Abstract: A pneumatic massaging device comprising a first inflatable part (15) to be in contact with a foot of a user, wherein said first inflatable part comprises at least two inflatable chambers (21, 26). The first of said at least two inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with the plantar arch (8) and sole regions of the foot and the second of said at least two inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with the sole region (5), lateral region (4) or vamp region (3) of the foot. The pneumatic massaging device is designed such that the first inflatable part (15) may further comprise a third inflatable (26) chamber. This third chamber is designed such that it is in contact with the sole of the foot. Furthermore, the first inflatable part (15) may also comprise a plurality of inflatable chambers wherein said plurality of inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with or adjacent to the sole of the foot.

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: The present invention relates to a massage device, and more particularly, to a leg and foot massage device capable of achieving foot swing. The device includes an electrical machinery deceleration element, a wobbler machine element and an air inflatable bag massage element. The electrical machinery deceleration element drives the air inflatable bag massage element through the wobbler machine element, and the electrical machinery realizes the one-off deceleration. Therefore mechanical transmission steps are simplified and transmission noise obviously dropped, wobbler machine element cooperates with air inflatable bags' inflation and deflation, generating many kinds of different massage motions and obtaining a comprehensive massage effect on leg and feet muscles and joints.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: The invention provides a cuff (20) which comprises an expandable pneumatic bladder (202, 203, 204) and means to secure the bladder to a calf of a person, wherein the cuff (200) is arrangable, in use, to apply pressure to the calf. Also provided are a cuff assembly and a kit including a cuff or cuff assembly.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bladder has a surface area less than the surface area of the wicking layer. The surface area of the bladder segment is defined by the perimeter of the bladder material, less any openings formed through the bladder material. The wicking layer is secured to the bladder material so that portions of the wicking layer are not overlaid by the bladder material. The bladder segment is welded to the wicking layer along a seamline so that fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline and allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer to move through the seamline.

Abstract: A compression sleeve includes an inner layer, an outer cover and first and second bladder layers. The layers define adjacent, generally flexible sleeve sections, where each section includes an inflatable bladder. The inner layer, outer cover and first and second bladder layers are joined together at a plurality of discrete spot welds within an outer perimeter of the inflatable bladder to provide further structural integrity to the sleeve.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, flexible bladder layers are secured together to define first and second adjacent flexible sleeve sections. A rigid structural component, such as a tube for delivering air to a bladder of the sleeve or another structure, is secured between the first and second flexible sleeve sections to prevent buckling a movement of the sleeve sections downward when the sleeve is wrapped around a leg the wearer. An inner layer and an outer cover are secured to the bladder layers at a plurality of discrete weld spots to provide further structural support to the sleeve.

Abstract: One aspect provides a wearable garment having built-in massage components at multiple positions to massage areas of the thighs and/or lower butt. The garment may be adjustable to fit users of different sizes. This wearable massager provides a deep massage in areas that are difficult and/or tedious to get to when using other do-it-yourself massagers. This wearable massager employs a rotating longitudinal friction action (in contrast to a vibrating action) thereby eliminating the need to push on the massager. The wearable massager may allow a wearer to relax while receiving a massage.

Abstract: A pneumatic/hydraulic massage sock comprised of a web of hydraulic/pneumatic tubes connected to a pump in the sole of the sock. The over-the-calf web comprises a spiral web of interconnected flexible tubes. The web of tubes is encased in a fabric shell that generally conforms to the foot and calf and is worn like a sock. Mere walking produces a cumulative pump force to inflate/constrict the upper web in cyclic patterns to promote an effective kneading-pattern massage. The massage sock provides effective relief for individuals with circulatory disabilities, diabetes, arthritis, etc. They would offer mild, non-constricting variable pattern-compression and yet are non-intrusive and maintain a low-profile.

Abstract: An automated massage device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner. The device includes a programmable controller that is able to receive instructions on a dynamic prescriptive basis from a professional therapist and then relay these instructions to a care-giver in a home situation. The instructions include the placement of the bladder, the duration of the massage and the sequence of body locations to receive massage therapy. Once the bladder is placed in the required position against the body the device will execute the prescribed massage therapy for that location and then cue the care-giver to move the bladder to the next body location in the prescribed sequence. The prescription is time limited and once expired renders the device inoperable to prevent over application of the massage therapy.

Abstract: A therapy device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means and deflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A massage chair has a seating surface, a backrest and armrests at the opposite left and right sides. A covering member vertically displaceable to be opened and closed is provided on the upper surface of an armrest main body of each armrest. A massaging device is provided on at least either one of the lower surface of each covering member and the upper surface of the corresponding armrest main body. The massaging devices are driven with hands and arms tightly held between the lower surfaces of the covering members and the upper surfaces of the armrest main bodies, and the upper surfaces of the covering member serve as arm resting surfaces with the covering members closed and the massaging means not driven. There can be provided a massage chair whose arm resting positions are not restricted when the massage chair is not used to massage the hands and arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for treating an extremity of a body, the apparatus including a reservoir (2) adapted to contain a liquid (10), the reservoir wall having a cavity (4) adapted to receive the extremity of the body, wherein the wall of the cavity (8) is at least partially composed of a flexible material. The apparatus can be installed without connection to mains water or sewer, and allows for the saving of substantial volumes of water.

Abstract: The arm and hand can be reliably massaged with a massaging machine having a chair body 5 having a seat 2 and a backrest 3; an armrest 7 provided to the side of the seat 2; a tunnel-shaped support 22 provided to stand from the armrest 7 so as to enable the massagee's arm or hand placed on the armrest 7 to be inserted therein; and expanding/contracting massage air cells 34, 35 provided to the inner surface of the tunnel-shaped support 22.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that includes a first bladder supported about a limb. A second bladder is supported about the limb. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source and the bladders are inflated such that the first bladder is inflated for a first time period and the second bladder is inflated for a second time period. The second time period is initiated within the first time period. A single pressure sensor communicates with the first bladder and the second bladder.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad system (200) is disclosed for the treatment of edema, wherein the pressure applied to the user by the pad encourages the proximal flow of lymph. A fluid is provided to one or more bladder-type pads (220) in the pad through an inlet port (218) at a distal end of the pad, and is expelled from the bladder through an outlet port (220) at the proximal end of the bladder, thereby producing a pressure gradient across the pad. The system includes a flexible and compressible liner (250) filled with a number of small foam pieces (258) that is adapted to be wrapped about the therapeutic pad, and a relatively rugged, outer binder (270) that is securable about the liner (250). An advantage of the present system is that it may be applied in a number of different modes and combinations providing many treatment options.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot.

Abstract: A leg massage using air is provided. The leg massager includes a U-shaped massaging portion, a supporting frame, an air tank, an air supply controller, a rotating plate, an optical sensor, an air pump, and a control unit. The control unit determines a rotation angle of the rotating plate through the optical sensor, to control the operation of the air pump and the supply of compressed air to the air pads.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve (40) comprises an anterior portion (16) of inextensible material that comes to bear against the tibial ridge, and a posterior portion (18) of extensible material covering the region to be compressed. These two portions are connected together along two connection generator lines (20). Inflatable balloons (22) are disposed on the inside face of the anterior portion, being interposed between the inextensible material and the tibial crest. Means (24, 26, 28) are provided for inflating each of the balloons differently to a respective given pressure so as to apply deformation to the anterior portion of the sleeve that is suitable for inducing a traction force that is exerted on the extensible posterior portion; this force is distributed regularly along the generator lines and acts perpendicularly thereto, and consequently leads to compression action on the compressible region of the limb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the prevention or minimization of lower extremity venous thrombosis comprising an impedance component disposed at the proximal end of the lower extremity and a compression component disposed at the distal end of the lower extremity. The proximal impedance component is activated to impede return venous blood flow, preferably on the femoral vein, until blood volume in the lower extremity is maximized. In response to deactivation of the proximal compression component, the distal compression component is activated to assist return venous blood flow. The apparatus and methods enhance blood circulation in the lower extremity by increasing washout of stagnant blood from the lower extremity, particularly from the venous sinuses and valve cusps where thrombosis tends to form.

Abstract: A massage device includes a mat device having a chamber formed between two layers for receiving fluid and for supporting users, and having a groove formed in the middle portion for engaging onto the users' heads and for attaching the mat device onto the users. A container is used for receiving the fluid and coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the mat device, and a pump is used for pumping the fluid into and out of the chamber of the mat device. The mat device has one or more seals formed between the layers for forming a fluid passage in the mat device.

Abstract: A system of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. The system comprises a compression member for compressing a body portion and a means for controlling the compression. Methods and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: A massage device for massaging a body part of a person in an unsupervised and unattended setting. The massage device includes a garment, shaped to provide a snug fit and having a plurality of bladders arranged along the garment to massage the body part. An inflation assembly supplies fluid pressure to each of the bladders to inflate the respective bladders. The bladders may have approximately the same inflated volume thereby equalizing the inflation volume of the respective bladders whereby substantially even inflation timing, with substantially even applied pressure, and, thus, overall smooth massage dynamics may be provided without overly complicated inflation fluid control (e.g., an inflation assembly which supplies a substantially constant inflation capacity to each of the bladders). The garment may include a pocket having an opening communicating with the respective bladders and tubing from the inflation assembly extends into this pocket.

Abstract: A submerge massaging system controlled by a no-moving part backload responsive fluidic switch.

Abstract: A glove that when worn by a user quickly, comfortably, conveniently and effectively applies a specific amount of pressure to a particular point on the wearer's hand, thereby relieving and/or eliminating pain of the wearer such as from a type of headache. A glove worn by the person with pain, such as a headache, includes an internal pressure point applicator and an inflatable bladder to apply pressure to a desired point on the wearer's hand.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing rapid compression to at least one appendage positioned within an inflatable sleeve are disclosed. Rapid compression is provided by filling the inflatable sleeve containing the appendage with a gas. A portion of the gas is then repeatedly withdrawn and inserted back into the inflatable sleeve to apply a compression therapy to the at least one appendage.

Abstract: A self-operated mini therapeutic device for venous thrombus prophylaxis, including plural “Z” shape air passages and plural magnets defined in an air cushion, a mouth of the respective air passages connected to diverting valve via pipes, the diverting valve connected to an inflating and extracting mechanism via the pipes, so as to form air paths for inflation and extraction of the respective air passages in the air cushion, a control circuit employed to control the diverting valve. The self-operated mini therapeutic device can use pressure wave and magnetic stimulation to prevent and treat venous thrombus.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for enhancing the circulation to an extremity of a patient. During the compression phase, the extremity is compressed, pushing out superficial edema as well as emptying the superficial venous tree. The compression cycle is timed to begin at or slightly after the “P” segment of the heartbeat. Air slowly fills a boot so that it reaches maximum capacity just as the heart reaches the diastolic phase in the heartbeat. Since the heart is at its lowest pressure, there is little resistance from the heart, making it easier for the compression of the extremity to push fluids out into the venous structures carrying them back to the heart. When the heart reaches the next full beat, the extremity is void of some of the fluid, forcing from the heart fresh oxygenated blood into the extremity, thereby promoting circulation through the heart.

Abstract: A device for intermittent compression of human extremities such as, for instance, the region of the calves, to assist the return of body fluid in the direction of the heart. The device comprises a cuff and a pressure generator, which intermittently pressurizes the cuff, the cuff comprising in the direction of return a width of maximally 25 centimeters. The device further comprises a pressure generator that can be secured directly to the cuff or secured to the body or to clothing. This highly compact, handy configuration enables mobile application of the device in every-day situations to assist physical well-being.

Abstract: A compression garment for selective application for treatment of lymphedema and related illnesses manifested at various locations of the body. The garment includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein, and is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the garment together, at select locations, to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure to the patient's affected area, without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning. The garment is design cut, for application to various segments of the body, and applies encompassing pressure over the entire affected area, and includes valves that can allow for the injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is made of a first and a second sheet of a flexible material each having distal and proximal end edges and two lateral edges extending therebetween. The sheets are connected one to the other by a plurality of longitudinal connection lines transverse to the lateral edges. Thus they form a plurality of longitudinal pressure cells each defined between a pair of connection lines and first and second strip regions of the respective first and second sheets. The width of the second strip region between said pair of connection lines is greater than the width of the first strip region. The pressure cells are inflatable and, when inflated to exert pressure on a body, the second strip region of one cell overlaps the second strip region of an immediately adjacent neighboring cell.

Abstract: An applicator (11a-g) for the surface application of a gaseous medium to a part of the body of a living human or animal organism, comprising a gas passage side (21) provided with a plurality of through openings (22) oriented towards the part of the body to be treated during application. A device (13) is also provided for supplying a gas or gas mixture to or onto the gas passage (21), embodied in such a way that at least a part of the gas supplied during operation of the applicator flows through the through openings (22) of the gas passage side (21). A three-dimensional structure (15) is provided on the gas passage side (21) to enable the gas to be finely distributed parallel to the gas passage side (21), whereby the medium flowing out of the gas passage side (21) has an even temperature and volume distribution.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad system (200) is disclosed for the treatment of edema, wherein the pressure applied to the user by the pad encourages the proximal flow of lymph. A fluid is provided to one or more bladder-type pads (220) in the pad through an inlet port (218) at a distal end of the pad, and is expelled from the bladder through an outlet port (220) at the proximal end of the bladder, thereby producing a pressure gradient across the pad. The system includes a flexible and compressible liner (250) filled with a number of small foam pieces (258) that is adapted to be wrapped about the therapeutic pad, and a relatively rugged, outer binder (270) that is securable about the liner (250). An advantage of the present system is that it may be applied in a number of different modes and combinations providing many treatment options.

Abstract: The invention is a gel pad which is placed in a pocket or sleeve in an understocking. The understocking can be a compression stocking and the stocking may have a plurality of pockets or sleeves in which the gel pad(s) may reside depending on the treatment plan of the doctor or the clinician. The sleeve enables positioning of the pad where treatment is needed Pressure is applied to the affected area without having the pad in contact with the area or its dressing.

Abstract: The device with vacuum bag for pressure therapy solves the problem of accurate measuring of the under-pressure created in the vacuum bag and the problem of appropriate adjustment of the liner clothing to individual patients. he device with vacuum bag for pressure therapy according to the invention consists of a vacuum bag (5), specially designed liner clothing, and a control and measuring unit, situated in a housing (1), including a pressure gauge (2), which has direct connection to the vacuum bag (5) through a tube (8). The air is sucked out from the bag (5) through tubes (4) attached on the one side to six connections (6) on the vacuum bag and on the other side to connections (3) provided on the housing (1). The liner clothing consists of several pieces designed for different parts of the body. The liner clothing pieces are made of two layers of porous fabric sewn together with longitudinal seams.

Abstract: A counterpulsation device that operates without the use of compressed air or pressurized gas includes at least one inflatable cuff that is adapted to be placed about a selected portion of the patient's body. A conduit connects the inflatable cuff to an air transfer device so that noncompressed air can be transferred from the air transfer device to the cuff through the conduit to inflate the cuff. The conduit also connects the cuff to the air transfer device so that air can flow through the conduit to deflate the cuff. Another conduit is coupled to the first so that the air in the system can be selectively vented into the atmosphere. A series of valves are placed on the conduit to selectively control whether air is supplied to or withdrawn from the inflatable cuff. The air moving device preferably is a cylinder having a piston that moves through the cylinder to move the air from within the cylinder through the conduit and into or out of the cuff as desired.

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: A therapeutic bandage including a therapeutic surface having massage projections for contacting and massaging the body part to be treated. The therapeutic bandage is removably secured to the wearer by way of a closure element.

Abstract: There is provided a gear for preventing a user from lapsing into an apneic state by maintaining the body of said user in an inclined posture during said user's sleep. The gear includes a clothing body worn by said user and a pad. The clothing body includes a back body and a front body. The pad is attached to the back body of the clothing body and extends in the longitudinal direction. The pad includes a plurality of segments arranged along the longitudinal direction, capacities of the segments are different from each other, and each segment is expanded in accordance with the capacity thereof by a fluid to be supplied to each segment.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment combining compression therapy such as gradient compression of a body part or tissue of a human or animal subject with electrical or other form of delivered-energy stimulation. Garment electrodes have conductive portions contiguous or integral with elastic portions for delivering electrical stimulation to a treated area that is under compression. The combination of electrotherapy in conjunction with compression can help reduce edema and promote optimum blood circulation and improved healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

Abstract: An inflatable foot cuff for treatment of deep vein thrombosis includes a generally flexible body member configured to envelop a foot of a human and having a central region adjacent to the sole of the foot when applied thereon. A first inflatable air cell is disposed in the central region and extends generally from at least the ball of the foot to at least the heel of the foot. A second smaller separately inflatable air cell is disposed within a distal portion of the first air cell. Intermittent sequential inflation of the second distal air cell followed by inflation of the first air cell causes blood flow from the distal region of the foot to the proximal region of the foot and then up into the user's leg. The body member is also provided with preinflated air cells at counterforce pressure points to alleviate chafing and irritation of the skin when the foot cuff is operated.

Abstract: A self-powered compression device for use in promoting circulation, said device embodying a plurality of inflatable sleeves arranged sequentially for applying compression to a body or limb and which further comprises a pump, a piping system and a bandage or boot to enclose the device in its entirety. A method for using self-generated pressure in promoting circulation in conditions including but not limited to, lymphatic and traumatic edemas, venous disorders, limb ulcers, varicose veins, muscle fatigue, sports medicine, cellulite treatment, diabetic feet, feet massage for recreation or cosmetic enhancements.

Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a travelling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.