KR20070001964A - Compression apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

Compression Device {COMPRESSION APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to the field of vascular therapy for application to the limbs of the body, and more particularly to a compression device configured to artificially stimulate the limbs of the limbs.

A major concern of immobilized patients and similar people is medical conditions that form clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral edema. These patients include those who experience surgery, anesthesia, extended bed rest periods. This coagulation condition generally occurs in the lower extremities and / or the pelvic cardiac veins. These veins, such as the long bone, thigh, and tibia, send oxygen-deficient blood to the heart. For example, when blood circulation in such veins is retarded due to disease, injury or inactivity, blood tends to collect or collect. The static accumulation of blood provides an ideal environment for the formation of dangerous clots. The main risk associated with these conditions is the disruption of cardiovascular circulation. Most seriously, some of the clots can move freely. Pulmonary embolism can form potentially fatal blockages in the main pulmonary artery.

Conditions and consequent risks associated with a patient's inability to move may be controlled or mitigated by assisting blood circulation by applying intermittent pressure to the patient's limbs. Known devices, such as pieces of pads and compression boots, have been used to aid blood circulation (see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,696,289 and 5,989,204).

Compression devices have been used that consist of an air pump connected to a pad wrapped around the disposable body by one or more air tubes. Body pads are placed around the patient's foot or other end. The air is then pressurized into a body pad that creates pressure around portions of the foot or other end. Such known devices have various drawbacks depending on their volume and potential use annoying potential for contamination and irritation at the ends during application and use. These defects reduce comfort, flexibility, can cause skin problems and impede patient mobility as the postoperative recovery progresses.

Therefore, it is desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art with a foot sleeve that prevents contamination, solves skin problems and facilitates placement on the ends. Devices that include a foot sleeve are not inconvenient during use to reduce volume and improve comfort and flexibility for the patient. The compression device is manufactured easily and efficiently.

Thus, to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art, a compression device is provided that prevents contamination, reduces the frequency of skin problems and facilitates distal placement. Preferably, the compression device comprising a foot sleeve is not inconvenient during use to reduce volume and improve comfort and flexibility for the patient. The compression device is manufactured easily and efficiently.

An embodiment of the compression device according to the invention prevents cardiac vein thrombosis (“DVT”) by artificially stimulating blood vessels across the patient's foot, including, for example, toes and heel to increase blood circulation in the patient. Including, it is configured to provide vascular treatment. The compression device according to the invention is an intermittent pneumatic compression device for applying slow compression to the foot. This pressure promotes the flow of blood, which is usually the result of walking, for example, by using a foot sleeve supported around the patient's foot.

The compression device may have an inflatable bladder designed to cover and engage the entire area of the lower part of the foot, beyond the range of the heel and heel to a substantial portion of the toe. The inflatable bladder winds around the side portions of the foot via hook and loop type connectors that traverse the foot instep.

 The inflatable bladder may include an outer layer and an inner layer. The bladder may be formed by welding the outer and inner layers together. The bladder provides a uniform application of pressure throughout the foot and then shrinks. Moreover, the compression device may include a bladder section that may enable venous refill detection. Compression apparatus according to the present invention includes various embodiments and combinations as seen herein. Various embodiments and combinations may be made in various sizes to accommodate different sized objects as well as models of right and left feet, respectively.

The compression device includes a strap that improves comfort by using a laminated stack of pieces in which the inner layer is a cushion layer. The strap is integrated with the foot sleeve by sandwiching the strap between the discrete layers of the foot sleeve body. The patient's comfort can be improved by dividing the strap in the contour around the heel of the foot. The strap may include one or more layers configured to provide a barrier to the cushion layer from the surroundings. The foot sleeve can improve ease of use by having a universal structure with one flap metatarsal stopper.

The strap may comprise a laminate composed of various layers. The layers can include a central layer that is configured for comfort. The outer layer disposed around the central layer provides a barrier between the outer surface of the foot and the perimeter. One of the outer layers may be a soft skin contact layer. The strap may be a separate portion integrated into the body of the foot sleeve by sandwiching between separate layers of the foot sleeve body and then permanently fixed. The body of the foot sleeve can be designed to adapt to various foot sizes and shapes by using a single metatarsal flap that facilitates ease of use. The body may be configured such that the upper part of the phalanges of the feet are visible.

