Methods and apparatus for increasing blood circulation
US8182521B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2209/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow. A human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.