External counterpulsation device with multiple processors

• US 20060058715A1
• Filed: 01/14/2005
• Published: 03/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Harold Kaefer, John C.K. Hui, Robert F. Koshinskie, Terence H. Koong
• Original Assignee: Harold Kaefer, John C.K. Hui, Robert F. Koshinskie, Terence H. Koong
• Inventors: Hui, John C.K., Koshinskie, Robert F., Koong, Terence H., Kaefer, Harold
• Application Number:
  US11/036,623
• Publication Number:
  US 20060058715A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/151
• 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 2230/20 Blood composition characteristics
• 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

An external counterpulsation apparatus includes a treatment table and a fluid distribution assembly operable to apply pressure to patient limbs. A first microprocessor controller disposed in the housing unit processes patient treatment data and controls application of pressure through the fluid distribution assembly. A second microprocessor controller external to the housing unit communicates with the first microprocessor controller and outputs data to a human operator. A variable frequency drive device cooperates with the first microprocessor to vary generation of a compressed fluid and distribute the compressed fluid at a flow rate corresponding to the patient treatment data. The fluid distribution assembly includes a plurality of inflatable devices interconnected with a plurality of valves, which deliver a variable flow rate of compressed fluid to the plurality of inflatable devices.

Claims

1. An external counterpulsation apparatus for treating a patient, the apparatus comprising:

a treatment table assembly comprising a bed, a housing unit, and a fluid distribution assembly operable to apply pressure to limbs of the patient;

a sensor monitoring patient treatment data;

a first microprocessor controller disposed in said housing unit and adapted to process said patient treatment data and control the application of pressure through said fluid distribution assembly; and

a second microprocessor controller external to said housing unit, in communication with said first microprocessor controller, and operable to output data to a human operator.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second microprocessor is adapted to process data selected from the group comprising:

treatment parameters, treatment effects, patient identification, medical history, diagnosis, prior treatment data, and medications.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plethysmographic probe operable to detect patient treatment data selected from the group comprising:

monitor inflation and deflation timings, hemodynamic effects, and blood-oxygen saturation.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second microprocessor controller is operable to execute training software.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second microprocessor controller is operable to output data selected from the group comprising:

an electrocardiogram at various heart rates, an abnormal cardiac rhythm, motion artifacts, blood pressure waveforms, and health insurance treatment reports.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second microprocessors communicate with one another through a remote terminal.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a variable frequency drive device, wherein said fluid distribution assembly includes a plurality of inflatable devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of a patient, said variable frequency drive device adapted to cooperate with said first microprocessor to vary generation of a compressed fluid and distribute said compressed fluid at a flow rate corresponding to said patient treatment data.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said variable frequency drive device drives a motor generating said compressed fluid.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an operating frequency of said motor is between zero and about 80 Hz.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said compressed fluid is varied between about zero and about 133 percent of an output of a compressor using a 50/60 Hz power source.

11. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said variable frequency drive device includes a transistorized inverter that produces a variable frequency AC power supply.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fluid distribution assembly includes a plurality of inflatable devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of a patient and a plurality of valves interconnected with said plurality of inflatable devices and adapted to deliver a variable flow rate of fluid from a source of compressed fluid to said plurality of inflatable devices.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least two of said valves provide different flow rates.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of inflatable devices includes calf inflation device, a lower thigh inflation device, and an upper thigh inflation device, and wherein said fluid distribution assembly includes:

a first valve providing fluid communication between said compressed fluid source and said calf inflation device;

a second valve providing fluid communication between said compressed fluid source and said lower thigh inflation device; and

a third valve providing fluid communication between said compressed fluid source and said upper thigh inflation device,

wherein a flow rate through said first valve is less than a flow rate through said second and third valves.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said first valve flow rate is between about 50 to about 70 percent of said second and said third flow rates.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a diameter of said first flow valve is between about 50 to about 70 percent of a diameter of said second and said third flow valves.

17. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a flow rate through said second valve is less than a flow rate through said third valve.

18. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a diameter of said second flow valve is smaller than a diameter of said third valve.

19. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said valves have adjustable flow rates.