Anti-embolism stocking device
First Claim
1. An anti-embolism stocking device comprising:
- a stocking capable of being wrapped around a portion of a body;
a plurality of segmented polymer strips arranged in a preselected orientation along the stocking; and
means for receiving an electrical stimulus such that when the stimulus is applied to each of the polymer strips in a sequential order, the polymer strips constrict, thereby causing separate, segmental compression to be exerted upon the portion of the body.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An anti-embolism stocking used to inhibit the development of thrombophlebitis. The present invention is directed to a system and method for applying compressive forces to parts of the body to stimulate fluid flow through the parts of the body. In particular the present invention relates to a stocking that is capable of being placed on a portion of the body and then having a stimulus applied thereto to stimulate blood flow within the region of the body upon which the stocking is placed. The stocking includes polymer materials which, when a selected stimulus is applied thereto, causes constriction of the polymer, thereby causing the compressive forces. The stocking may be designed such that the compressive forces may be generated sequentially along the length of the stocking to gradually stimulate fluid flow, such as blood, to and from the preselected body portion.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An anti-embolism stocking device comprising:
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a stocking capable of being wrapped around a portion of a body; a plurality of segmented polymer strips arranged in a preselected orientation along the stocking; and means for receiving an electrical stimulus such that when the stimulus is applied to each of the polymer strips in a sequential order, the polymer strips constrict, thereby causing separate, segmental compression to be exerted upon the portion of the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for applying compressive forces to a portion of a body comprising:
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a stocking capable of being wrapped around the portion of a body; a plurality of segmented polymer strips arranged in a preselected orientation along the stocking; and means for applying an electrical stimulus to each of the polymer strips in a segmental order to cause the strips to constrict thereby causing separate, segmental compression to be exerted upon the portion of the body. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for applying compressive forces to a portion of a body, comprising the steps of:
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surrounding the portion of the body with an anti-embolism stocking; and applying an electrical stimulus to the stocking to cause the stocking to apply the compressive force to the portion of the body; wherein the anti-embolism stocking comprises; a stocking capable of being wrapped around the portion of a body; a plurality of segmented polymer strips arranged in a preselected orientation along the stocking; and means for applying a stimulus to each of the polymer strips in a sequential order to cause the strips to constrict thereby causing separate, segmental compressing to be extended upon the portion of the body. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification