Arterial assist device and method

• US 5,218,954 A
• Filed: 07/09/1992
• Issued: 06/15/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Paul S. Van Bemmelen
• Original Assignee: Paul S. Van Bemmelen
• Inventors: van Bemmelen, Paul S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CLARK, JEANNE MARIE
• Application Number:
  US07/911,213
• Time in Patent Office: 341 Days
• Field of Search: 128/64, 128/DIG. 20, 128/24 R, 128/402, 602/13, 602/14
• US Class Current: 601/151
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/20 Inflatable splint

Abstract

A device and method are provided the purpose of increasing arterial blood flow to the lower leg, calf, ankle and foot. The device is a compression boot, or cast, and consists of a mono-compartment bladder enclosed in a non-elastic outer envelope connected to an air compressor with regulator valve, providing fast inflation to pressures over 80 mm Hg, within 0.5 seconds. This high pressure compression phase is sustained for 2 seconds. Decompression occurs rapidly, within 0.5 seconds, by venting a large valve to the atmosphere. During the resulting low pressure phase (pressure 0-30 mm Hg), which lasts between 8-14 seconds, there is a marked increase in arterial blood flow.

Claims

1. A device for applying pressure to a leg for improving arterial blood circulation, said device comprising a leg cast, an inflatable bladder, and means for inflating said bladder, said leg cast receiving the calf, foot and ankle of said leg, closure means being provided on said cast to secure said cast about said leg, said bladder being attached to an inside surface of said cast for restricted, non-circumferential engagement with specific regions of said leg, said regions comprising said calf, an inside face of said ankle behind the medial ankle bone and in front of the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, and an underside of said foot at the arch area thereof, whereby said bladder is inflated and constrained within said cast for applying pressure to said leg at said specific regions.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said means for inflating said bladder comprises a compressor, said compressor having tubing in fluid communication with said bladder, said compressor further having means for controlling the amount and duration of pressure delivered to said bladder, said bladder comprising a single compartment, whereby said specific regions of said leg are simultaneously compressed.

3. The device of claim 2 in which said compressor is capable of delivering a pressure of 80 mm Hg in 0.3-0.5 seconds to said specific regions of said leg simultaneously.

4. The device of claim 2 in which said compressor is capable of delivering a pressure of 105 mm Hg in 2.5 seconds to said specific regions of said leg simultaneously.

5. The device of claim 2 in which said compressor is capable of delivering pressure simultaneously to said specific regions of said leg in a first phase of 80 mm Hg in 0.3-0.5 seconds and a second phase of 105 mm Hg in 2.5 seconds.

6. The device of claim 5 in which means are provided for substantially completed decompressing said inflated bladder in 0.3-0.5 seconds.

7. The device of claim 1 in which heating means are provided in said cast for warming said ankle and foot to a temperature between 30°

-35°

C., whereby enlargement of the veins is stimulated for increased circulation, said heating means comprising a heating pad.

8. A method for improving arterial blood circulation to a leg, said method comprising applying high pressure at preselected intervals of short duration with rapid deflation, alternating with longer periods of decompression, to selected regions of said leg while said leg is in a dependent position, means for applying said pressure comprising an inflatable bladder positioned within a cast which is worn on said leg, inflating means located externally of said cast being provided for delivering pressure to said bladder, said high pressure having a range between 80-160 mm Hg, said high pressure being attained within 0.3-0.5 seconds and sustained for a duration of 2 seconds, said periods of decompression lasting between 5-14 seconds and having a pressure in the range between 0-30 mm Hg.

9. The method of claim 8 in which said selected regions of said leg include the calf, the soft tissues between the medial ankle bone and the heel bone, and the bottom surface of the arch of a foot.

10. The method of claim 8 in which a pressure of 80 mm Hg is reached in 0.5 seconds after initiation of a pressure cycle, and a further pressure of 105 mm Hg is reached within 2.5 seconds after said initiation, deflation of said bladder is effected within 0.5 seconds, and said period of decompression has a duration of 8-14 seconds at a pressure of 0-30 mm Hg.

11. The method of claim 8 in which heat is applied to said selected regions of said leg, whereby enlargement of veins in the vicinity of said areas is stimulated for increased circulation.

12. The method of claim 8 in which a pressure of 80 mm Hg is reached in 0.5 seconds after initiation of a pressure cycle, and a further 105 mm Hg is reached within 2.5 seconds after said initiation, deflation of said bladder is effected within 0.5 seconds, and said period of decompression has a duration of 8-14 seconds at a pressure of 0-30 mm Hg, and said selected regions of said leg include the calf, the soft tissues between the medial ankle bone and the heel bone, and the bottom surface of the arch of a foot.

13. The method of claim 8 in which a pressure of 80 mm Hg is reached in 0.5 seconds after initiation of a pressure cycle, and a further pressure of 105 mm Hg is reached within 2.5 seconds after said initiation, deflation of said bladder is effected within 0.5 seconds, and said period of decompression has a duration of 8-14 seconds at a pressure of 0-30 mm Hg, and said selected regions of said leg include the calf, the soft tissues between the medial ankle bone and the heel bone, and the bottom surface of the arch of a foot, and heat is applied to said selected regions of said leg, whereby enlargement of veins in the vicinity of said areas is stimulated for increased circulation.