Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) in a patient. At least one pressure applicator is arranged externally around a body segment of the patient. Negative pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, is applied to the body segment of the patient during cardiac systole using the pressure applicator, thereby reducing ventricular afterload in the patient. The negative pressure to the body segment of the patient is removed during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: A compression device for applying compression to an extremity of a mammal includes a cuff adapted to be placed around and secured to the extremity. A control and tensioning unit is attached to the cuff and is operable to control a tension of the cuff to thereby control the compression applied to the extremity. The cuff may further include a bladder system, in which case the compression device further includes a hydraulic pump that is operable to transfer fluid within the bladder system to control the compression applied to the extremity.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes an S-shaped bladder with at least first and second spaced apart sections in fluid communication. At least one opening is formed between the first and second sections. The at least one opening may a single opening extending along a majority of a length of the first and second sections. The at least one opening may be a plural of openings. At least one opening may be formed between the second section and a third section of the bladder.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A gas supply system comprises a person-support surface, a garment, and a gas supply. The person-support surface includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The garment includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The gas supply is configured to supply a gas to both the garment and the person-support surface.

Abstract: A mobile leg constriction apparatus for promoting blood circulation is disclosed. The leg constriction apparatus includes a first cylindrically-shaped inflatable element for surrounding a patient's thigh, a second cylindrically-shaped inflatable element for surrounding the patient's calf, a first tube for connecting the first inflatable elements to an air pump and a second tube for connecting the second inflatable elements to the air pump. The leg constriction apparatus further includes an enclosure comprising an air pump for inflating the first and second inflatable elements. The leg constriction apparatus further includes one or more pressure sensors for measuring air pressure within the first and second tubes, one or more escape valves for allowing air to escape from the first and tubes and a processor configured for receiving information from the one or more pressure sensors and initiating inflation and deflation of the first and second inflatable elements according to a predefined profile.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object includes a housing and a connector port on the body. The connector port is sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the object. The connector includes a tube port projecting from the body. The tube port is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port and is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. The tube port includes a tube retainer that projects from the body toward the tube port. The retainer has an engaging end portion disposed in relation to the tube port to engage the flexible tube when the tube port is received in the flexible tube. The flexible tube is restrained from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The openings include at least about 4% of a total surface area of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.

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: Devices that employ external compression stocking-type garments in the treatment of edema, chronic wounds, deep venous thrombosis prevention or claudication all share a number of significant limitations. These include the frequent need for custom fitting to assure an appropriate fit, vigilant maintenance to assure a continued “good fit,” limited compliance with proper use by patients and difficulty of application. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that patients often decline to wear the compressive stockings as prescribed or in the form that would be most beneficial because they find these devices to be difficult to put on and take off. Building on the limitations of existing therapies, and distilled lessons learned from the field of prosthetics and wound healing, the present invention employs vacuum-assisted negative pressure to provide compression and help pump fluid from the tissues of affected limbs.

Abstract: A compression garment or pad for selective application for treatment of lymphedema evidenced at various locations of the body. The pad 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 pad 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 pad is design cut, for either use in that matter, or for application as a garment to various segments of the body and can apply pressure over the entire affected area. The pad includes valves that allows for injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a patient having an acute myocardial infarction. Such system may comprise at least one tank having a pressurized gas contained therein, at least one housing having a shell and being adapted to at least partially surround a body segment of the patient, a hose/valve device for supplying the compressed gas from the tank to the housing; and a control device for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the tank to the housing in accordance with cardiac systole and cardiac diastolic of the patient to vary the pressure in synchronization with the patient's heart function. The system may be arranged within a moving vehicle, such as an ambulance, an airplane, or a ship.

