U.S. patent application number 13/903479 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for compression device and control system for applying pressure to a limb of a living being.
The applicant listed for this patent is Patrick E. Eddy. Invention is credited to Patrick E. Eddy.
Application Number | 20130338553 13/903479 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42223463 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130338553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eddy; Patrick E. |
December 19, 2013 |
COMPRESSION DEVICE AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR APPLYING PRESSURE TO A
LIMB OF A LIVING BEING
Abstract
A device to compress the limb of a living being includes a user
interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a
source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection
with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and first and
second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic
controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of
inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of
the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the
first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first
inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable
bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of
fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to
fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized
canister. The power source can be a battery. The device may extend
the life of the power source.
Inventors: |
Eddy; Patrick E.;
(Allendale, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Eddy; Patrick E. |
Allendale |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42223463 |
Appl. No.: |
13/903479 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12629526 |
Dec 2, 2009 |
8449483 |
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13903479 |
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|
61221650 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
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61119235 |
Dec 2, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2205/106 20130101;
A61H 9/0078 20130101; A61H 2201/165 20130101; A61B 17/1355
20130101; A61H 1/008 20130101; A61H 2201/5046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/150 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/00 20060101
A61H001/00 |
Claims
1. A compression device comprising: a source of fluidic pressure in
fluidic communication with a manifold; a first bladder including a
port in fluidic connection with a first valve, the first valve in
fluidic connection with the manifold; a second bladder including a
port in fluidic connection with a second valve, the second valve in
fluidic connection with the manifold; a third bladder including a
port in fluidic connection with a third valve, the third valve in
fluidic connection with the manifold; a cuff at least partially
housing the first bladder, the second bladder, the third bladder,
and the manifold; and a primary logic controller capable of
selectively controlling the opening and closing of the first valve,
the second valve, and the third valve.
2. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the source of fluidic
pressure is a pump.
3. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the source of fluidic
pressure is an in-wall source of compressed air of a health care
facility.
4. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the source of fluidic
pressure is a pressurized canister.
5. The compression device of claim 1, further comprising a housing
at least partially housing the primary logic controller, and
wherein the housing comprises an antimicrobial substance.
6. The compression device of claim 5, the antimicrobial substance
comprising a silver-ion emitter.
7. The compression device of claim 5, the antimicrobial substance
comprising a plastic incorporating a silver-ion emitter.
8. The compression device of claim 5, the antimicrobial substance
comprising any one of 3 trimethoxysilylpropyloctadecyldimethyl
ammonium chloride, hyaluronan and its derivatives, and
triclosan.
9. The compression device of claim 1, the cuff comprising a
silver-ion emitter.
10. The compression device of claim 1, the cuff comprising 3
trimethoxysilylpropyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride.
11. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the first valve, the
second valve, and the third valve each comprise an addressable
controller in electronic communication with the primary logic
controller.
12. A method of compressing a body part comprising the steps of:
presenting a compression device comprising: a source of fluidic
pressure in fluidic communication with a manifold; a first bladder
including a port in fluidic connection with a first valve, the
first valve in fluidic connection with the manifold; a second
bladder including a port in fluidic connection with a second valve,
the second valve in fluidic connection with the manifold; a third
bladder including a port in fluidic connection with a third valve,
the third valve in fluidic connection with the manifold; a cuff at
least partially housing the first bladder, the second bladder, the
third bladder, and the manifold; and a primary logic controller
capable of selectively controlling the opening and closing of the
first valve, the second valve, and the third valve; and at least
partially surrounding a limb of a living being with the compression
device.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of using
the source of fluidic pressure to inflate sequentially the first
bladder, the second bladder, and the third bladder.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of using the source of
fluidic pressure to inflate sequentially the first bladder, the
second bladder, and the third bladder causes compression within the
limb of the person in an arterial direction.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of using the source of
fluidic pressure to inflate sequentially the first bladder, the
second bladder, and the third bladder causes compression within the
limb of the person in a venous direction.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the source of fluidic pressure
is a pump.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the source of fluidic pressure
is an in-wall source of compressed air of a health care
facility.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the source of fluidic pressure
is a pressurized canister.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/629,526, filed on Dec. 2, 2009 by Patrick
Eddy, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,483, which 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.
These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a compression
device for treating various circulatory disorders and generally
improving circulation for users such as athletes, people with
wounds, and people who have to sit for a long period of time. More
specifically the present invention relates to a compression device
with inflatable bladders and a control system for applying
compressive pressure to a body part of a living being.
[0003] The inventive compression device may be used to treat 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. The inventive
compression device may be used in DVT prevention, although a user
should consult a physical before doing so, as any compression
device could release a dangerous blood clot.
[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 affects 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. 50% 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] The inventor has recognized that certain 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 reduced
blood pooling and provide nourishment and oxygen to stressed
muscles; and (d) to reduce the chance for cramping. Moreover, the
compression devices disclosed herein can be used to treat and
prevent chronic wounds, especially wounds that are subsisting
because of poor circulation (like venous ulcer), because healing
such wounds can benefit from enhanced circulation.
[0016] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Described herein are several embodiments of an apparatus
that can compress a body part of a living being, such as to cause
blood flow within the body part in a given direction. A method of
using the apparatus to compress a body part of a living being, such
as to cause blood flow within the limb in a given direction is
additionally described herein.
[0018] More specifically, described herein is a compression device
comprising a user interface, a programmable logic controller in
electronic connection with the user interface, a battery power
source in electronic connection with the programmable logic
controller, a source of fluidic pressure in electronic connection
with the battery power source and the programmable logic
controller, a first valve having at first port in fluidic
connection with the source of fluidic pressure and a second port in
fluidic connection with a first inflatable bladder, a second valve
having a first port in fluidic connection with the source of
fluidic pressure and a second port in fluidic connection with a
second inflatable bladder. The programmable logic controller is
programmed to cause a repeating sequence of inflating the first
inflatable bladder by opening the first and second ports of the
first valve, closing the first and second ports of the second
valve, and activating the source of fluidic pressure, then after a
first period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder by
deactivating the source of fluidic pressure, inflating the second
inflatable bladder by closing the first and second ports of the
first valve, opening the first and second ports of the second
valve, and activating the source of fluidic pressure, waiting for a
second period of time, then deflating the second inflatable bladder
by deactivating the source of fluidic pressure. The user interface
allows the user to select a mode that extends the life of the
battery power source by selecting the first period of time and the
second period of time such that the life of the battery will last
for a desired time.
[0019] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising a user interface, a programmable logic controller in
electronic connection with the user interface, a power source in
electronic connection with the programmable logic controller, a
source of fluidic pressure in electronic connection with the power
source (if the electronic connection is needed) and the
programmable logic controller, a first valve having at first port
in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, a second
port in fluidic connection with a first inflatable bladder, and a
third port in fluidic connection with a second valve. The second
valve has a first port in fluidic connection with the source of
fluidic pressure, a second port in fluidic connection with a second
inflatable bladder, and a third port in fluidic connection with the
first valve. The programmable logic controller is programmed to
cause the repeating sequence of: (a) inflating the first inflatable
bladder by opening the first and second ports of the first valve,
closing the third port of the first valve, closing the first and
second ports of the second valve, and activating the source of
fluidic pressure; (b) after a first period of time, deflating the
first inflatable bladder and partially inflating the second
inflatable bladder by deactivating the source of fluidic pressure,
closing the first port of the first valve, opening the third port
of the first valve, opening the third port of the second valve, and
opening the second port of the second valve; (c) further inflating
the second inflatable bladder by closing the first, second, and
third ports of the first valve, opening the first and second ports
of the second valve, closing the third port of the second valve,
and activating the source of fluidic pressure; and (d) after a
second period of time, deflating the second inflatable bladder and
partially inflating the first inflatable bladder by deactivating
the source of fluidic pressure, closing the first port on the
second valve, opening the third port of the second valve, opening
the third port of the first valve, and opening the second port of
the first valve. In this manner, the fluid pressure within the
first inflatable bladder, when allowed to deflate, partially
inflates the second inflatable bladder (and vice-versa), thus
requiring less work by the source of fluidic pressure and the power
source.
[0020] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising a user interface, a programmable logic controller in
electronic connection with the user interface, and a housing. The
housing at least partially houses the user interface and the
programmable logic controller, and comprises an antimicrobial
substance.
[0021] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising an inflatable bladder and a cuff at least partially
surrounding the inflatable bladder. The cuff comprises an
antimicrobial substance.
[0022] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising an inflatable bladder including an inlet port and an
interior volume. The inlet port is in fluidic communication with
the interior volume. The interior volume comprises a first chamber,
a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first chamber is in
fluidic communication with the inlet port and the second chamber.
The second chamber is in fluidic communication with the third
chamber. The first divider partially separates the first chamber
from the second chamber. The second divider partially separates the
second chamber from the third chamber.
[0023] In addition, described herein is a method of compressing a
body part comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a compression
device; (b) at least partially surrounding a body part of a living
being with the compression device; and (c) using the source of
fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable bladder. The compression
device comprises an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder
comprises an inlet port and an interior volume, the inlet port
being in fluidic communication with the interior volume and a
source of fluidic pressure. The interior volume comprises a first
chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, the first chamber
in fluidic communication with the second chamber, and the second
chamber in fluidic communication with the third chamber. A first
divider partially separates the first chamber from the second
chamber. A second divider partially separates the second chamber
from the third chamber. This method can also be used to treat or
prevent a chronic wound by enhancing circulation (in addition to
the other purposes described above).
[0024] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder comprises
an inlet port in fluidic communication with a source of fluidic
pressure. The inflatable bladder further comprises a first chamber,
a second chamber, a third chamber, a first check valve, and a
second check valve. The first chamber is in fluidic communication
with the inlet port and the second chamber, through a first check
valve. The second chamber is in fluidic communication with the
third chamber, through a second check valve.
[0025] In addition, described herein is a method of compressing a
body part comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a compression
device; (b) at least partially surrounding a body part of a living
being with the compression device; and (c) using the source of
fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable bladder. The compression
device comprises an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder
comprises an inlet port in fluidic communication with a source of
fluidic pressure. The inflatable bladder further comprises a first
chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first check valve,
and a second check valve. The first chamber is in fluidic
communication with the inlet port and the second chamber, through a
first check valve. The second chamber is in fluidic communication
with the third chamber, through a second check valve. The first
check valve and the second check valve are capable of causing the
first chamber to inflate fully before the second chamber inflates
fully, and the second chamber to inflate fully before the third
chamber inflates fully. This method can also be used to treat or
prevent a chronic wound by enhancing circulation (in addition to
the other purposes described above).
[0026] In addition, described herein is a compression device
comprising a primary valve including an inlet port in fluidic
communication with a source of fluidic pressure, and an outlet port
in fluidic communication with a manifold. The compression device
further comprises a first bladder including a port in fluidic
connection with a first valve, the first valve in fluidic
connection with the manifold. The compression device further
comprises a second bladder including a port in fluidic connection
with a second valve, the second valve in fluidic connection with
the manifold. The compression device further comprises a third
bladder including a port in fluidic connection with a third valve,
the third valve in fluidic connection with the manifold. The
compression device further comprises a cuff at least partially
housing the first bladder, the second bladder, and the third
bladder. The compression device further comprises a primary logic
controller capable of selectively controlling the opening and
closing of the first valve, the second valve, and the third
valve.
[0027] In addition, described herein is a method of compressing a
body part comprising the steps of (a) presenting a compression
device and (b) at least partially surrounding a body part of a
living being with the compression device. The compression device
comprises a primary valve including an inlet port in fluidic
communication with a source of fluidic pressure, and an outlet port
in fluidic communication with a manifold. The compression device
further comprises a first bladder including an inlet port in
fluidic connection with a first inlet valve, the first inlet valve
in fluidic connection with the manifold. The compression device
further comprises a second bladder including an inlet port in
fluidic connection with a second inlet valve, the second inlet
valve in fluidic connection with the manifold. The compression
device further comprises a third bladder including an inlet port in
fluidic connection with a third inlet valve, the third inlet valve
in fluidic connection with the manifold. The compression device
further comprises a cuff at least partially housing the first
bladder, the second bladder, and the third bladder. The compression
device further comprises a primary logic controller capable of
selectively controlling the opening and closing of the first inlet
valve, the second inlet valve, and the third inlet valve. This
method can be used to treat or prevent a chronic wound by enhancing
circulation, including directing blood flow towards the chronic
wound (or where a chronic wound may be developing) (in addition to
the other purposes described above).
[0028] In addition, herein described is a method of treating a
wound comprising the steps of: (i) presenting a body part of a
living being, the body part having a wound and an area adjacent to
the wound; (ii) presenting a compression device comprising an
inflatable bladder in fluid communication with a source of fluidic
pressure; (iii) at least partially surrounding the area of the body
part adjacent to the wound with the compression device; and (iv)
using the source of fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable
bladder to increase circulation in the body part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of
compression device 10 attached to the body part 68 of a living
being 70 and alternate sources of fluidic pressure;
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram showing the electronic
communication between components of one embodiment of the
compression device 10;
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts valves and bladders for several embodiments
of the compression device 10;
[0032] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a first bladder 26 with three
chambers;
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts valves and bladders for the compression
device 104; and
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of inflatable bladder 140, with
check valves 146 and 148.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] 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.
[0036] In a first embodiment, compression device 10 (FIG. 1)
generally comprises a housing 48 for a user interface 12, a
programmable logic controller 14, access to a power source 16 (such
as a battery), and access to a source of fluidic pressure 18. The
user interface 12 can provide a data display 110 to inform the user
of important data such as battery life, pressure settings, and
timing intervals. The user interface 12 can have buttons or a
pressure sensitive screen to allow the user to select various
operating modes, set variables, such as pressures, timing
intervals, and the order in which specific inflatable bladders
(discussed below) will be inflated and/or deflated. The user
interface 12 is in electronic connection with the programmable
logic controller 14 and the power source 16. For example, the user
interface 12 can have a button or pressure sensitive touch option
that, when pressed, communicates with the programmable logic
controller 14. As a consequence, the user interface can command the
programmable logic controller 14 to take steps to extend the life
of the power source 16 (especially when the power source is a
battery housed within housing 48), as discussed in greater detail
below.
[0037] The source of fluidic pressure 18 can be a pump 38, which
the housing 48 can house, or a source external to the housing 48.
The source of fluidic pressure 18 can be in electronic connection
with power source 16 (FIG. 2), such as when the source of fluidic
pressure 18 is a pump 38 housed within housing 48 and the power
source 16 is a battery also housed within housing 48. The source of
fluidic pressure 18 can be in electronic connection with the
programmable logic controller 14, such as when the source of
fluidic pressure 18 is a pump 38 housed within housing 48 (FIG. 3).
As alternatives or in addition to the pump 38, the source of
fluidic pressure 18 can be a connection in a health care facility
40 (FIG. 1) (such as an oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen
supply) or a pressurized canister 42 (containing a gas such as
oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen).
[0038] In this first embodiment, compression device 10 further
comprises a first valve 20 (FIG. 1) and a second valve 28. The
first valve 20 has a first port 22 in fluidic connection with the
source of fluidic pressure 18 and a second port 24 in fluidic
connection with a first inflatable bladder 26. The second valve 28
has a first port 30 in fluidic connection with the source of
fluidic pressure and a second port 32 in fluidic connection with a
second inflatable bladder 34. Although shown in FIG. 1 as including
first and second valves 20 and 28 external to the housing 48 for
controller 14, first and second valves 20 and 28 may be located
internally within housing 48 such that one tube runs from housing
48 to inflatable bladder 26 and another tube runs from housing 48
to inflatable bladder 34.
[0039] The programmable logic controller 14 is in electronic
connection with the first valve 20 and the second valve 28 and
thereby can control the opening and closing the valves 20 and 28.
As a consequence, the programmable logic controller 14 controls the
inflation of the first inflatable bladder 26 and the second
inflatable bladder 34. The programmable logic controller 14 can be
programmed to cause the repeating sequence of: (i) inflating the
first inflatable bladder 26 by opening the first 22 and second 24
ports of the first valve 20, closing the first 30 and second ports
32 of the second valve 28, and activating the source of fluidic
pressure 18; (ii) after a first period of time, deflating the first
inflatable bladder 26 by deactivating the source of fluidic
pressure 18; (iii) inflating the second inflatable bladder 34 by
closing the first 22 and second 24 ports of the first valve 20,
opening the first 30 and second 32 ports of the second valve 28,
and activating the source of fluidic pressure 28; and (iv) after a
second period of time, deflating the second inflatable bladder 34
by deactivating the source of fluidic pressure 18.