One advantage of the present invention is a cushion layer that does not directly bond with the outer surface of the foot. The cushion layer has a soft skin contact layer. The foot sleeve may include a liner configured to provide physical barrier to the cushion layer to help prevent contamination. The inner cushion layer provides comfort and reduces skin problems. Thus, foot slip improves patient flexibility and provides hygiene by isolating the cushion layer from the surroundings.

Foot sleeves are easily manufactured, for example the lamination material included in the layer allows the strap and / or foot sleeve to be cut as a piece and ensures even lamination of the material.

In one embodiment according to the principles of the present invention, the compression device comprises an inflatable body configured to be disposed around the foot. The strap extends from the body. The strap is configured to be disposed around the foot adjacent the ankle. The strap has a first layer, a second layer, and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween, configured to engage the outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle.

The strap is integrally connected with the inflatable body. Alternatively, the strap can be integrally formed with the inflatable body. The inflatable body can include a first top layer and / or a second bottom layer. Moreover, part of the strap member may be disposed between the upper and lower layers of the foot sleeve body. The strap may have a divided feature for the contour of the foot. The third cushion layer can be disposed within the first layer and the second layer such that the first layer and the second layer are configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The body may comprise a metatarsal strap.

Alternatively, the first layer may comprise a soft polyester material. The first layer may comprise a soft polyester material and polyvinyl chloride. The second cushion layer may comprise foam material. The second layer can have an outer surface comprising a loop material disposed therewith. Alternatively, the second layer has an outer surface comprising the loop material such that the metatarsal strap includes a hook element engageable with the loop material to install a compression device on the foot. The body may comprise a hook element engageable with the loop material to install a compression device on the foot.

In an alternative embodiment, the compression device has a foot sleeve that includes an inflatable body configured to be disposed about the foot. The foot sleeve includes a metatarsal portion. The strap is integrally connected to and extends from the foot sleeve. The strap is configured to be placed around the foot adjacent the ankle. The strap has a first layer, a second layer, and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween, configured to engage the outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle. The first layer and the second layer are configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer can be configured to prevent the third cushion layer from engaging the outer surface of the foot.

The objects and constructions of the invention which are considered to be novel are particularly described in the appended claims. The present invention may be best understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are described below in terms of construction and manner of operation, together with the following objects and advantages.

1 is a plan view of one particular embodiment of a compression device and virtually illustrates an inflatable bladder and a foot according to the present invention.

1A is a partial cross-sectional view of the compression device shown in FIG.

2 is a cut away cross-sectional view of the strap of the compression device shown in FIG.

3 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the strap of the compression device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the compression apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and shows virtually an inflatable bladder.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the compression apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and virtually illustrates an inflatable bladder. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the compression apparatus shown in FIG. 1, virtually showing the inflatable bladder. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the compression apparatus shown in FIG. 1, virtually showing the inflatable bladder. FIG.

Exemplary embodiments of the compression device including the foot sleeve and the disclosed method of operation are in terms of vascular therapy including compression devices for application to the foot or other limbs of the body, and more specifically to the foot, heel and toe of the patient. In view of the compression device configured to artificially stimulate the blood vessels of the limbs. Compression devices can be used to counteract and overcome the risks associated with the patient not moving. The compression device relieves conditions caused by the patient not moving, for example, to prevent deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema. The compression device according to the invention can be used in various types of intravenous compression systems, but is not limited to fast expansion, slow compression, non-sequential and sequential compression devices. However, the present invention is directed to people and patients with a wide variety of immobile conditions, such as, for example, people suffering from surgery, anesthesia, extended bed rest, obesity, old age, malignant tumors and conventional thromboembolism. Apply.

In the following review, the term “subject” refers to a patient experiencing vascular treatment using a compression device. The following discussion includes a description of a compression device, followed by a description of an exemplary method of operating a compression device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments and disclosures are described in detail and are illustrated with accompanying drawings.