Abstract: An air pulse generator for providing high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy to a patient is provided. The air pulse generator has a housing and first and second diaphragms supported in the housing. The air pulse generator further has a crankshaft assembly coupled to the first and second diaphragms to reciprocally move the diaphragms back and forth to produce oscillating pressure pulses. The crank shaft assembly includes a motor with an output shaft that rotates about a first axis, a flywheel mounted on the shaft to rotate therewith, a first member coupled to the first diaphragm and pinned to the flywheel by a first stub shaft that is offset from the first axis, a second member coupled to the second diaphragm, and a cam interposed between the first member and the second member. The first member is pinned to the cam by the first stub shaft and the second member is pinned to the cam by a second stub shaft.

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. A rigid structural component is secured to the sleeve and extends between the flexible sleeve sections to prevent the sleeve from buckling and moving downward on the wearer's limb. 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: A compression device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes bladder material defining at least one inflatable bladder and a breathable wicking layer connected to the bladder. A plurality of openings extend through the bladder material to the wicking layer. A breathable outer cover overlies the bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and heat and the moisture is allowed to dissipate through the device through the wicking layer, the openings and the breathable outer cover. A garment includes a sheet of mesh material formed with loops for use in a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The device has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. The device has a convective evaporation resistance of less than about 75. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compression device has improved cooling capability. The device includes a wicking layer adapted to move moisture. A portion of the wicking layer is exposed from under bladder material defining a bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the patient's limb and the wicked moisture is able to evaporate through the device at the portion of the wicking layer that is exposed.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The openings include at least about 4% of a total surface area of the bladder. The device also has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: Venous therapy methods and apparatus improve arterial or venous blood flow, for example in the legs. Venous therapy can reduce venous backflow and can improve arterial therapy such as that provided by intermittent pneumatic compression therapy.

Abstract: Optimizing fit of a compression garment for use with a patient receiving compression therapy. Sensors formed on the garment detect characteristics of the fit of the garment in the vicinity of each sensor. The fit sensors may be capacitive disks imprinted on the garment. A controller computes overall fit of the garment on the patient based on signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of a human body and including an inflatable bladder or pad that has opposing hermetically sealed first and second side walls. The device also includes an inlet tube connected to the inflatable bladder or pad for feeding intermittent pulses of fluid to the inflatable bladder or pad. The inflatable bladder or pad includes a fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media interposed between the first and second side walls and over an outlet of the inlet tube, the fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media configured to dissipate the intermittent pulses of fluid with an accompanying reduction in a fluid flow rate and noise generated during pressurization of the inflatable bladder or pad.

Abstract: There is provided a non-invasive pulsation and counterpulsation medical treatment apparatus for treating reduced cardiac output in heart patients. A flexible cuff is passed over the patient's lower body and/or extremities, and is attached through a lever arm to an electromechanical actuator. Through a mechanical linkage, the actuator sequentially tensions and releases the cuff, thereby sequentially compressing and releasing pressure on the patient, and thereby augmenting the patient's blood pressure. The actuator includes an electric solenoid which axially extends and retracts a shaft. The shaft oscillates the lever arm. A curved plate on the apparatus supports the patient's body or extremity in a fixed position during the treatment. A pressure sensor in the cuff transmits pressure data to an operator or electronic processor.

Abstract: A circulation facilitating apparatus comprising a pneumatic assembly and first and second leg assemblies. The pneumatic assembly comprises a pump assembly, a control assembly, an air controller assembly and an energizing assembly. The control assembly controls the pump assembly. The control assembly includes a microprocessor and a system for programming the microprocessor. The programming system programs at least a cycle time and at least a hold time. The air controller assembly is coupled to the pump assembly. Each leg assembly includes a bladder, an air passage assembly and a housing. A treatment method is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: A compression apparatus is described having a sleeve and an inflatable member disposed within the sleeve, the inflatable member being movable in relation to the sleeve. The compression apparatus includes a hook and loop features attached to the foot sleeve for securing compression apparatus to the feet.