[0040] In this first embodiment, the user interface 12 allows the
user to select a mode 36 (FIG. 1), such as an air-flight mode, that
extends the life of the power source 16 (for example, a battery) by
selecting the first period of time or the second period of time or
both such that the battery charge will last for a selected period
of time (i.e., the duration of the flight). After selecting the
mode 36 (or in conjunction with selecting the mode 36), the user
interface 12 can prompt or allow the user to input a total time of
usage and the programmable logic controller 14 would then
automatically measure the power remaining in the power source 16,
calculate the first period of time and the second period of time,
and utilize the calculated first period of time and second period
of time in the repeating sequence. Extending the first preset
period of time and/or the second present period of time delays the
need for the power source 16 to use power to open the
aforementioned ports of the aforementioned valves and to activate
the source of fluidic pressure 18. Mode 36 that extends the life or
charge of the power source 16 is useful when the user desires to
use the compression device 10 for an extended period of time, such
as on a long air flight, where access to a non-battery power source
16 is unavailable. The power source may include rechargeable or
non-rechargeable batteries. The logic controller 14 may
continuously monitor the charge of the batteries and readjust the
first and second periods of time such that the batteries can
operate the device over the entire length of the flight and so that
the device will inflate the bladders 26 and 34 as often as possible
without running the batteries down before the flight is over.
[0041] The housing 48 could optionally house sufficient memory to
hold music and/or video and a display and speakers for playback so
that the user could be entertained while using the compression
device 10.
[0042] In a second embodiment, the compression device 10 comprises
a user interface 12 (FIG. 1), a programmable logic controller 14, a
power source 16, and a source of fluidic pressure 18. The
programmable logic controller 14 is in electronic connection with
the user interface 12. The power source 16 is in electronic
connection with the programmable logic controller 14. The power
source 16 can be a battery. The source of fluidic pressure 18 is in
electronic connection with the power source 16 (if needed to
activate the source of fluidic pressure 18) and the programmable
logic controller 14.
[0043] This embodiment of the compression device 10 further
comprises a first valve 20 (FIG. 3), a first inflatable bladder 26,
and a second valve 28. The first valve 20 has a first port 22 in
fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure 18, a second
port 24 in fluidic connection with the first inflatable bladder 26,
and a third port 44 in fluidic connection with the second valve 28.
The second valve 28 has a first port 30 in fluidic connection with
the source of fluidic pressure 18, a second port 32 in fluidic
connection with a second inflatable bladder 34, and a third port 46
in fluidic connection with the first valve 20. The source of
fluidic pressure 18 can be a pump 38. As alternatives or in
addition to the pump 38, the source of fluidic pressure can be a
connection in a health care facility 40 (FIG. 1) (such as an
oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen supply) or a pressurized
canister 42 (containing a gas such as oxygen, air, carbon dioxide,
or nitrogen). Although shown in FIG. 3 as including first and
second valves 20 and 28 external to housing 48 for controller 14,
first and second valves 20 and 28 may be located internally within
housing 48 such that one tube runs from housing 48 to inflatable
bladder 26 and another tube runs from housing 48 to inflatable
bladder 34.
[0044] In this second embodiment (FIG. 3), the programmable logic
controller 14 is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of: (i)
inflating the first inflatable bladder 26 by opening the first 22
and second 24 ports of the first valve 20, closing the third port
44 of the first valve 20, closing the first 30 and second 32 ports
of the second valve 28, and activating the source of fluidic
pressure 18; (ii) after a first period of time, deflating the first
inflatable bladder 26 and partially inflating the second inflatable
bladder 34 by deactivating the source of fluidic pressure 18,
closing the first port 22 of the first valve 20, opening the third
port 44 of the first valve 20, opening the third port 46 of the
second valve 28, and opening the second port 32 of the second valve
28; (iii) further inflating the second inflatable bladder 34 by
closing the first 22, second 24, and third 44 ports of the first
valve 20, opening the first 30 and second 32 ports of the second
valve 28, closing the third port 46 of the second valve 28, and
activating the source of fluidic pressure 18; and (iv) after a
second period of time, deflating the second inflatable bladder 34
and partially inflating the first inflatable bladder 26 by
deactivating the source of fluidic pressure 18, closing the first
port 30 on the second valve 28, opening the third port 46 of the
second valve 28, opening the third port 44 of the first valve 20,
and opening the second port 24 of the first valve 20. In this way,
one inflatable bladder (deflated relative to the other bladder)
"scavenges" fluid pressure from the other bladder (inflated
relative to the other bladder), because the higher relative
pressure within the inflated bladder causes the inflated bladder to
partially deflate and partially inflate the other bladder until the
pressure within the two bladders are essentially in equilibrium.
The first and second periods of time could be between 0 and 60
seconds, but could be longer.
[0045] In either embodiment, the housing 48 (FIG. 1) can at least
partially house the user interface 12 and the programmable logic
controller 14, and the housing 48 can include an antimicrobial
substance 50. For example, the antimicrobial substance 50 can
include 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 plastic
coated or plated with a silver-ion emitter. As other examples, the
antimicrobial substance 50 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. Such ions need not necessarily be
silver ions. The inflatable bladders 26 and 34 (FIG. 3) described
in the above embodiments likewise can include such an antimicrobial
substance 50.
[0046] In either embodiment, a cuff 52 (FIG. 3) can surround,
enclose, or encompass the inflatable bladder (such as first
inflatable bladder 26). The cuff 52 allows the user to attach the
first inflatable bladder 26 to a body part 68 of the living being
70 (FIG. 1), so that inflation of the first inflatable bladder 26
compresses the body part 68 to which the cuff 52 is attached. The
cuff 52 can include such an antimicrobial substance 50 (FIG. 3)
described above. The body part 68\could be (but is not limited to)
a calf and/or thigh. The cuff 52 can be made from a breathable
material such as nylon but need not be.
[0047] In either embodiment (or with any other compression device),
the inflatable bladder of the compression device 10, such as the
first inflatable bladder 26, can include an inlet port 54 (FIG. 4)
and an interior volume 56. The inlet port 54 is in fluidic
communication with the interior volume 56. The interior volume 56
includes a first chamber 58, a second chamber 60, and a third
chamber 62. The first chamber 58 is in fluidic communication with
the inlet port 54 and the second chamber 60. The second chamber 60
is in fluidic communication with the third chamber 62. A first
divider 64 partially separates the first chamber 58 from the second
chamber 60. The second divider 66 partially separates the second
chamber 60 from the third chamber 62. The first divider 64 causes
the first chamber 58 to inflate fully before the second chamber 60
inflates fully, because the first divider 64 partially constrains
fluid flow from the first chamber 58 to the second chamber 60. The
second divider 66 causes the second chamber 60 to inflate fully
before the third chamber 62 inflates fully, for the same
reason.
[0048] A user can at least partially surround a body part 68 (FIG.
1) of a living being with the compression device 10 and use the
source of fluidic pressure 18 to inflate the first inflatable
bladder 26, comprising the first chamber 58 (FIG. 4), second
chamber 60, and third chamber 62. If the user places the
compression device 10 on a body part 68 so that the first chamber
58 is the chamber nearest the heart, then the source of fluidic
pressure 18 would inflate the first inflatable bladder 26 to cause
compression within the body part 68 in the arterial direction 72
(away from the heart). Alternatively, if the user places the
compression device 10 on a body part 68 so that the first chamber
58 is the chamber furthest from the heart, then the source of
fluidic pressure 18 would inflate the first inflatable bladder 26
to cause compression within the body part 68 in the venous
direction 74 (towards the heart). Again, the source of fluidic
pressure 18 can be a pump 38, a connection in a health care
facility 40, and/or a pressurized canister 42. The body part 68
could be (but is not limited to) a calf and/or thigh. The
compression device 10 could be used to treat or prevent a chronic
wound by enhancing circulation, including the direction of blood
flow towards the wound, in addition to the other purposes described
above.
[0049] Similarly, the inflatable bladder for the compression device
10 (or any other compression device) can be inflatable bladder 140
(FIG. 6). The inflatable bladder 140 comprises an inlet port 54 in
fluidic communication with a source of fluidic pressure 18. The
inflatable bladder 140 further comprises a first chamber 58, a
second chamber 60, a third chamber 62, a first check valve 146, and
a second check valve 148. The first chamber 58 is in fluidic
communication with the inlet port 54 and the second chamber 60,
through a first check valve 146. The second chamber 60 is in
fluidic communication with the third chamber 62, through a second
check valve 148. Except for the check valves 146 and 148, dividers
142 and 144 separate the chambers 58, 60, and 62. The first check
valve 146 can be a valve set to open at a certain pressure within
the first chamber 58, such as 40 mmHg. As fluid from the source of
fluidic pressure 18 enters the first chamber 58 through the inlet
port 54, the first chamber 58 will undergo inflation until the
pressure within the first chamber 58 reaches the pressure required
to open the first check valve 146. When the pressure within the
first chamber 58 is sufficient, the first check valve 146 will open
and allow fluid to enter into the second chamber 60 thus causing
the second chamber 60 to begin to undergo inflation. The second
chamber 60 will likewise undergo inflation until the pressure
within the second chamber 60 reaches the pressure required to open
the second check valve 148 (such as 35 mmHg). When that pressure
within the second chamber 60 is sufficient, the second check valve
158 will open and allow fluid to enter into the third chamber 62
thus causing the third chamber 62 to begin to under go inflation.
The inflatable bladder 140 could have any number of chambers, with
separating check valves, and provide the same sequential inflation,
as long as the threshold pressure required to open the check valve
for a chamber closer to the inlet port 54 is higher than or equal
to the pressure required to open the check valve for the next
chamber further away from the inlet port 54.
[0050] A user can at least partially surround a body part 68 (FIG.
1) of a living being with the compression device 10 (or any other
compression device) and use the source of fluidic pressure 18 to
inflate the inflatable bladder 140 (FIG. 6), comprising the first
chamber 58, second chamber 60, third chamber 62, with check valves
146 and 148. If the user places the compression device 10 on a body
part 68 so that the first chamber 58 is the chamber nearest the
heart, then the source of fluidic pressure 18 would inflate the
first inflatable bladder 26 to cause compression within the body
part 68 in the arterial direction 72 (away from the heart).
Alternatively, if the user places the compression device 10 on a
body part 68 so that the first chamber 58 is the chamber furthest
from the heart, then the source of fluidic pressure 18 would
inflate the first inflatable bladder 26 to cause compression within
the body part 68 in the venous direction 74 (towards the heart).
Again, the source of fluidic pressure 18 can be a pump 38, a
connection in a health care facility 40, and/or a pressurized
canister 42. The body part 68 could be (but is not limited to) a
calf and/or thigh. The compression device 10 (or any other) using
inflatable bladder 140 could be used to treat or prevent a chronic
wound by enhancing circulation, including the direction of blood
flow towards the wound (or for any of the other purposes described
above).
[0051] In a yet another embodiment, a compression device 104 (FIG.
5) includes a housing 48 and a cuff 102. The housing 48 at least
partially houses a primary valve 76, access to a source of fluidic
pressure 18, and a programmable logic controller 14. The primary
valve 76 includes an inlet port 78 in fluidic communication with
the source of fluidic pressure 18, and an outlet port 86 in fluidic
communication with a manifold 88. The cuff 102 at least partially
houses a first bladder 80, a second bladder 90, and a third bladder
96. The first bladder 80 includes a port 82 in fluidic connection
with a first valve 84, which in turn is in fluidic connection with
the manifold 88. The second bladder 90 includes a port 92 in
fluidic connection with a second valve 94, which is in fluidic
connection with the manifold 88. The third bladder 96 included a
port 98 in fluidic connection with a third valve 100, which is in
fluidic connection with the manifold 88. The cuff 102 can house any
number of bladders (such as twelve bladders), with the associated
ports and valves in connection with the manifold 88, and the three
bladders described herein are just an example.
[0052] The programmable logic controller 14 is in electronic
connection with the first valve 84, the second valve 94, and the
third valve 100. Therefore, the programmable logic controller is
capable of selectively controlling the opening and closing of the
first valve 84, the inlet valve 94, and the third valve 100. For
example, the first, second, and third valves 84, 94, and 100 may
each include an addressable controller 84', 94', and 100' such that
a single wire pair 120 may serve as a bus and couple all three of
the valves to programmable logic controller 14. Programmable logic
controller 14 can therefore send a control signal over the wire
pair 120 along with the address of the addressable controller
associated with the valve to be opened or closed. Additional
bladders would of course require additional addressable
controllers. By using the above construction, this embodiment
represents an improvement over the prior art in that the system may
treat all the aforementioned circulatory disorders using the same
cuff while using only one air tube per limb and having only a
two-wire phone cord 120 or the like per limb coupled to the housing
48.
[0053] The source of fluidic pressure 18 can be a pump 38, a
connection in a health care facility 40 (FIG. 1), and/or a
pressurized canister 42. The cuff 102 can be made from a breathable
material such as nylon but need not be.
[0054] As with the other embodiments, the housing 48 and cuff 102
for this embodiment (compression device 104) can include an
antimicrobial substance 50 (FIG. 5). For example, the antimicrobial
substance 50 can include 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
plastic coated or plated with a silver-ion emitted. 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. The inflatable bladders 26 and 34
(FIG. 3) described in the above embodiments likewise can include
such an antimicrobial substance 50.
[0055] A user can at least partially surround the body part 68 of a
living being with the compression device 104. The user can
manipulate the programmable logic controller 14 to activate the
source of fluidic pressure 18, open first valve 82 to inflate the
first bladder 80, then open the second valve 94 to inflate the
second bladder 90, and then open the third valve 100 to inflate the
third bladder 96. In this way, the first bladder 80, the second
bladder 90, and the third bladder 96 can be inflated sequentially.
If the user places the compression device 104 on a body part 68 so
that the first bladder 80 is the bladder nearest the heart, then
the source of fluidic pressure 18 would inflate the first bladder
80, the second bladder 90, and the third bladder 96 to cause
compression within the body part 68 in the arterial direction 72
(away from the heart). Alternatively, if the user places the
compression device 104 on a body part 68 so that the first bladder
80 is the chamber furthest from the heart, then the source of
fluidic pressure 18 would inflate the first the first bladder 80,
the second bladder 90, and the third bladder 96 to cause
compression within the body part 68 in the venous direction 74
(towards the heart). Again, the source of fluidic pressure 18 can
be a pump 38, a connection in a health care facility 40, and/or a
pressurized canister 42. The body part 68 could be (but is not
limited to) a calf and/or thigh. The compression device 104 could
be used to treat or prevent a chronic wound by enhancing
circulation, including the direction of blood flow towards the
wound (in addition to the other purpose described above).
[0056] The compression device 104 can have any number of bladders,
each bladder being in fluidic communication with a port in fluidic
communication with a valve, in fluidic communication with the
manifold 88. Because each bladder has its own valve, the user can
program the programmable logic controller to inflate/deflate any
bladder in any sequence or combination, by manipulating the
opening/closing the appropriate valve(s).
[0057] More generically, a method of treating a wound can comprise
the steps of: (i) presenting a body part 68 of a living being 70,
the body part 68 having a wound 130 and an area adjacent to the
wound 130; (ii) presenting a compression device 10 or 102 (or any
other compression device) comprising an inflatable bladder 26 in
fluid communication with a source of fluidic pressure 18; (iii) at
least partially surrounding the area of the body part 68 adjacent
to the wound 130 with the compression device 10 or 102; and (iv)
using the source of fluidic pressure to inflate the inflatable
bladder 26 to increase circulation in the body part 68. The
inflation can be intermittent or non-intermittent. The inflatable
bladder 26 need not have the separate chambers described above but
can (such as to direct circulation towards the wound) and the
compression device 102 need not have separate inflatable bladders
as described above but can (such as to direct circulation towards
the wound).
[0058] In all embodiments herein discussed, the housing 48 can
further house a wireless transmitter 122 (FIG. 2). The wireless
transmitter 122 can transmit pressures, the first period of time,
the second period of time, battery power, and other data that the
programmable logic controller 14 may measure. A hospital record
keeping system (commonly called an EMR system, such as that
provided by Cerner) can receive the data transmission from the
wireless transmitter 122. All valves having three ports mentioned
here-in can be the X-Valve.RTM. brand of valve manufactured by
Parker Hannifin (Cleveland, Ohio). Pump 38 can be part KPM27C
manufactured by Koge Electronics (Xiamen City, China), or a CTS
Series pump from Hargraves (Mooresville, N.C.). The pump 38 should
be able to provide a pressure of between 0 mmHg and 120 mmHg. The
batteries mentioned herein could be rechargeable batteries, such as
lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Particular
brands of antimicrobial substance 50 include AEGIS, Agion, Biocoat,
Silver Shield, Covalon, Zirconium, Microgel, Ecology, Microban, Bio
Guard, and RTP Masterbatch 5%.
[0059] Various features of the above embodiments may be used in
combination. The antimicrobial coated housing 48 and/or cuff 52 may
be used with or without any of the other features of the above
embodiments.
[0060] Although housings 48 are depicted for each of the above
embodiments, particularly those for portable battery operated
devices, the components housed in housing 48 may be built into a
healthcare facility bed or in a control panel for a wall, floor, or
ceiling. In this case, the power source may be power from the wall,
floor, or ceiling of the healthcare facility. Likewise, the source
of fluidic pressure 18 may be an in-wall source of compressed air
provided from the healthcare facility.
[0061] 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.
* * * * *