Abstract: A method for therapeutically or prophylactically treating a diagnosed or potential deep-vein thrombosis involves intermittent application of tourniquet action to the leg at a location preferably close to the ankle, i.e., at the distal-calf region of the leg, in time-coordinated relation to artificially stimulated foot-pump action; the level of tourniquet action is such as to reduce the availability of superficial veins to carry the venous-return flow that is stimulated by foot-pump action, and the level of tourniquet action is also insufficient to materially affect access to deep-veins which are the primary target of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment.In a modification, the sequencing of tourniquet and foot-pump action is changed to enhance the priming of blood in the plantar veins of a foot which must remain elevated above the heart level of a patient confined to bed, whereby circulation can be more effectively stimulated by foot-pump action.

Abstract: A medical appliance for intermittent compressive excitation of body tissue in the region of a proximal joint provides relief of pain and/or swelling at or near the joint. Specifically, a sleeve or wrap of the involved joint, wherein the sleeve or wrap has certain directionally oriented features of relative flexibility, retains an inflatable bag near the joint, and a relatively non-stretch circumferential tie surrounds the sleeve and is, at least in part, in register with the retained flexible bag. Apparatus is provided for rapid transient inflation of the bag, followed by relaxation for a predetermined period of time prior to initiation of the next such pulsed inflation. Various forms of sleeve or wrap are described, as are also various forms of inflatable bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for therapeutically or prophylactically treating a diagnosed or potential deep-vein thrombosis involves intermittent application of tourniquet action to the leg at a location preferably close to the ankle, i.e., at the distal-calf region of the leg, in time-coordinated relation to artificially stimulated foot-pump action; the level of tourniquet action is such as to reduce the availability of superficial veins to carry the venous-return flow that is stimulated by foot-pump action, and the level of tourniquet action is also insufficient to materially affect access to deep-veins which are the primary target of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment.In a modification, the sequencing of tourniquet and foot-pump action is changed to enhance the priming of blood in the plantar veins of a foot which must remain elevated above the heart level of a patient confined to bed, whereby circulation can be more effectively stimulated by foot-pump action.

Abstract: Device and method for venous-flow stimulation, through localized periodic application of squeezing forces, essential limited to the phalanx of the digits and thumb, and to the adjacent region of the palm of the hand. To this end, an inflatable mitt is applied to the said phalanx and adjacent regions, with digits and thumb projecting beyond the mitt. The mitt may be wrapped with suitable fabric, such as surgical gauze or muslin, to provide a circumferential tie of the inflatable regions, the tie providing hoop-tension reference for inward application of a squeezing pressure/release cycle; and the squeeze is applied in unison circumferentially around each of the individual digits (and thumb) at the phalanx region. Alternatively, the inflatable mitt may be embedded in an orthopedic cast, without imparing the application of pulsed pressure local to the indicated region in this case the circumferential tie is provided by the case.

Abstract: Device and method for venous-flow stimulation, through localized periodic application of squeezing forces, essentially limited to the phalanx of the digits and thumb, and to the adjacent region of the palm of the hand. To this end, an inflatable mitt is applied to the said phalanx and adjacent regions, with digits and thumb projecting beyond the mitt. The mitt may be wrapped with suitable fabric, such as surgical gauze or muslin, to provide a circumferential tie of the inflatable regions, the tie providing hoop-tension reference for inward application of a squeezing pressure/release cycle; and the squeeze is applied in unison circumferentially around each of the individual digits (and thumb) at the phalanx region. Altervatively, the inflatable mitt may be embedded in an orthopedic cast, without impairing the application of pulsed pressure local to the indicated region in this case the circumferential tie is provided by the case.