Abstract: A garment, such as a vest, for applying HFCWO treatment to a patient includes an outer garment and an air bladder coupled to the outer garment. The outer garment includes an outer shell and an inner liner coupled to the outer shell to define a pocket between the outer shell and the inner liner. The air bladder is removably received within the pocket and the inner liner is made from a 3D material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of patients suffering from lymphedema manifested at various locations of the human body. The apparatus includes a multiple chamber sleeve to be positioned in a wrap around fashion on a body extremity to be treated by compression therapy. The chambers are sequentially inflated and maintained so until all chambers are inflated and then all the chambers are simultaneously deflated so as to move edema fluids out of the afflicted area and to stimulate the lymphatic system. The apparatus also includes the capability to measure the biological impedance of the extremity under treatment as a treatment parameter as well as applying interferential therapy either alone or in combination with compression therapy.

Abstract: Devices that employ external compression stocking-type garments in the treatment of edema, chronic wounds, deep venous thrombosis prevention or claudication all share a number of significant limitations. These include the frequent need for custom fitting to assure an appropriate fit, vigilant maintenance to assure a continued “good fit,” limited compliance with proper use by patients and difficulty of application. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that patients often decline to wear the compressive stockings as prescribed or in the form that would be most beneficial because they find these devices to be difficult to put on and take off. Building on the limitations of existing therapies, and distilled lessons learned from the field of prosthetics and wound healing, the present invention employs vacuum-assisted negative pressure to provide compression and help pump fluid from the tissues of affected limbs.

Abstract: A low-profile self-charging and contouring bladder system assists circulation in a treatment region. Bladders capable of self-inflation and deflation incorporate entry and exit check valves having predetermined cracking pressures to maintain internal pressure above the ambient pressure of the ambient environment. Recharging check valves having low cracking pressures at or slightly above atmospheric pressure, combined with the self-inflation properties of the bladders promotes bladder pressurization. Bladders are disposed in sleeves designed to fit various parts of a wearer's body, and connected in series to allow the apparatus to work across a large region. The system is designed at pressures so that normal bodily movement, including skeletal bending and twisting, causes bladders to expel fluid and take in fluid in a manner causing pressure waves to move across the treatment region.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A compression apparatus is provided that includes a sleeve configured for disposal about a limb. The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber. The second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and the chambers thereby facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. The first portion is removable from the second portion. The first portion may be connected to the second portion via a perforated attachment. The sleeve may define at least one ventilation opening. The connector can communicate with the chambers via a tubular pathway. The sleeve may be convertible from a length extending from below a knee to above the knee, to a length extending solely below the knee.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet and a second sheet attached to the first sheet. The first and second sheets define at least one inflatable section. At least one conduit including a textured inner surface on each of the first and second sheets is disposed within the inflatable section.

Abstract: An inflatable garment for applying to parts of the body such as the calf of the leg as a means of enhancing blood circulation in the body. The garment is of universal application in the sense that it comprises two wrap halves (8, 9) provided with inflatable bladders (4, 5, 6). The two wrap halves can be selectively coupled together in such a way as to provide a variable overall length of garment wrap to suit calf's of differing size while at the same time maintaining the integrity of fluid communication between the bladders on the respective wrap halves.

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 compression sleeve (10) has twelve inflatable cells (13) to be wrapped around a limb. The cells (13) are inflated to set pressures and duration by a fluid source. The cells (13) are numbered (1) to (12), with (1) being at the toe, or the wrist, and (12) being at the thigh, or the shoulder. In use, the inflation sequence begins with a peristaltic wave at cell (1) and finishes at cell (12). Then cell (12) is inflated and deflated 5 times, then cell (11) is inflated and deflated 5 times in the same way as cell (12), followed by a single peristaltic wave beginning at cell (12) to cell (11). This compression regime is repeated along the compression sleeve until cell (1) is inflated and deflated (5) times followed by a peristaltic wave from cell (1) to cell (12). The described compression sequence is particularly useful for lymphatic drainage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A body surface compression device for generating cyclical or constant compressions for medical purposes. Compression is accomplished using pneumatic actuated artificial muscle in combination with a belt placed around a body part. Both artificial muscle shortening and pneumatic expansion are used for compression. A unique useful property of this system is the length-tension characteristic similar to natural muscle which reduces applied compressive force proportionally with the level of volume compression of the body part. This property as well as a uniformly applied compression over the body part allows compression to be accomplished in a way which resembles natural muscle activation and minimizes overall abnormal stress on the body part.

Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic massage sock comprised of a unitary molded insole formed with one or more internal pump chambers for generating fluid pressure throughout the user's gait, and a plurality of interconnected compression pads each containing an array of fluid feed tubes. The compression pads fold up and around the foot and calf substantially enveloping them in a low-profile sock-like configuration, and an outer shell is worn overtop to maintain the compression pads against the user's calf. The fluid feed tubes in the compression pads are in fluid communication with the pump insole to provide a self-compressive non-constricting and yet deep-kneading, non-constricting undulating (wavelike) pattern massage action up the leg in accordance with the full-length heel-to-ball-to-toe foot plant. The outer shell hides the pump insole and compression pads and looks like a conventional sock, such that the combination can be worn with virtually any conventional pair of shoes.

Abstract: An apparatus for high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) comprises a patient interface which includes an expandable air chamber and an air pulse generator in fluid communication with the patient interface. The air pulse generator includes a variable displacement air chamber and programmable controller which controls the air pulse generator to vary the frequency and volume of air pulses delivered to the patient interface such that HFCWO therapy may be programmed for a particular patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear and in particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, relates to footwear for those with diabetes and, in particular, with ulcers of the sole. The present invention seeks to address some of the problems encountered by prior art limb compression devices and methods. In particular the present invention seeks to provide a boot which can stimulate blood flow. A further object to the invention is to provide a boot with a sole which is adaptable to conform with various shapes and conditions of human feet. The present invention also seeks to provide a new type of footwear that has a therapeutic benefit for diabetic patients with circulatory problems in their foot, and also enables the technique of “off loading” the foot to assist in the healing of any wounds present.

Abstract: A system for providing segmental gradient compression to a body of a patient of the type comprising a wrap applied to an appendage of the patient. The system includes a control unit, a compression bladder, a barrier disposed within the compression bladder and defining a passive port, and first and second chambers disposed within the compression bladder. The first and second chambers are defined by the barrier and are fluidly coupled to each other via the passive port. This arrangement defines a flow path of a gas from the first chamber to the second chamber through the passive port. Inflation of the compression bladder with the gas results in sequential inflation of each chamber of the plurality of chambers thereby applying gradient circumferential pressure to the appendage of the patient.

Abstract: A slimming apparatus operates by improving cutaneous circulation during activity in the fat burning pulse range carried out on endurance training equipment. The apparatus includes a main body with a fastening element in the form of a cuff which has at least two chambers that are independent of one another and that can be supplied with a fluid independent of one another. A simple configuration and high therapeutic effect can be achieved in such a way that a first chamber consists of a first main section which is arranged in a substantially linear fashion, with several first branch sections branching off from said main section. A second chamber consists of a second main section, with several second branch sections branching off from said section, which second sections are each arranged between the first branch sections. The apparatus can be attached to different body parts and includes a belt which is arranged with at least two chambers which are independent from one another.

Abstract: A massage device for massaging a body part of a person in an unsupervised and unattended setting is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the massage device comprises an inflatable garment (200) having a plurality of inflation bladders (250), to apply pressure to the body part, and an inflation assembly (300) includes a manifold (324) into which the pressurized fluid flows, a plurality of inflation valves (326) which control the flow of fluid from the manifold to the bladders, and a manifold valve for controlling the maximum pressure level within the bladders. The inflation assembly may have a predeterminated inflation capacity which defines a maximum bladder size as well as an array in which the bladders are arranged. The massage device may further comprise a connector for connecting tubes from the bladders to the inflation assembly, wherein the connector includes a garment-identifying component for identifying the type of garment connected to the inflation assembly.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus and method of use providing an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a wave form, a multi-port air chamber and a patient vest. A vest with a sizing feature is also disclosed. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient.