DE102020103385A1 - Device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue with at least one thermoelectric element for supplying or removing thermal energy into or from the tissue, and an elastic textile base for activating the natural human healing and / or regeneration mechanisms. In order to propose a device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue which is simple in structure and efficient and which also improves endogenous wound care, it is provided that the textile base is designed at least on one side for adherence to human skin, and the thermoelectric element is integrated into the textile base is.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue.

Devices of the type mentioned at the outset are therapy devices which support the body's own healing processes, contribute to the shortening of these and alleviate the associated complaints. Such a therapy device with individual cooling and / or heating elements, in particular for reducing swellings in the head area of a person, is already out of the WO 2018/071933 A1 known, two Peltier elements spaced apart are integrated in an insulating material. The insulating material is provided on the side facing the human skin with a skin contact material with which the device can be arranged to adhere to the human skin. The Peltier elements are also connected to a heat dissipation element, for example via a heat-conducting film. A flexible printed circuit board with one or more temperature sensors is also provided in the area of this heat dissipation element. These are connected to a control unit, which in turn is either integrated into the device together with an energy source or is swapped out of the device by cable.

Devices with a similar field of application are preferred in oral, maxillofacial and facial surgery in the course of post-operative treatments, e.g. after an implantological intervention on the jaw, used to shorten the healing phase while relieving the associated complaints.

Devices of the already known type have only limited support for the typical wound healing processes of the human organism. In particular, cooling effects can only counteract overheating of the tissue surrounding the wound. Along with this, for example, edema and / or hematoma can also be reduced, but these processes are limited by the supply cycles of the human organism, which may even be restricted anyway due to the underlying injury.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue, which is simple in structure and efficient and also improves endogenous wound care.

The invention solves the problem by a device for the supportive treatment of human tissue according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

The device according to the invention has at least one thermoelectric element for supplying or removing thermal energy into or from the tissue. Such a thermoelectric element is designed so that electrical current flows through it in two directions. If a current flows through the thermoelectric element in a first direction, it extracts energy in the form of heat from the surroundings. If it is flowed through accordingly in a second direction, then again it releases thermal energy to the surroundings.

The device according to the invention also has an elastic textile base for activating the natural human healing and / or regeneration mechanisms. The textile base is preferably made from a material consisting essentially of natural and skin-friendly fibers, such as, for example, cotton, flax, hemp or other natural fibers (in particular of vegetable or animal origin). Conventional synthetic fibers such as viscose and / or in particular elastic synthetic fibers such as elastane can be added to this. It is conceivable that the majority of natural fibers will be replaced by synthetic fibers. The determination of a suitable material composition is based in particular on a skin-friendly and long-lasting fiber mixture which, for example, can have the highest possible coefficient of thermal conductivity and is also breathable. With regard to an improvement in the thermal conductivity of the material composition, it is further possible to add fine strands of a very good heat-conducting metal to a correspondingly described fiber mixture, or even to embed such a braid in a corresponding fiber mixture.

It is characteristic of the device according to the invention that the textile base is designed at least on one side for adhesion to human skin and the thermoelectric element is integrated into the textile base. For example, the textile base on the corresponding side can be designed to hold an adhesive, in particular an adhesive which is kind to the skin and can be removed again without causing damage to the skin. Such an adhesive can be an acrylate adhesive, for example, which is activated by body heat and pressure. It is possible that the textile base is prepared on one side in particular with an appropriate adhesive layer. To protect against oxidation and / or soiling, this can be coated with a protective film (carrier film), which in turn is chemically selective with respect to the adhesive and can also be removed without residue and easily before the textile base adheres to human skin.

The thermoelectric element can, for example, be connected directly to the textile base via holding elements. For example, clips, eyelets or locking lugs can be incorporated into the textile base, to which the thermoelectric element can have corresponding counterparts. It is also possible that, for example, an essentially flat plate-like connecting piece is arranged in the textile base, on which the thermoelectric element can be correspondingly connected to holding elements of the aforementioned type or also integrally.

The device according to the invention is preferably used in the head region of the person to be treated. The area of skin to which the device is attached via the textile base is preferably free of superficial injuries and / or diseases. Such undesired criteria can include cuts, tears, abrasions or eczema, rashes or the like. be. Furthermore, the aforementioned skin area is particularly preferably in the area of a cheek, that is, for example, starting from a previous surgical treatment on the jaw on the immediate skin surface.

The device according to the invention has an increased efficiency with regard to the activation and support of the natural human healing and regeneration mechanisms. The combination of external thermal and mechanical influence on the metabolic system favors both the reduction of swellings and the reduction of the activity of inflammatory substances and bacteria. This also effectively supports an acceleration of the immune response and helps to relieve pain. A rapid removal of undesired damaged and / or dead cells, of pain-inducing messenger substances and / or of impurities can be made possible. The textile base stimulates the lymphatic drainage and favors the balancing of tissue requirements for nutrients and oxygen. This also prevents ischemic tissue damage. Compared to similar variants of thermotherapeutic devices, for example locally arranged cooling and / or heating elements, the device according to the invention proves to be advantageous.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermoelectric element is integrated in a section of the textile base in such a way that the thermoelectric element has direct contact with human skin. This has the advantage that there are no substances between the patient's skin surface and the thermoelectric element which dampen the transfer of thermal energy by direct heat conduction. The textile base can have, for example, a cutout which is suitable for the thermoelectric element to be at least substantially precisely positioned therein and to be connected to the textile base. The abovementioned connection between the textile base and the thermoelectric element is preferably produced in a materially bonded manner, particularly preferably by gluing or even hot gluing.

It is possible that the textile base - at least in the area in which the thermoelectric element is to be arranged - is reinforced by an additional material. This is in line with the aforementioned requirement that the heat conduction from the thermoelectric element to the skin surface should take place without disadvantageous damping, since this additional material can be, for example, a thin metal element and / or metal fibers made of copper, aluminum or another metal with a very high coefficient of thermal conductivity . Such a reinforcement can support the thermoelectric element to be arranged in the corresponding area due to the local increase in the elastic modulus of the textile base. In this area in particular, it is then easily possible to connect the thermoelectric element to the textile base in a non-positive and / or positive manner.

The textile base should, for example, be suitable for inducing the aforementioned mechanical influences on human tissue, in particular the stimulation of the lymphatic drainage. According to a further preferred embodiment, the textile base is therefore designed as a kinesiological tape, especially as a lymph tape. This has the advantage that the special structure of such a kinesiological tape can only transmit to the human tissue those tensions which are important for the desired stimulation. Such a kinesiological tape preferably consists essentially of cotton fibers, which are intertwined at right angles to one another. In a longitudinal direction parallel to the outer long edges - this braid is additionally woven under elastane fibers, which ensure the stretchability of the tape in the longitudinal direction. Stretchability transverse to this longitudinal direction, however, is undesirable. Instead of the cotton fibers, it is also possible to use another natural fiber according to the criteria mentioned above. The kinesiological tape is preferably provided on one side with an adhesive, which in turn is covered by a carrier film which can be removed easily and without residue. In particular, all adhesives of the type mentioned at the beginning with regard to the description of the textile base can be used as adhesives.

Lymph tape is the use of a kinesiological tape of the aforementioned type to promote lymphatic drainage. Accordingly, no other type of tape is required. The tape is, for example, starting from a base - on which the thermoelectric is preferred Element is arranged - fanned out into several sub-strands. These partial strands are glued onto the skin in a wave-like manner and with a slight pull from the base, parallel to each other along the lymphedema to be influenced. It is also possible that, based on the above-mentioned base, partial strands are glued to the human skin in opposite directions. Then the thermoelectric element would preferably be arranged in the middle between the opposing partial strands on the base.

