Suprapatellar external counterpulsation apparatus

• US 7,597,659 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2006
• Issued: 10/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Anthony Pickett, James Russell Lusk
• Original Assignee: David Anthony Pickett, James Russell Lusk
• Inventors: Lusk, James Russell, Pickett, David Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MORALES, JON ERIC C
• Application Number:
  US11/450,822
• Publication Number:
  US 20060229489A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,215 Days
• Field of Search: 600/16
• US Class Current: 600/17
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/006 Apparatus for applying pressure or blows for compressive stressing of a part of the skeletal structure, e.g. for preventing or alleviating osteoporosis
• 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 2201/5056 pneumatically controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2203/0456 Supine
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/04 Heartbeat characteristics, e.g. E.G.C., blood pressure modulation
• 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

An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Claims

1. An external counterpulsation system comprising:

a plurality of flexible, non-stretch cuffs;

a plurality of inflatable bladders attachable to said cuffs for pressurizing areas of the body;

a plurality of air inlet valves attached to said bladders, said air inlet valves configured to be actuated from an air source that is separate from the air source providing pressure to said bladders; and

retention members adapted to hold said inflatable bladders against a patient'"'"'s body;

wherein said bladders comprise triangular-shaped bladders capable of compressing the body in areas with creasing.

2. The counterpulsation system of claim 1, wherein said cuffs comprise symbols on their surfaces identifying particular air supply lines to be used with said compression members.

3. The counterpulsation system of claim 1, wherein said cuffs comprise symbols on their surfaces identifying the location of said inflatable bladders.

4. The counterpulsation system of claim 1, wherein said retention members include a buckle and buckle shield to prevent pinching of a patient'"'"'s skin.

5. The counterpulsation system of claim 1, further comprising a first air source configured for opening and closing said valves, and a second air source configured for delivering air to said inflatable bladders.