Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for treating erectile dysfunction by using controlled intermittent pressure cycles in synchronization with the heart beat. The apparatus comprises two boots, one encircling a patient's leg, and the other encircling the patient's penis. A pneumatic system including the pneumatic apparatus also comprises a heart monitor for recording and/or displaying the patient's heart beat and initiating the deflation and inflation of the boots at the appropriate times. The system may also include a valve assembly for controlling the flow of air into the pneumatic apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing blood circulation are used to apply external pressure to a patient's extremity to improve blood circulation. The apparatus includes a rigid enclosure and an inflatable flexible enclosure that extends around the patient's extremity. A source of compressed gas discharges gas into the flexible enclosure to apply external pressure to the extremity. A monitor and pilot control valve regulate the flow of compressed gas into the flexible enclosure. A pressure sensor, servomechanism and adjustable control valve adjust the flow of gas to maintain preset pressure peaks in the flexible enclosure. A pressure storage tank is connected with the source of compressed gas to provide a reserve of compressed gas at a desired operating pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the circulation of blood through a patient's heart and extremity. The method comprises applying external positive regional pressure on an extremity synchronously with the patient's heartbeat. An adjustable timing cycle is initiated at the QRS complex of the arterial pulse cycle. The timing cycle is based on an average time period between QRS complexes, which is calculated from a measurement of several successive QRS complexes in the patient's heart rate. Pressure pulses are applied in the end-diastolic portion of the arterial pulse cycle to reinforce the pulse that forces blood into the extremity. The pressure is then relieved prior to the next projected QRS complex to enable the next pulse to enter the extremity without undue obstruction, thereby promoting circulation of blood through the extremity. To promote circulation of blood through the heart, compression of the extremity is released shortly before the next projected QRS complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the circulation of blood through a patient's heart and extremity. The method comprises applying external positive regional pressure on an extremity synchronously with the patient's heartbeat. An adjustable timing cycle is initiated at the QRS complex of the arterial pulse cycle. The timing cycle is based on an average time period between QRS complexes, which is calculated from a measurement of several successive QRS complexes in the patient's heart rate. Pressure pulses are applied in the end-diastolic portion of the arterial pulse cycle to reinforce the pulse that forces blood into the extremity. The pressure is then relieved prior to the next projected QRS complex to enable the next pulse to enter the extremity without undue obstruction, thereby promoting circulation of blood through the extremity.

Abstract: A method and solution are disclosed for treatment of tissue wounds, particularly ulcerous lesions. The solution comprises a solution of seawater or a sea salt solution to which is added a cholinergic agent to stimulate local vasodilation and neurologic function.

Abstract: A system is provided for promoting the circulation of blood through a patient's extremity. An outer retaining garment confines and constrains an inflatable air bag around the patient's extremity that is undergoing treatment. Compressed gas is supplied to and exhausted from the air bag to inflate and deflate the air bag in order to provide compression and decompression of the patient's extremity. Flow passages in the air bag extend from the gas inlet to selected distribution points within the air bag to provide uniform inflation of the air bag substantially simultaneously throughout its length. The rate of compression and decompression of the patient's extremity is controlled and phased to the patient's heart beat in order to promote the circulation of blood through the extremity.

Abstract: A method of treating various sensitive animal body tissues comprising applying to the tissue a solution prepared from specially processed seawater. The solution is prepared by filtering off-shore seawater to remove debris in small organisms, sterilizing the filtered solution and diluting thereafter with tap water or distilled water to lower the solution's osmolality to about 280 mOs, which renders the solution compatible and isotonic with the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Circulation of blood to a patient's leg and return of blood from the leg to the heart are enhanced by supplying intermittent external pressure pulses to the leg, timed so that the pressure pulse follows close upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at the upper end of the leg, and reinforces the action of the arterial pulse in forcing blood into the leg. Between the external pressure pulses, the external pressure is relieved or diminished so that the succeeding arterial pulse may enter the leg without undue obstruction resulting from external pressure. The external pressure pulse is applied by forcing compressed gas into an inflatable enclosure surrounding the leg, and air may be introduced between the inflatable enclosure and the leg to prevent overheating of the leg. Means for admitting compressed gas to the enclosure are provided which are normally in the state such that the leg is not compressed, and which operate to compress the leg only when actuated by a signal generated from the patient's heartbeat.

Abstract: Circulation of blood to a patient's leg and return of blood from the leg to the heart are enhanced by supplying intermittent external pressure pulses to the leg, timed so that the pressure pulse follows close upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at the upper end of the leg, and reinforces the action of the arterial pulse in forcing blood into the leg. Between the external pressure pulses, the external pressure is relieved or diminished so that the succeeding arterial pulse may enter the leg without undue obstruction resulting from external pressure. The external pressure pulse is applied by forcing compressed gas into an inflatable enclosure surrounding the leg, and air may be introduced between the inflatable enclosure and the leg to prevent overheating of the leg. Means for admitting compressed gas to the enclosure are provided which are normally in the state such that the leg is not compressed, and which operate to compress the leg only when actuated by a signal generated from the patient's heartbeat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for improving the circulation of blood and more particularly to a device for improving the circulation of blood to a patient's leg.