As described above, it is provided that the thermoelectric element is able to act both exothermally and endothermally, that is to say it can also give off energy in the form of heat but also absorb it. According to a further preferred embodiment, the thermoelectric element is therefore designed as a Peltier element. This has the advantage that the design of the thermoelectric element can be kept compact in this embodiment. A Peltier element consists of an alternating arrangement of n- or p-doped semiconductor pellets, which are alternately connected to each other either above or below by a metal bridge. These pellets can be, for example, rectangular or even cuboid. The arrangement corresponds to an electrical series connection and is more preferably enclosed as a housing by a non-current-conducting but good heat-conducting material. Such a material can be a ceramic, for example. For example, it is possible for the aforementioned semiconductor arrangement to be cast in a resin or a plastic, insofar as the corresponding material has a good coefficient of thermal conductivity. Corresponding values can preferably be regarded as greater than 50 W / (m * K), particularly preferably greater than 100 W / (m * K) and very particularly preferably greater than 150 W / (m * K).

If a current is now applied which, for example, is to flow from a p-doped to an n-doped charge carrier, energy is required in order to transfer the electron into the higher-energy semiconductor band. This energy is absorbed from the outside in the form of heat. At the transition from the corresponding n-doped to a next p-doped charge carrier, energy (in the form of heat) must again be released, since the energy level drops during this transition. The Peltier element can thus absorb heat on one surface (cooling side) and emit it on the opposite surface (heating side). Use in the sense of moderate hyperthermia to improve the transcutaneous passage of medicinal products (e.g. creams) is also possible.

With large amounts of energy, for example, it can happen that heat accumulates on the heating side of a Peltier element, i.e. that less heat is dissipated from the heating side to the environment than is supplied from the cooling side. According to a further preferred embodiment, the Peltier element is therefore assigned a heat sink to enlarge the heat exchange surface. Such a heat sink preferably has a finely ribbed surface, so that there is a large ratio of surface to volume. The heat sink is correspondingly made of a good heat-conducting material, preferably a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or copper. Such non-ferrous metals can also come up with a low weight in contrast to common ferrous metals, for example steels, which only brings about corresponding advantages with regard to the arrangement of the Peltier element on the skin surface of a person only by adhering to a textile base of the type described above.

Another way to further improve the exchange of heat on the heating side of a Peltier element with the environment is to provide means for better removal of this heat on the Peltier element or additionally on a heat sink of the type described above. According to a further preferred embodiment, a fan is therefore provided to improve the heat dissipation. The size of the fan is based on the size of the Peltier element or the heat sink arranged thereon.

A suitable fan can preferably be supplied with energy by the same means as the thermoelectric element. Likewise, such a fan, like the thermoelectric element itself, can particularly preferably also be able to receive commands in the form of electrical signals. According to a further preferred embodiment, a control unit and a current source are assigned to the thermoelectric element. A corresponding power source can, for example, be a power supply unit which is connected to a standard household power socket. It is also possible for the power source to be designed as a USB network output of a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or USB network plug. The control unit could also be connected to the thermoelectric element via such a USB connection.

According to a further preferred embodiment, such a control unit comprises a sensory part, which in turn has at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the skin surface, and at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the thermoelectric element, and at least one voltage and / or current sensor Detection of the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element and / or the applied current includes. This has the advantage that the corresponding measured values are known, with which the operating times and the operating intensity can be matched to the need and the state of health or the state of the healing process of the patient. The temperature sensor used is preferably structurally small and particularly preferably flat sensors, such as platinum or silicon sensors from the PTC class. Thermistors or thermocouples can also be used as temperature sensors for the above embodiment, the thermocouples having a structure similar to a thermoelectric element of the aforementioned type, but taking advantage of the effect that an electron movement is induced in the thermocouple by a change in temperature ( Seebeck effect). A corresponding voltage and / or current sensor is free of restrictions, in particular with regard to the structural size, since it does not have to be arranged in the area of the thermoelectric element. Such a sensor can, for example, also be designed as a combination sensor, that is to say for simultaneous measurement of current and voltage, and can be arranged in the region of the current source. It is also possible for the thermoelectric element to be assigned a plurality of temperature sensors, so that, for example, the temperatures are measured both on the side facing the skin surface and on the corresponding side facing away. With the aid of such a temperature gradient, conclusions can be drawn, for example, about the cooling or heating power of the thermoelectric element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the control unit also includes a control part for comparing and processing the measured values of the sensors arranged in the sensory part and for controlling the current output by the current source. For example, it is possible for the control part to further comprise a software interface in order to be able to use a PC, laptop, smartphone or the like. Receive signals. The control part accordingly comprises the means, for example to control the direction of the energization of the thermoelectric element, and thus whether it emits heat directly to the human tissue or absorbs and transports heat from there. It is also possible for the control part to be used to clock or even program corresponding heating and cooling phases. Individualized treatment programs can be run, for example, depending on the degree and status of the injury to be treated. If a fan is also assigned to the thermoelectric element, as described above, this can also be controlled with regard to its speed and thus with regard to the amount of air moved and the associated heat dissipation. Such parameters can also be played back in the context of pre-programmed therapy programs by such a control part. Such therapy programs can also be based on empirical values, these data, for example from a database, which are based on the multiple use of the present device on different patients for scientific purposes.

For this purpose, the control part can have appropriate means for recording, processing and storing operating data, which can also be correlated with corresponding patient data.

With regard to longer-term treatments in particular, it can be advantageous if the patient remains mobile despite the use of a device of the above type. It would be disadvantageous, for example, if the patient were dependent on the proximity to a stationary power source because of the supply of the thermoelectric element, the control unit or the like. According to a further preferred embodiment, the current source is therefore designed as an accumulator and the thermoelectric element together with the control unit for wireless operation. An accumulator is understood to mean in particular a rechargeable battery. However, it is possible to dispense with the “rechargeability” property and to use commercially available disposable batteries. At least in terms of sustainability, however, a rechargeable variant is preferable. It is accordingly advantageous if at least the control unit is assigned means for wireless communication, for example a WLAN or Bluetooth adapter. Accordingly, the other components of the control unit described above and also a possibly coupled software are suitable for the corresponding wireless operation.

Accordingly, it can be advantageous to also have a mobile influence on the operating parameters. According to a further preferred embodiment, the thermoelectric element together with the control unit is designed for remote control. In this way, remote diagnosis can be made possible in the event of, for example, changed symptoms of the patient and the treating person can check corresponding measured values. Furthermore, the function of the device can be monitored remotely and, if necessary, remote adjustments can also be carried out by remote control.

The quick influence on the operating parameters of the device from the outside, possibly also mobile according to the previously mentioned embodiment, can be relevant in terms of safety technology. So it is possible that in the rare event of an error Switching off the thermoelectric element is necessary very promptly. Reasons can be, for example, an excessively high voltage and thus an excessive temperature gradient between the thermoelectric element and the skin surface, which leads to discomfort or risk of injury. According to a further preferred embodiment, the control unit is therefore designed for emergency shutdown.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur unterstützenden Behandlung von geschädigtem menschlichem Gewebe nach einer Ausführungsform;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach 1;
• 3 einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung.

An embodiment is explained below with reference to drawings. The drawings show:

• 1 a perspective view of a device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue according to an embodiment;
• 2nd a plan view of the device after 1 ;
• 3rd a cross section through a device according to the invention.

An example in 1 shown device 1 A thermoelectric Peltier element is used for the supportive treatment of damaged tissue 2nd on which on a human side with a kinesiological tape 4th (Kinesiotape) and on a side facing the environment and accordingly facing away from humans with a heat sink 6 connected is. The heat sink 6 is still a fan element 8th assigned.

The kinesiotape 4th is in 1 shown in a section. It consists of a mixture of cotton fibers and elastane. The cotton fibers are woven into one another at right angles, while the elastane fibers are essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction L are introduced into the fiber mixture. The kinesiotape 4th is breathable and therefore allows moisture that might otherwise be between the kinesiotape 4th and escapes from the human skin to which it was applied. Such ventilation under the kinesiotape 4th lying skin increases wearing comfort, especially during longer periods of use.

