attached to the base in ratchet communication with the
ratchet gear.
72. The compression device of 71, the ratchet gear including a
female slot to receive a male lever.
73. (canceled)
74. (canceled)
75. (canceled)
76. The method of claim 23, wherein the method is used for
decreasing the swelling of a body part.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein the body part of a living being
suffering from swelling is swelling caused by a surgical
procedure.
78. (canceled)
79. The compression device of claim 1, the controller further
comprising an antimicrobial substance.
80. (canceled)
81. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the source of
fluidic pressure is a pump.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/221,650, filed Jun. 30, 2009, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/119,235, filed Dec. 2, 2008. Both
said provisional applications are incorporated herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a device for
treating swelling of a body part. More specifically the present
invention relates to a compression device with either (i) a
mechanical wrap tightener or (ii) inflatable bladders and a control
system, for applying constant compressive pressure to a body part,
such as a limb, of a living being.
[0003] The present invention additionally relates to the methods of
using the compression device, including to lessen lymphedema and
the swelling arising from surgery. The inventive compression device
may be used to treat the swelling associated with any or all of the
following circulatory disorders: deep vein thrombosis (DVT),
lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, and
peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
[0004] Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that can form in a
person's legs and sometimes move to his or her lungs, where it
could potentially be fatal. DVT is usually caused by immobility.
DVT is commonly treated with compression devices.
[0005] DVT kills 200,000 Americans each year, more than AIDS and
breast cancer combined. 74% of Americans do not know of the
condition or symptoms. This little known condition hospitalizes
600,000 people each year. About 2 million people in the United
States have a pulmonary embolism each year and more than 10% die
from it. Nine out of ten cases of pulmonary embolism are caused by
blood clots that form in the legs and then travel to the lungs.
Most who die from DVT do so within 30-60 minutes after symptoms
start. Pulmonary embolisms occur equally in men and women. The risk
of having a pulmonary embolism doubles for every 10 years after the
age of 60.
[0006] Lymphedema is an abnormal build up of lymph fluid which
occurs when a lymph system becomes blocked or impaired. Usually,
the affected area involves an extremity. Lymphedema causes the
extremity to swell and become heavy and limited in mobility and
function. Lymphedema is commonly treated with compression devices.
Primary lymphedema is present at birth and effects 2,000,000 people
worldwide, effects 10 women to every 1 man, and effects 10 legs to
every 1 arm.
[0007] Secondary lymphedema is caused by scarring, injury to, or
removal of lymph nodes. Secondary lymphedema effects 25,000,000
people worldwide and 2.5 million in the United States.
[0008] Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where
blood pools in the veins of the lower legs. The veins return blood
to the heart from all the body's organs. To do this the calf
muscles and the muscles in the feet need to contract with each step
to squeeze the veins and push the blood upward. To keep the blood
flowing up, and not back down, the veins contain one-way valves.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when these valves become
damaged, allowing the blood to leak backward and pool. Massage
techniques are currently used for treatment, along with pressure
stockings and compression. Sometimes bypass surgery or valve repair
is required.
[0009] CVI is a significant public health problem in the United
States. About 2-5% of all Americans have change associated with
CVI. Approximately 24 million Americans have varicose veins and
approximately 6 million Americans have skin changes associated with
CVI. Venous stasis ulcers affect approximately 500,000 people. The
mean incidence for hospital admission for CVI is 92 per 100,000
admissions. CVI can lead to leg ulcers which can be severe and are
responsible for 100,000 cases of disability in the United States
alone. Incidences of CVI typically occur in women aged 40-49 and
men aged 70-79.
[0010] Varicose veins are swollen veins that you can see through
the skin. They often look blue, bulging, and twisted. Left
untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time. Large varicose
veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue as well as skin
changes like rashes, redness, and sores. There are three kinds of
veins in a person's legs: the superficial veins, which lie closest
to the skin, the deep veins, which lie in groups of muscles, and
perforating veins, which connect the superficial veins to the deep
veins. The deep veins lead to the vena cava, the body's largest
vein, which runs directly to the heart. Varicose veins occur in the
superficial veins in your legs.
[0011] When a person is in the upright position, the blood in his
or her leg veins must work against gravity to return to the heart.
To accomplish this, the leg muscles squeeze the deep veins of the
legs and feet. One-way flaps, called valves, in the veins keep
blood flowing in the right direction. When the leg muscles
contract, the valves inside the veins open. When the legs relax,
the valves close. This prevents blood from flowing in reverse, back
down the legs. The entire process of sending blood back to the
heart is called the venous pump. Varicose veins are commonly
treated with compression devices, sclerotherapy, ablation, laser
treatment, or vein stripping.
[0012] As many as 40 million Americans, most of them women, have
varicose veins. Fifty percent of all women will suffer from
varicose veins by their mid-50's.
[0013] When the arteries in the legs become blocked, the legs do
not receive enough blood or oxygen. This may be due to a condition
called peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes called leg artery
disease. PAD is commonly treated by lifestyle changes, compression
devices, medication, exercise, angioplasty/stenting, bypass
surgery, endarterectomy, or amputation. One in three people age 70
or older has PAD. PAD affects about 8 million Americans. Persons
with PAD also have four to five times higher risk of a heart attack
or stroke.
[0014] The above conditions affect tens of millions of people. One
common treatment opportunity is using compression devices.
Currently there are several antiquated and differing compression
devices for each condition.
[0015] In addition, surgical procedures on a body part often cause
the body part to swell. For example, a surgeon may remove a vein
from a leg to use the vein in a heart bypass surgery. The removal
of the vein can be achieved by making small incisions in the thigh
to access and remove the vein. The surgery would cause swelling in
the thigh.
[0016] The inventor has recognized that the embodiments of the
compression devices disclosed herein can treat all of these
conditions. In addition, the compression devices disclosed herein
can be used for preventative purposes, such as when the user has to
sit for a long period of time, like on an airplane. In addition,
the compression device disclosed herein can be used in sports
medicine, as a circulatory assistant (a) to improve removal of
lactic acid after a workout by improving circulation; (b) to
promote healing and recovery time after workouts by minimizing
muscle micro-hemorrhaging; (c) to increase circulation to reduce
blood pooling and provide nourishment and oxygen to stressed
muscles; and (d) to reduce the chance for cramping.
[0017] One prior art compression device is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,786,879. This device includes a control unit that includes an
air compressor and a valve manifold that is controlled by a
microprocessor. The microprocessor may control the valves in
several different operating modes. The operating mode is selected
depending upon the different compression sleeves to which the
control unit is connected. Up to two compression sleeves may be
simultaneously connected to the control unit where each compression
sleeve may have four chambers. Eight valves in the control unit are
coupled to the four chambers of each of the two compression sleeves
using eight tubes. With four tubes running to each compression
sleeve, there is an increased likelihood of getting the tubes
tangled or pinched. Each of the valves is discreetly electrically
coupled to the microprocessor. Different compression sleeves are
used for each form of treatment.
[0018] The compression devices described herein, when attached to a
body part (such as a limb) of a living being and inflated to apply
pressure to the body part, will cause the body part to decrease in
volume (that is, to shrink). However, unlike prior art devices, the
compression device described herein allows automatic or manual
readjustment of the level of inflation to maintain the pressure
applied to the body part at a constant pressure (to allow continued
application of pressure, to cause additional shrinkage of the body
part).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Described herein are several embodiments of an apparatus
that can compress a body part of a living being (such as a limb),
for example, to decrease the volume of the body part. A method of
using the apparatus to compress a body part of a living being, for
the same reason, is additionally described herein. A method of
using the apparatus to contain and lessen lymphedema is described
herein. A method of using the apparatus to contain and lessen
swelling arising from surgery is described herein.
[0020] More specifically, described herein is a compression device
comprising an inflatable bladder, a controller, a source of fluidic
pressure, and a cuff at least partially housing the inflatable
bladder and capable of being attached to a body part of a living
being. The inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the
controller. The controller is in fluid communication with the
source of fluidic pressure. The controller is capable of
maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure
supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure,
even while the body part is decreasing in volume, so that a
constant pressure is applied to the body part. The controller can
be electronic, with sensors and a programmable logic controller, or
a manually adjustable valve (including a relief valve) on the
source of fluidic pressure.
