GB2412874A

GB2412874A - Deep vein thrombosis treatment device using DC currents

Info

Publication number: GB2412874A
Application number: GB0506724A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Omar Fakhri
Original assignee: ELECTROCURE RES Ltd
Current assignee: ELECTROCURE RES Ltd
Priority date: 2004-04-05
Filing date: 2005-04-04
Publication date: 2005-10-12
Also published as: GB0407742D0; GB0506724D0

Abstract

An electric device 1 is provided to minimise the incidence of deep vein thrombosis. The device is arranged to pass DC current through the legs of the person to improve circulation, the device comprising a first electrode 14 arranged to be placed in contact with the leg portion or foot of one leg, a second electrode 15 arranged to be placed in contact with the lower portion or foot of the other leg and a direct current power supply 9 arranged to be connected between the two electrodes for causing an electrical current to flow around the legs of the person. The device may have a timer to limit the treatment time and may reverse the polarity of the dc once at the mid-point of the treatment. The device may be incorporated into an aircraft seat and the electrodes may contact the soles of the feet.

Description

An Electrical Device Suitable for MinimisinE the Incidence of Deen Vein

Thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a clot in one of the deep veins of the body, usually the leg. s

One group in whom (DVT) are becoming more common are travellers. A study has shown that journeys more than five hours by car, plane or train increase the risk of DVT by fourfold. There are particular risks with air travellers, because of the combination of inactivity and dehydration which makes the blood very sticky.

A study in the Lancet showed that as many as one in ten passengers could suffer DVT. Keeping mobile is vital. Patients are encouraged to move as much as they can. In the present invention we use low voltage electric current to be passed through the legs, from left to right and from right to the left legs. Electric current is known to improve blood circulation by the effect of vasodilatation, stimulate tissue regeneration and increase tissue permeability.

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical device arranged to pass DC current through the legs of a person to improve circulation, the device comprising a first electrode arranged to be placed in contact with the lower portion or foot of one leg, a second electrode arranged to be placed in contact with the lower portion or foot of the other leg and direct current power supply arranged to be connected between the two electrodes for causing an electrical current to flow around the legs of the person.

The present invention enables an electric current to be applied to encourage blood circulation within the legs without passing an electrical current through other parts of the body and particularly without the need to pass any electrical current within the region of the heart.

Preferably, the electrodes are arranged to be placed against the soles ofthe feet and 13425:SF

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they may comprise carbonised rubber, with a person simply placing their bare feet on the respective electrodes.

Advantageously, the power supply is housed in the case and the case arranged to additionally accommodate said electrodes such that the device is portable. Additionally, or alternatively, the device may be arranged to be fitted into an aeroplane seat, enabling the device to be easily removed for servicing and if the device contains an internal battery for the battery to be recharged.

Advantageously, the device comprises an internal battery for establishing the electrical current therefore providing a self-contained unit which can be used at any convenient time.

Advantageously, the device comprises means to automatically reverse the polarity.

] 5 This may be periodically or, in the case where the device comprises a timer for controlling the period for which the current is established, means for automatically reversing the polarity midway through the period. In either case, it is advantageous if the means for reversing the current is arranged to gradually decrease the current, change the direction of current and then gradually increase the current, thereby ensuring no current surges are generated which may be dangerous or provide an unpleasant feeling to the user.

The device preferably comprises means for setting the voltage and may permit a voltage to be selected between 0 and 36 volts.

One example of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure l illustrates the device according to the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrate the electrodes forming part of the device of Figure 1.

Referring to the figures, the device, indicated generally as 1, comprises a case 2 13425:SF having a handle 3 by which it can be carried.

Within the casing there is housed an ammeter 4, a volt meter 5, a timer 6, timer set buttons 7, on-off switch 8, output terminals 9, starter switch 10 rheostat 11. The case additionally comprises lugs 12 and 13 by which it may be held in place if it is to be mounted in a housing within an aircraft seat.

In the back of casing 2, not shown, are stored electrodes 14 and 15.

l 0 The device 1 contains an internal battery which can be recharged by plugging the device into the mains, alternatively the device can be operated directly from the mains.

In operation, the electrodes 14 and 15 connected by respective wires (not shown) to the terminals 9, are placed on the floor and a user places a foot on each one. The electrodes are of carbonised rubber which does not ionise. However, metal electrodes could be used but an interface between the foot and electrode would then be necessary to prevent ionised metal from penetrating the skin, caused by the effect of the current.

The user selects a desired time via timer buttons 7 which shows the time on the timer display 6. The time will normally be between 20 to 60 minutes. The user then sets the rheostat 11 to 0 volts before pushing start button 10. The start button 10 will not activate the device unless the rheostat is set at 0 volts. Once activated, the user increases the voltage to between 0 and 36 volts using the rheostat 11, normally the desired voltage will be reached when a slit tingling sensation is felt, but without discomfort.

The voltage set is displayed on volt meter 5 and the current drawn is displayed on the ammeter 4. The circuitry within the device automatically reverses the polarity midway through the timed period, gradually lowering the current to zero, reversing the polarity and then increasing the current, in opposite sense until the preset voltage is reached.

13425:SF - 4 The current can be readjusted at any time during the treatment, if the user feels this necessary.

The above describes one embodiment of the invention only but various modifications will appear to the person skilled in the art, which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

13425:SF Claims 1. An electrical device arranged to pass DC current

through the legs of a person to improve circulation, the device comprising a first electrode arranged to be placed in contact with the lower portion or foot of one leg, a second electrode arranged to be placed in contact with the lower portion or foot of the other leg and direct current power supply arranged to be connected between the two electrodes for causing an electrical current to flow around the legs of the person.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrodes are arranged to be placed against the soles of the feet.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, comprising a case wherein the power supply is housed in the case and the case can additionally accommodate said electrodes such that the

device is portable.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged to be fitted in an aeroplane seat.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an internal battery for establishing the electrical current.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a timer for controlling the period for which the current is established.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means to automatically reverse the polarity.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 6, comprising means to reverse the polarity at approximately midway through the period.

13425:SF - 6

9. A device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein the means for reversing the current is arranged to gradually decrease the current, change the direction of the current and then gradually increase the current.

10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for setting the voltage.

A device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the voltage can be set between 0 and 36 volts.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means to terminate the current gradually.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrodes are formed from carbonised rubber.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim to minimise deep vein thrombosis.

15. A device to minimise deep vein thrombosis substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.