On the side facing man, the kinesiotape shows 4th also has an essentially full-surface adhesive for adherence to human skin. This is achieved with the help of an acrylic adhesive, which has the advantage that it is already activated by pressure and heat and can therefore develop its full adhesive power. A sufficient heat component is sufficient when attaching the kinesiotape 4th already manual friction plus body heat.

How 2nd illustrated are the ends of the kinesiotape 4th longitudinal L incised what there through the indentations 14 is made clear. This results in tapefingers on both sides 12a-c , which differs from a base section 11 extend in the opposite direction. This tapefinger 12a-c can, in particular, to support the lymphatic drainage in a substantially parallel wave shape and with a slight pull with respect to the base section 11 to be glued to the skin. In other embodiments, it is possible that such indentations 14 and accordingly on the formation of several such tap fingers 12a-c is dispensed with, and the kinesiotape 4th starting from the base section 11 each extending away from it in one piece.

The kinesiotape 4th further points out in the 1 Embodiment shown a section not shown there, in which the Peltier element 2nd is arranged. This is with the kinesio tape 4th connected by an adhesive, also not shown. It can be advantageous for reasons of stability, as also in 1 it is illustrated that the Peltier element 2nd transverse to the longitudinal direction L from the kinesiotape 4th is towered over.

On the Peltier element 2nd is still a heat sink 6 arranged. This consists of aluminum, which in addition to stability and a low volume weight also has a high thermal conductivity (> 200 W / m * K). 1 does not show in detail the nature of the surface of the heat sink 6 , which has a large number of fine ribs here. This increases the surface to volume ratio in favor of a larger heat exchange surface and thus better heat dissipation. To further improve this is the heat sink 6 also a fan element 8th assigned. The fan element 8th is quiet and moves a volume flow in the area of a commercially available processor cooler from the IT area.

The fan element is shared with the Peltier element 2nd on a power source / control unit 9/10 (CTRL / AC) connected. 1 shows this also schematically. The power source 9 is designed here as an accumulator and is with the device 1 portable. Thus, the person remains mobile during the supportive treatment. The control unit 10th is part of a control unit that is not fully shown here. Next to the control unit 10th this includes a sensory part, which is also in 1 Temperature sensors, not shown, between the skin and the Peltier element 2nd and between the Peltier element 2nd and the heat sink 6 includes. These temperature sensors are designed as platinum sensors (here, for example, PT1000) and deliver, for example, measured values with respect to the skin temperature and the Peltier temperature both on the Bottom, as well as on the top. In addition, the aforementioned sensory part also includes a current and voltage sensor, which in 1 is not shown explicitly, but implicitly in the area of the control unit 10th is disclosed. Since this combination sensor should not determine a local size, i.e. not the spatial proximity to the Peltier element 2nd or man needs, this is in the area of the power source / control unit 9/10 arranged.

The control unit 10th also includes an interface for wireless communication with a secondary device (WLAN, Bluetooth) and is especially designed to control the operating parameters of the fan element 8th and the Peltier element 2nd to change, monitor and save. A previously mentioned secondary device enables these functions of the control unit 10th to use from a distance. Appropriate software is available on both sides. Important operating parameters are, in particular, those of the Peltier element 2nd and the fan element 8th applied voltages. The power of the fan element is determined, for example, by the voltage applied 8th and the degree of heating or cooling of the Peltier element 2nd controlled. As the decision whether the Peltier element 2nd The control unit is on the side facing the human being to absorb or give off heat, not via the voltage level, but rather the direction of the current 10th further trained to change the current direction. The control unit 10th also has a storage system in which, for example, pre-made, individual treatment programs are also stored. These can consist, for example, of a sequence of heating and cooling phases adapted to people, which can contribute, among other things, to improving the nutrient and oxygen supply to the wound area, as well as increasing the removal of dead cells, germs or other toxins.

To illustrate how the Peltier element works 2nd according to the representation 3rd referred. The Peltier element 2nd has a housing 15 which consists of a very good heat-conducting ceramic. In this case 15 are semiconductor pellets 18th / 20th arranged, which are alternately positively or negatively doped (p- or n-doped semiconductor pellets 18th / 20th ). The semiconductor pellets here consist, for example, of bismuth telluride. Sufficient heat flows (temperature gradients) can be generated for human use. In other embodiments, alternatively, for example, silicon germanium can also be used to produce such semiconductor pellets. The semiconductor pellets 18th / 20th are each over a metal bridge 16 electrically connected to each other. At the edge comes from the last metal bridges 16 one cable each through the housing 15 outward. In 3rd is the input on the left I. and on the right side the output O can be seen corresponding to a normal flow direction of a positive stress. The control unit, for example, can also enter this electrical loop 10th be involved. For this purpose, for example, one or more insulated wires can be arranged in the same sheath next to the current-carrying lines and only for the transport of signals / information.

Concerning. the 3rd a current would flow from left to right when a positive voltage was applied. Accordingly, at the transition of each electron from the first p-doped semiconductor pellet 18th to the first n-doped semiconductor pellet 20th Energy is required to raise the corresponding electron to the following higher energy level. Thus, the ( 3rd ) Top heat according to the schematically noted heat flow Qp added. If the exemplary electron is now on the underside of the Peltier element 2nd from the first n-doped semiconductor pellet 20th to the second p-doped semiconductor pellet 18th should pass, the corresponding electron must release energy. This also takes the form of heat. A heat flow is thus emitted on the underside. In this example, the underside represents the heating side, the top the cooling side of the Peltier element 2nd The aforementioned process scheme is repeated in accordance with the number of semiconductor pellet pairs arranged in the row 18th / 20th .

Reference symbol list

1

Device for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue

2nd

Peltier element

4th

Kinesiological tape (kinesiotape)

6

Heatsink

8th

Fan element

9

Power source

10th

Control unit

11

Base section

12

Tapefinger

14

Indentations

15

casing

16

Metal bridges

18th

p-doped semiconductor pellet

20th

n-doped semiconductor pellet

B

Metal bridge

1

Input

L

Longitudinal direction

N

n-doped semiconductor pellet

O

output

P

p-doped semiconductor pellet

Qp

Heat flow

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2018/071933 A1 [0002]

Claims (12)

Device (1) for the supportive treatment of damaged human tissue, with - at least one thermoelectric element for supplying or removing thermal energy into or from the tissue, and - an elastic textile base for activating the natural human healing and / or regeneration mechanisms, characterized in that - the textile base is designed at least on one side for adhesion to human skin, and - the thermoelectric element is integrated into the textile base. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermoelectric element is integrated in a section of the textile base in such a way that the thermoelectric element has direct contact with human skin. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile base is designed as a kinesiological tape (4), especially as a lymph tape. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoelectric element is designed as a Peltier element (2). Device after Claim 4 , characterized in that the Peltier element (2) is assigned a heat sink (6) to enlarge the heat exchange surface. Device according to one of the Claims 4 - 5 , characterized in that a fan (8) is provided to improve the heat dissipation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit and a current source (9) are assigned to the thermoelectric element. Device after Claim 7 , characterized in that the control unit comprises a sensory part, which in turn - at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the skin surface, and - at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the thermoelectric element, and - at least one voltage and / or current sensor for detection the voltage and / or the current applied to the thermoelectric element. Device after Claim 8 , characterized in that the control unit also comprises a control part (10) which is designed to compare and process the measured values of the sensors arranged in the sensory part and to control the current output by the current source (9). Device according to one of the Claims 7 - 9 , characterized in that the current source (9) is an accumulator and the thermoelectric element together with the control unit is designed for wireless operation. Device according to one of the Claims 7 - 10th , characterized in that the thermoelectric element together with the control unit is designed for remote control. Device according to one of the Claims 7 - 11 , characterized in that the control unit is designed for emergency shutdown.

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