[0021] The source of fluidic pressure can be a container of
compressed fluid. The compressed fluid can be, among others, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the noble gases such as helium,
argon, neon, xenon, and krypton. In such a case, the container of
compressed fluid can be removably attachable to the cuff.
Alternatively, the source of fluidic pressure can be a connection
in a health care facility. Alternatively, the source of fluidic
pressure can be a pump that transforms human force into fluid
pressure.
[0022] The cuff can further include fasteners that are capable of
assisting the attachment of the cuff to the body part of a living
being. The cuff can be made from a non-rigid base material or a
rigid base material. The controller can be removably attachable to
the cuff, as well.
[0023] The compression device can further include a pressure gauge
that measures the fluid pressure within the inflatable bladder and
provides a display of the measured fluid pressure. The display of
the measured fluid pressure can be a digital display. Alternatively
or additionally, the display of the measured fluid pressure can be
a dial pressure gauge. The pressure gauge can be housed together
with the controller.
[0024] The inflatable bladder can optionally have chambers, such as
a first chamber and a second chamber, although the inflatable
bladder could have any number of chambers. The chambers are in
separate fluidic communication with the controller, a separate
valve separating each chamber from the controller. For example, the
compression device could comprise a first valve and a second valve,
wherein the first valve is in fluidic communication with the first
chamber and the controller and the second valve is in fluidic
communication with the second chamber and the controller. The
controller is capable of separately controlling the valves (such
as, the first valve and the second valve) in order to maintain the
fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the
first chamber at a first constant fluid pressure and to maintain
the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to
the second chamber at a second constant fluid pressure.
Alternatively, the valves can be manually adjusted to reach the
same objective. The first constant fluid pressure can be different
than the second constant fluid pressure.
[0025] The cuff and controller can each further include an
antimicrobial substance. The antimicrobial substance can be capable
of emitting ions that aid in the destruction of a microbe.
[0026] The compression device can further include a relief valve in
fluidic communication with the inflatable bladder.
[0027] As an alternative to a cuff, the compression device can
comprise an inflatable bladder, a controller, a source of fluidic
pressure, and a shoe at least partially housing the inflatable
bladder and capable of being attached to a foot of a living being.
The inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the
controller. The controller is in fluid communication with the
source of fluidic pressure. The controller is capable of
maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure
supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure
while the foot is decreasing in volume. The shoe can at least
partially house the inflatable bladder at the ankle and midfoot
region, where swelling is most likely to occur. The source of
fluidic pressure can be a container of compressed fluid or a pump
that transforms human force into fluid pressure. The shoe can be
worn with the cuff and the inflatable bladder in the shoe can be in
fluidic communication with the same source of fluidic pressure as
the inflatable bladder in the cuff, and controlled as if it were a
separate chamber as described above.
[0028] Additionally described herein is a method of using a
compression device including using the compression device (i) to
decrease lymphedema or (ii) to decrease the swelling caused by a
surgical procedure comprising (a) presenting a compression device
including an inflatable bladder, a controller, a source of fluidic
pressure, a cuff at least partially housing the inflatable bladder
and capable of being attached to a body part of a living being,
wherein the inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the
controller, the controller is in fluid communication with the
source of fluidic pressure, and the controller is capable of
maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure
supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure;
(b) at least partially surrounding a body part of a living being
(including a body part suffering from lymphedema, whether
self-diagnosed or professionally-diagnosed, and a body part
suffering from swelling caused by a surgical procedure) with the
compression device, the body part having an initial volume, (c)
using the source of fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable
bladder to a first fluid pressure, (d) allowing the volume of the
body part to decrease from the initial volume to a second volume,
and (e) using the controller to further inflate the inflatable
bladder to maintain the first fluid pressure.
[0029] The source of fluidic pressure can be a container of
compressed fluid. The compressed fluid can be, among others, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the noble gases such as helium,
argon, neon, xenon, and krypton. In such a case, the container of
compressed fluid can be removably attachable to the cuff.
Alternatively, the source of fluidic pressure can be a connection
in a health care facility. Alternatively, the source of fluidic
pressure can be a pump that transforms human force into fluid
pressure.
[0030] The cuff can further include fasteners that are capable of
assisting the attachment of the cuff to the body part of a living
being. The cuff can be made from a non-rigid base material or a
rigid base material. The controller can be removably attachable to
the cuff, as well.
[0031] The compression device can further include a pressure gauge
that measures the fluid pressure within the inflatable bladder and
provides a display of the measured fluid pressure. The display of
the measured fluid pressure can be a digital display. Alternatively
or additionally, the display of the measured fluid pressure can be
a dial pressure gauge. The pressure gauge can be housed together
with the controller.
[0032] The inflatable bladder can optionally have chambers, such as
a first chamber and a second chamber, although the inflatable
bladder could have any number of chambers. The chambers are in
separate fluidic communication with the controller, a separate
valve separating each chamber from the controller. For example, the
compression device could comprise a first valve and a second valve,
wherein the first valve is in fluidic communication with the first
chamber and the controller and the second valve is in fluidic
communication with the second chamber and the controller. The
controller can be capable of separately controlling the valves
(such as, the first valve and the second valve) in order to
maintain the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure
supplies to the first chamber at a first constant fluid pressure
and to maintain the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic
pressure supplies to the second chamber at a second constant fluid
pressure. Alternatively, the valves can be manually adjusted to
reach the same objective. The first constant fluid pressure can be
different than the second constant fluid pressure.
[0033] When the compression device includes inflatable bladder with
separate chambers, the step of using the source of fluidic pressure
to inflate the inflatable bladder to a first fluid pressure can
comprise the steps of (i) using the source of fluidic pressure to
inflate the first chamber to a first fluid pressure, and (ii) using
the source of fluidic pressure to inflate the second chamber to a
second fluid pressure. The method can include the additional steps
of (iii) allowing the volume of the body part to decrease from the
initial volume to a second volume, and (iv) using the controller
(or manually adjusting the first valve and second valve) to further
inflate the first chamber to maintain the first fluid pressure and
the second chamber to maintain the second fluid pressure. The first
fluid pressure can be different than the second fluid pressure.
[0034] The cuff and controller can further include an antimicrobial
substance. The antimicrobial substance can be capable of emitting
ions that aid in the destruction of a microbe.
[0035] The compression device can further include a relief valve in
fluidic communication with the inflatable bladder.
[0036] Additionally described herein is a compression device
comprising a wrap comprising a first end and a second end and a
winding reel capable of receiving the first end and the second end
of the wrap. The winding reel is attached to a ratchet gear. A base
supports the winding reel. A ratchet lever is attached to the base
in ratchet communication with the ratchet gear. The ratchet gear
including a female slot to receive a male lever.
[0037] As a method of using this compression device, the user wraps
the wrap around a body part of a living being, places the first end
of the wrap and the second end of the wrap in the winding reel, and
uses the male lever to rotate the ratchet gear and cause the
tightening of the wrap around the body part of the living being. As
the body part decreases in size, the user can tighten the wrap
further, in order to keep the application of pressure on the body
part constant. The ratchet gear/ratchet lever combination allows
the gear to move in only one direction, that is, the direction that
tightens the wrap around the body part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of
compression device 10;
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts the compression device 10 attached to the
body part 20 of a living being 22 and alternative sources of
fluidic pressure 16; and
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a second embodiment of compression device 10,
where the inflatable bladder 12 has multiple chambers 34 and
36;
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a third embodiment of
compression device 10, where a shoe 60 at least partially houses
the inflatable bladder 12;
[0042] FIG. 5A depicts a compression device 80, including the
manually tightenable wrap 82; and
[0043] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a winding reel 88 that
may be used with the compression device 80 in FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0045] In one embodiment, the compression device 10 (FIG. 1)
includes an inflatable bladder 12, a controller 14, and a source of
fluidic pressure 16. The inflatable bladder 12 is in fluid
communication with the controller 14, such as via a tube 50.
Similarly, the controller 14 is in fluid communication with the
source of fluidic pressure 16, such as via a tube. The controller
14 can be electronic based, with a programmable logic controller,
or manually operable, such as a manual valve.
[0046] A cuff 18 at least partially houses the inflatable bladder
12 and is capable of being attached to a body part 20 of a living
being 22 (FIG. 2). The body part 20 may have lymphedema or swelling
resulting from surgery. To assist the attachment of the cuff 18
(FIG. 1) to the body part 20 (FIG. 2) of a living being 22 the cuff
18 further includes fasteners 30. The fasteners 30 can be hook and
loop fabric strips, such as Velcro.RTM. brand strips, which can
removably attach to Velcro-receiving fabric on another area of the
cuff 18. The fasteners 30 can be a belt that wrap around the cuff
18 when the cuff 18 is wrapped around the body part 20 (FIG. 2) of
a living being 22.
[0047] The cuff 18 (FIG. 1) can have a non-rigid base material.
Examples include nylon, polyester, and cotton. Alternatively, the
cuff 18 can have a rigid base material. Examples include plastic
and metal. When a rigid base material is used, it may be helpful to
separate the cuff 18 into individual components, to help the user
attach the cuff 18 around the limb 20 (FIG. 2) of a living being
22.
[0048] The cuff 18 and controller 14 can include an antimicrobial
substance 42. The antimicrobial substance 42 can be a substance
that emits silver-ions, such as a plastic co-molded or co-extruded
with a silver-ion emitter (like MCX 122656, manufactured by RTP
Co., Winona, Minn.), or a material coated or plated with a
silver-ion emitter. As other examples, the antimicrobial substance
can be one or more of 3 trimethoxysilylpropyloctadecyldimethyl
ammonium chloride, hyaluronan and its derivatives, and triclosan.
The emission of ions from substances such as the aforementioned aid
in the destruction of microbes on a cellular level.
[0049] The source of fluidic pressure 16 can be a container of
compressed fluid 24 (FIG. 2). For example, the compressed fluid 24
can be a canister of compressed carbon dioxide. Other useful
compressed fluids include compressed nitrogen, oxygen, or most of
the noble gases including helium, argon, neon, xenon, and krypton.
Alternatively or additionally, the source of fluidic pressure 16
can be a connection in a health care facility 26. For example, a
typical hospital room includes several outlets in the wall of the
room that provide access to a source of fluidic pressure, typically
air, oxygen, or carbon dioxide. As still another alternative, the
source of fluidic pressure 16 can be pump that transforms human
force into fluid pressure 28. Specific examples of such a human
manipulated pump include a piston style hand pump and a squeezable
ball style hand pump. When the source of fluidic pressure 16 is a
pump that transforms human force into fluid pressure 28, the cuff
18 may include a relief valve 52 (FIG. 1) that vents excess fluid
pressure to the atmosphere, or the pump that transforms human force
into fluid pressure 28 may incorporate a relief valve 52 that vents
excess fluid pressure within the inflatable bladder 12 to the
atmosphere. Yet another alternative for the source of pressure 16
is a battery operated pump that may be housed within the controller
14.
[0050] The source of fluidic pressure 16 can be removably
attachable to the cuff 18 (FIG. 2). For example, the cuff 18 can
have a pocket 120 or releaseable strap to hold a container of
compressed fluid 24 or pump that transforms human force into fluid
pressure 28. Removably attaching the source of fluidic pressure 16
to the cuff 18 helps make the compression device 10 more user
friendly and allows the living being 22 to remain mobile while
using the compression device 10. Likewise, the controller 14 can be
removably attachable to the cuff 18 in the same manner and for the
same reasons. The living being 22 could then control the controller
14 more easily.
[0051] The compression device 10 can further include a pressure
gauge 32 (FIG. 1) that measures the fluid pressure that the source
of fluidic pressure 16 supplies to the inflatable bladder 12 and
provides a display of the measured fluid pressure. The display of
the measured fluid pressure is a digital display or a non-digital
display, such as a dial pressure gauge. The pressure gauge 32 and
controller 18 can be housed under the same housing, if desired. The
pressure gauge 32 and controller 14 can be in electronic
communication, so that the pressure gauge 32 (a pressure
transducer, in this instance) provides pressure measurement
feedback to the controller 14, and the controller 14 adjusts the
fluidic pressure from source of fluidic pressure 16 accordingly.
The pressure gauge 32 allows the user to assess how much pressure
is being applied to the limb 20 of the living being 22, around
which the cuff 18 is attached. The user can then make a decision to
provide more or less pressure, if the controller 14 does not
automatically do so. The compression device can include a relief
valve 52 in fluidic communication with the inflatable bladder 12.
Alternatively, controller 14 may include an internal pressure
relief valve that may be a separate valve or part of a three-way
valve that selectively couples the source of fluidic pressure 16
with bladder 12.
[0052] The controller 14 (FIG. 1) is capable of maintaining the
fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure 16 supplies to
the inflatable bladder 12 at a constant fluid pressure.
[0053] In another embodiment of the compression device 10, the
inflatable bladder 12 has multiple chambers, such as a first
chamber 34 (FIG. 3) and a second chamber 36. The inflatable bladder
12 could have any number of individual chambers. Each of the
chambers, such as first chamber 34 and second chamber 36, is in
fluidic communication with the source of fluidic pressure 16 and
controller 14, separated by a valve, such as first valve 38 and
second valve 40. The valves 38 and 40 may be housed with the
controller 14 under the same housing.
[0054] The controller 14 can be capable of separately controlling
the valves, such as first valve 38 and the second valve 40, in
order to maintain the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic
pressure 16 supplies to the chambers. For example the controller 14
can manipulate first valve 38 to maintain the fluid pressure that
the source of fluidic pressure 16 supplies to the first chamber 34
at a first constant fluid pressure and manipulate the second valve
40 to maintain the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic
pressure 16 supplies to the second chamber 36 at a second constant
fluid pressure. Alternatively, the user can simply manually
manipulate valves 38 and 40, to achieve the same goals, and in such
a case, controller 14 can be a manually operated valve for fluidic
pressure source 16. The fluid pressure supplied to each chamber
could be different (for example, the first constant fluid pressure
is different than the second constant fluid pressure), so that the
compression device 10 provides a gradient of pressure to the limb
20 of a living being 22, when the cuff 18 is attached thereto. The
fluid pressure supplied to each chamber could be identical, for
uniform compression.
[0055] As an alternative to a cuff 18, the compression device 10
can comprise an inflatable bladder 12, a controller 14, a source of
fluidic pressure 16, and a shoe 60 (FIG. 4) at least partially
housing the inflatable bladder 12 and capable of being attached to
a foot of a living being. The inflatable bladder 12 is in fluid
communication with the controller 14. The controller 14 is in fluid
communication with the source of fluidic pressure 16. The
controller is capable of maintaining the fluid pressure that the
source of fluidic pressure supplies to the inflatable bladder at a
constant fluid pressure while the foot is decreasing in volume in
the manners described above. The shoe can at least partially house
the inflatable bladder at the ankle and midfoot region 62, where
swelling is most likely to occur. The source of fluidic pressure
can be a container of compressed fluid 24 or a pump that transforms
human force into fluid pressure 28. The shoe 60 can be worn with
the cuff 18 and the inflatable bladder 12 in the shoe 60 can be in
fluidic communication with the same source of fluidic pressure 16
as the inflatable bladder 12 in the cuff 18, and controlled as if
it were a separate chamber as described above.
[0056] A user can use the compression device 10 herein described,
either with the embodiments including an inflatable bladder 12
(FIGS. 1, 4) with just one chamber or with the embodiment including
multiple chambers (FIG. 3), according to a certain method. For the
inflatable bladder 12 with just one chamber, the method includes
the steps of (i) presenting the compression device 10; (ii) at
least partially surrounding the body part 20 of a living being 22
(including a body part 20 suffering from lymphedema or swelling
caused by a surgical procedure) with the compression device 10, the
body part 20 having an initial volume (a "swollen" body part);
(iii) using the source of fluidic pressure 16 to inflate the
inflatable bladder 12 to a first fluid pressure (for example, 20
mmHg); (iv) allowing the volume of the body part 20 to decrease
from the initial volume to a second volume (a less "swollen" body
part); and (v) using the controller 14 to further inflate the
inflatable bladder 12 to maintain the first fluid pressure (for
example, 20 mmHg). As the volume of the body part 20 decreases from
the initial volume (a "swollen" body part) to a second lesser
volume (a less "swollen" body part), because of the application of
pressure to the body part (that is, the compression of the body
part) by the compression device 10, the amount of pressure (that
is, compression) within the inflatable bladder 12 decreases.
Therefore, if the application of a constant pressure (state of
compression) on the body party 20 is desired, then the controller
14 must be used to maintain the amount of pressure at the first
fluid pressure level. The controller 14 can do so by allowing the
source of fluidic pressure 16 to add further fluid to the
inflatable bladder 12. The controller 14 can be electronic, with
sensors (such as pressure transducers) and a programmable logic
controller (that receives feedback from the sensors and adjusts the
fluid released from the source of fluidic pressure 16 to maintain
the pressure constant) or an adjustable valve on the source of
fluidic pressure 16.
[0057] For the inflatable bladder 12 with multiple chambers (each
in fluidic communication with a valve), such as a first chamber 34
(FIG. 3) and a second chamber 36, the method includes the steps of
(i) presenting the compression device 10; (ii) at least partially
surrounding the body part 20 of a living being 22 (including a body
part 20 suffering from lymphedema or swelling caused by surgery)
with the compression device 10, the body part 20 having an initial
volume (a "swollen" body part); (iii) using the source of fluidic
pressure 16 to inflate the first chamber 34 to a first fluid
pressure and using the source of fluidic pressure 16 to inflate the
second chamber 36 to a second fluid pressure; (iv) allowing the
volume of the body part 20 to decrease from the initial volume to a
second volume; and (v) manipulating valves 38 and 40 to further
inflate the first chamber 34 to maintain the first fluid pressure
and the second chamber 36 to maintain the second fluid pressure.
The first fluid pressure can different than the second fluid
pressure, in order to provide a gradient of compression on the body
part 20. The manipulation of valves 38 and 40 can be manual or
electronic through controller 14. The controller 14 can be
electronic, with sensors (such as pressure transducers) and a
programmable logic controller (that receives feedback from the
sensors and adjusts the fluid released from the source of fluidic
pressure 16 to maintain the pressure constant) or an adjustable
valve on the source of fluidic pressure 16.
[0058] In another embodiment, a compression device 80 (FIG. 5A)
comprises a wrap 82 comprising a first end 84 and a second end 86
and a winding reel 88 capable of receiving the first end 84 and the
second end 86 of the wrap 82. The winding reel 88 is attached to a
ratchet gear 90 (FIG. 5B). A base 92 supports the winding reel 88.
A ratchet lever 94 is attached to the base 92 in ratchet
communication with the ratchet gear 90. The ratchet gear 90 can
include a female slot 96 to receive a male lever 98 (or a lever may
be permanent attached to the ratchet gear).
[0059] As a method of using this compression device 80, the user
wraps the wrap 82 around a body part 20 of a living being 22,
places the first end 84 of the wrap 82 and the second end 86 of the
wrap 82 in the winding reel 88, and uses the male lever 98 to
rotate the ratchet gear 90 and cause the tightening of the wrap 82
around the body part 20 of the living being 22. As the body part 20
decreases in size, the user can tighten the wrap 82 further, in
order to keep the application of pressure on the body part 20
relatively constant. The ratchet gear 90/ratchet lever 94
combination allows the ratchet gear 90 to move in only one
direction, that is, the direction that tightens the wrap 82 around
the body part 20.
[0060] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts as disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless those claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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