High efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus and method for controlling same

• US 20050131456A1
• Filed: 01/31/2005
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John C.K. Hui
• Original Assignee: John C.K. Hui
• Inventors: Hui, John C. K.
• Granted Patent: US 7,314,478 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/201
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/06 raising or lowering of the whole table surface A61G13/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/08 the table being divided into different adjustable sections
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/46 for temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05776 with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2031/025 using the same pump for pressure and vacuum, not being driven at the respiratory rate, e.g. blowers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0103 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1238 with hydraulic or pneumatic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/10 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/04 Heartbeat characteristics, e.g. E.G.C., blood pressure modulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 31/00 Artificial respiration or heart stimulation, e.g. heart massage artificial respiration by treatment with gas or air, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration A61M16/00; applying electric currents by contact electrodes for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers A61N1/36 ; teaching or training models, demonstration models for medical purposes G09B23/288
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 31/005 with feedback for the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 31/006 Power driven
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 31/008 Supine patient supports or bases, e.g. improving air-way access to the lungs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0078 with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs mattresses for preventing bed-sores with alternated pressurized chambers A61G7/05776

Abstract

A method of controlling an external counterpulsation apparatus includes selecting a patient treatment pressure; outputting a signal corresponding to the selected treatment pressure; detecting a pressure of a compressed fluid reservoir; comparing the selected treatment pressure to the compressed fluid reservoir pressure; and controlling a pressure regulator valve based on a difference between the patient treatment pressure and the compressed fluid reservoir pressure. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be decreased when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is greater than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by venting the compressed fluid reservoir to atmosphere. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be necessary when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is less than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by operating a compressor.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an external counterpulsation apparatus comprising:

selecting a patient treatment pressure;

outputting a signal corresponding to said selected treatment pressure;

detecting a pressure of a compressed fluid reservoir;

comparing said selected treatment pressure to said compressed fluid reservoir pressure; and

controlling a pressure regulator valve based on a difference between said patient treatment pressure and said compressed fluid reservoir pressure.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising decreasing said compressed fluid reservoir pressure when said compressed fluid reservoir pressure is greater than a preset difference from said patient treatment pressure.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said compressed fluid reservoir pressure is decreased by venting said compressed fluid reservoir to atmosphere.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising increasing said compressed fluid reservoir pressure when said compressed fluid reservoir pressure is less than a preset difference from said patient treatment pressure.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said compressed fluid reservoir pressure is increased by operating a compressor.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said controlling includes damping to limit pressure swings beyond about 20 mm Hg of said selected treatment pressure.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said comparing includes comparing an output from a pressure transducer in said compressed fluid source reservoir to said selected treatment pressure.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said comparing includes translating an analog signal from said pressure transducer to a digital signal.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising controlling said compressed fluid reservoir pressure in an adjustment range of approximately one to ten psi.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising venting said pressure regulator valve to atmosphere during start-up of a compressor providing compressed fluid to said compressed fluid reservoir.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising venting said pressure regulator valve to atmosphere upon power failure.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said outputting a signal includes at least one of a digital voltage signal indicative of said selected pressure or a voltage proportional to said selected pressure.