Returning to the drawings, like parts are referred to by the same reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring first to Figures 1, 1A and 2, there is illustrated a compression device 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention (e.g., designating a compression device, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. See compression sleeve disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 784,607, filed Feb. 23, 2004). The compression device 10 includes an inflatable body, such as, for example, a foot sleeve 12 configured to be disposed about the foot F of a subject (not shown). Foot sleeve 12 may be disposed on the right or left foot of the subject. Foot sleeve 12 is pressurized fluid source 14 through tubing 16 and valve connector 18 to apply pressure to the left and / or right foot to provide vascular treatment to the subject and increase venous return. In fluid communication with (see, eg, US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 784,639, filed Feb. 23, 2004, entitled Fluid Conduit Connector Device, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). See disclosed valve connector). The compression device 10 uses the controller 20 to adjust the fluid pressure for vascular treatment. See the controller disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 784,323, filed Feb. 23, 2004, entitled Compression Therapy Systems, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The pressurized fluid source 14 may comprise a pump and may be static or portable. The pressurized fluid source 14 may include the electronic equipment and computer software needed to perform vascular treatment in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The foot sleeve 12 is configured to apply vascular treatment to the entire area of the lower portion of the foot F, beyond the range of the heel H and the heel B to a substantial portion of the toe T. It is configured to apply vascular treatment to the entire area of the lower part of the foot (F). The foot sleeve 12 and other parts of the compression device 10 may be placed, wound and mounted at various limbs and ends of the subject's body, such as, for example, arms and legs. Foot sleeve 12 or portions thereof may be disposable. Foot sleeve 12 may include a flexible section, such as an elastic or spandex material, to facilitate limb movement during receipt. Parts of strap 22 may be made of a material suitable for compressive vascular treatment, such as films and fabrics, such as, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene).

The strap 22 is configured to be disposed around the foot F adjacent the ankle. The strap 22 is integrally connected to the foot sleeve 12 and fixedly mounted between the outer layer 28 and the foot contact layer 26 of the foot sleeve 12, as discussed. Strap 22 is integrally formed with foot sleeve 12, and at least a portion of strap 22 is formed of the same adjacent material as part of foot sleeve 12. By way of non-limiting example, foot contact layer 26 may be formed of the same adjacent material as foot contact layer 32 of foot sleeve 12. The strap 22 has a divided portion 24 along the contour around the heel H of the foot F. The divided portion 24 may be rounded or otherwise variously configured and dimensioned, and the strap 22 may have a uniform outer surface.

Strap 22 has a first layer, such as, for example, foot contact layer 26, configured to engage an outer surface of foot F adjacent to the ankle. The foot contact layer 26 comprises a polyester material 26a that is soft to bond with the skin of the subject. This soft skin contact layer 26 provides comfort to the subject, prevents contamination and reduces skin problems. The foot contact layer 26 can include a polyvinyl chloride portion 26b disposed adjacent to the soft polyester material 26a.

For example, a second layer, such as outer layer 28, interacts with foot contact layer 26 with a third layer 30 disposed therebetween. The third layer 30 can include alternative materials that provide a cushion configuration. The outer layer 28 has a loop type material 28a disposed therewith and a polyvinyl chloride portion 28b disposed adjacent to the loop material 28a for engaging with the corresponding hook element of the foot sleeve 912. Include. Preferably, the outer layer prevents contamination of the third cushion layer 30 from environments such as, for example, air, moisture and dust.

Foot contact layer 26 and outer layer 28 are configured to form a physical barrier in third cushion layer 30. This configuration preferably provides the subject with flexibility as well as comfort and prevents contamination of the third cushion layer 30. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the strap 22 includes a laminate structure having a cushion layer 130 and a polyvinyl chloride portion 132 disposed adjacent thereto. The outer layer 134 is disposed adjacent to the polyvinyl chloride portion 132. Layer 134 may include a soft polyester material to engage the outer surface of foot F, or alternatively may include a loop material to prevent contamination of cushion layer 130 from the surroundings.

Foot contact layer 26 and outer layer 28 overlap to form strap 22. Foot contact layer 26 and outer layer 28 are fixedly coupled adjacent their corresponding perimeter at the seam to support the components of strap 22. The components of the strap 22 may be joined via, for example, welding, such as RF welding, adhesives, industrial double sided tape, and the like. A portion of the foot contact layer 26 and the outer layer 28 are joined. Strap 22 includes a plurality of seams, which are variously disposed around and engage with foot contact layer 26 and outer layer 28.

In an alternative embodiment with reference to FIG. 1A, an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the coupling of strap member 22 and its foot sleeve 12 is shown. The strap member 22 is disposed between the outer layer 42 of the foot sleeve 12 and the foot contacting tooth 12 so that the engagement of the strap 22 with the foot sleeve 12 is generally uniform. This uniformity provides additional comfort to the user of the foot sleeve 12. More specifically, the outer layer 28 and the foot contact layer 26 of the strap 22 are coupled to the outer layer 42 of the foot sleeve 12 and the inner portion of the foot contact layer 32. Alternatively, the cushion layer 30 may or may not be disposed between the outer layer of the foot sleeve 12 and the foot contact layer 32.

The strap 22 has a longitudinally extending shape extending from the foot sleeve 12 and is configured to be disposed around a portion of the foot F adjacent the ankle. Strap 22 forms part of the hook and loop connector. The hook element 33 is mounted in the foot contact layer 26 to the strap 22. Since the strap 22 is wound around a portion of the foot F adjacent to the ankle, the hook element 33 engages with the loop material of the outer layer 42 of the foot sleeve 12 and the foot sleeve on the foot F. It is easy to mount (12). As an alternative to hook and loop type elements, clips, adhesives and pins can be used.

Foot sleeve 12 includes foot contact layer 32 configured to engage foot F to apply pressure. The foot contact layer 32 has a section 35 and is flexible to conform to the shape of the foot F. The foot contact layer 32 may be formed of a pulley ester fabric. The foot contact layer 32 may be configured for wicking fluids such as moisture and sweating from the outer surface of the foot F. The foot contact layer 32 can be chemically treated to enhance this wicking effect. Alternatively, the foot contact layer 32 may be integrally formed with the foot contact layer 26 of the strap 22.

The inflatable bladder 34 of the foot sleeve 12 includes an upper bladder layer 36 and a lower bladder layer 38 that overlap to form the inflatable bladder 34. The upper bladder layer 36 is combined with the foot contact layer 32 to facilitate the application of pressure to the foot F for vascular treatment. The upper bladder layer 36 and the lower bladder layer 38 are fixedly joined by welding at the seam along their playing to form the inflatable bladder 34. The inflatable bladder 34 includes a plurality of seams, which are variously disposed around and couple to the upper bladder layer 36 and the lower bladder layer 38. The seam can be formed by adhesive, heat seal, or the like.

The upper bladder layer 36 and the lower bladder layer 38 may be made of a laminate material, for example a polyvinyl chloride material. Each bladder layer may have a thickness of approximately 6 to 15 mils. The polyvinyl chloride material can be laminated and RF heat sealed with a nonwoven or woven material. Upper bladder material 36 and lower bladder material 38 may be made from two different thicknesses to provide directional expansion. The overall dimensions and materials described throughout this specification are not limiting and other dimensions and materials may be used. The inflatable bladder 34 may form one or more inflatable chambers.

The inflatable bladder 34 extends along the foot F to treat blood vessels over the entire area of the lower part of the foot F, beyond the range of the heel H and the heel B, to a substantial portion of the toe T. Add. The inflatable bladder 34 can have a variety of geometric shapes, such as circular, elliptical, and rectangular. The inflatable bladder 34 includes an inlet port 40 connected to the tubing 16 to facilitate fluid interaction with the pressurized fluid source 14.

The outer layer 12 of the foot sleeve 12 is disposed adjacent to the fire bladder layer 38. The outer layer 42 can be made from a laminated material, such as a loop / nonwoven laminate, including a woven and loop material. The outer layer 42 provides an attachment surface for the hook element. Alternatively, the outer layer 42 may be formed integrally with the outer layer 28 of the strap 22.

Outer layer 42 may include a die cutting hole to provide a fluid inlet for flow through, such as inlet port 40. The outer layer 42 and other portions of the foot sleeve 12 may include exhaust holes that are variously disposed around to provide cooling to the subject and increase fluidity during use.

Foot contact layer 32 and outer layer 42 overlap to form foot sleeve 12. The foot contact layer 32 and the outer layer 42 are fixedly joined at the seam adjacent the corresponding circumference thereof to support the parts of the foot sleeve 12. Parts of the foot sleeve 12 may be joined via RF welding, adhesives, industrial double-sided tape and the like. A portion of the perimeter of the outer layer 42 and the foot contact layer 32 is joined. The foot sleeve 12 includes a plurality of seams, and is disposed variously on the circumference thereof and engages the foot contact layer 32 and the outer layer 42.

Parts of foot sleeve 12 may be made of materials suitable for compressive vascular treatment, such as films and fabrics, such as, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene), which may be used for special vascular treatment applications and / or Or according to your preference. Semi-flexible and flexible fabrics such as urethane and silicone can be used. Moreover, foot sleeve 12 can be made from synthetic, natural and nonwoven materials of varying degrees of softness and flexibility. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials and methods of manufacture suitable for assembly and manufacture may be suitable, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Foot sleeve 12 is configured to support inflatable bladder 34. The foot sleeve 12 is configured to extend laterally and to be disposed and mounted around the foot. Foot sleeve 12 is disposed on foot F so that the upper portion of the toe T is visible and inspected. The metatarsal flap 44 of the foot sleeve 12 wraps around the lateral portion of the foot F and traverses the step of the foot F during vascular treatment. The metatarsal flaps 44 form part of a hook and loop type connector. The hook element 460 is mounted to the foot sleeve 12 at the foot contact layer 32. Since the metatarsal flaps 44 are wound around the foot, the hook element 46 engages with the loop material of the outer layer 42 It is easy to mount the foot sleeve 12 to the foot F. This causes the inflatable bladder 34 to be placed around the foot F for vascular treatment. The configuration preferably increases the circulation of the limb's blood vessels in conjunction with the foot F. The foot sleeve 12 may have a variety of geometries, such as circular, elliptical and rectangular. As such, clips, adhesives and pins can be used.

Similar to the above, the compression device 10 is assembled and bundled for use. In operation, the foot sleeve 12 of the compression device 10 is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source 14, as disposed and examined around the foot F. The controller 20 regulates vascular treatment of the compression device 10 for the subject. Foot sleeve 12 compresses foot F to provide vascular treatment to the subject and increase venous return. Compression device 10 may include an inflatable sleeve for positioning around various portions of the subject's limb, such as, for example, thighs, calves, and ankles, with the second limb being an alternative compression cycle to another sleeve. It can be treated in.

For example, during the selected compression cycle of the controller 20, the inflatable bladder 34 is slowly inflated to a pressure such as 130 mm Hg for 5 seconds with air. This configuration provides vascular treatment to the foot F and increases venous return. At the end of inflation and retention, the foot sleeve 12 is evacuated and the inflatable bladder 34 is retracted. Other compression cycles and pressures are contemplated.

In an alternative embodiment, the compression device 10 performs a venous refill time measurement. Venous refill time (VRT) is a volumetric recorder technique that determines when the limb's vein is completely refilled with blood after a compression cycle. For example, reference may be made to the venous refill time measurement disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,231,352 to Watson et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Venous refill time (VRT) minimizes the amount of time blood remains stagnant in the vein. Intravenous refill time is replaced with the default dwell time between compression cycles. Intravenous refill time techniques and algorithms can be used for both leg sleeve and foot sleeve compression.

Intravenous refill time uses a volumetric recorder technique in which low pressure is applied to inflatable bladder 34. As the vein is filled with blood, the pressure in the inflatable bladder 34 increases until it reaches a plateau. The time to reach the pressure on the ballast is the venous recharge time. Once the two sleeves are connected to the controller 20, the venous refill time is then individually determined for each limb being compressed and the larger of the two measurements is used as the new exhaust time of the compression cycle. The venous refill time measurement of each sleeve is performed while each particular sleeve independently reaches the set pressure. However, the evacuation time is not updated until the venous refill time measurement is calculated for both sleeves.

For example, the compression device 10 may use venous refill time measurement after the system initiates vascular treatment. Later, after 30 minutes have elapsed, venous refill time measurements are used for the next complete expansion cycle. After the foot sleeve 12 expands, the inflatable bladder 34 is evacuated to zero.

The bladder pressure selected is monitored and exhaust to the bladder is closed when the pressure drops to 5-7 mm Hg. If the pressure in the bladder is 5-7 mm Hg in the current cycle, venous refill time measurement is performed. If the pressure in the bladder is not exhausted at 5 to 7 mm Hg, the evacuation time is maintained at the present value and other measurements are made within 30 minutes.

The venous refill time measurement algorithm determines when the pressure in the inflatable bladder 34 stabilizes after compression. The venous refill time measurement algorithm begins with a time counter starting from the end of the inflation cycle, which causes the inflatable bladder 34 to be 5 to 7 mm Hg (sufficient pressure to keep the bladder in contact with the surface of the foot). Occurs after exhausting and stopping. Venous refill time measurement is initiated with a time counter starting from the end of the expansion cycle.

The pressure in inflatable bladder 34 is then monitored with a moving sample window of 10 seconds. The window moves at 1 second intervals. When the difference between the initial value and the last value in the window is approximately 0.05 to 0.5 mm Hg or less, the curve reaches a plateau. Intravenous recharge time measurements are considered to have been made and the time interval determined. The end of the window is considered to be when the vein system of the foot is recharged.

If at any time during the measurement the pressure in the inflatable bladder 34 is less than or equal to 2 mm Hg, the venous refill time measurement is considered incorrect and the calculations are discarded and the full value of the venous refill time is used.

4, an alternative embodiment of a compression device 10 is shown. The compression device 10 includes a foot sleeve 212 configured to be disposed around the foot F, similar to the foot sleeve 12 described above in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2. A pair of straps 222 similar to the strap 22 described above in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 extend from the foot sleeve 212. The strap 222 is configured to be disposed around the foot F adjacent the ankle. One or more straps 222 may be used.

Strap 222 has a longitudinally projecting shape extending from foot sleeve 212 and is configured to be disposed about a portion of foot F adjacent to the ankle. As discussed herein, strap 222 may be formed with foot sleeve 212 individually or integrally. Strap 222 forms part of a hook and loop type connector. Hook element 232 and loop element 232a are mounted to strap 222. Each of the straps 222 is wound around a portion of the foot F adjacent to the ankle while the hook element 232 engages with the loop material 232a to mount the foot sleeve 212 to the foot F. Makes it easy. Hook elements 232, 232a may engage a loop material disposed on an outer surface of foot sleeve 212 to facilitate mounting foot sleeve 212 to foot F.

Similar to bladder 34 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, inflatable bladder 234 extends longitudinally along foot F to extend the entire area of the lower portion of foot F, the heel H. FIG. Vascular treatment is applied to a substantial portion of the toe T beyond the range of the heel and B). The inflatable bladder 234 includes an inlet port 240 connected to the tubing 16 to facilitate fluid interaction with the pressurized fluid source 14.

Foot sleeve 212 is configured to support inflatable bladder 234. Foot sleeve 212 is configured to extend laterally and to be disposed and mounted around foot F. FIG. Foot sleeve 212 is disposed on foot F such that the upper portion of the toe T is visible and monitored. The pair of metatarsal flaps 244 extend laterally from the foot sleeve 212 to wrap the lateral portions of the foot F and traverse the mouth step of the foot F during vascular treatment. The metatarsal flaps 244 form hook and loop type connectors. Hook element 246 and loop element 246a are mounted to foot sleeve 212. The metatarsal flap 244 is wound around the foot, engaging the foot sleeve 212 so that the hook element 246 engages the loop element 246a to facilitate mounting the foot sleeve 212 to the foot F. do. This causes the inflatable bladder 234 to be placed around the foot F for vascular treatment. This configuration of the foot sleeve 212 preferably combines with the foot F to increase circulation of the limbs. Foot sleeve 12 includes an exhaust hole 250 to provide cooling to the subject and increase fluidity during use.

5, another alternative embodiment of a compression device 10 is shown. The compression device 10 includes a foot sleeve 312 configured to be disposed around the foot F, similar to those described above. A strap 322 similar to that described above extends from the foot sleeve 312. An inflatable bladder 334 similar to the one described above extends longitudinally along foot F to extend over the entire area of the lower portion of foot F, over the range of heel H and heel B, toe T. Vascular therapy is applied up to a substantial portion of the. The inflatable bladder 334 includes a side portion 336 that extends laterally from and engages the side portion of the foot F while applying the foot sleeve 312 to the foot F.

Foot sleeve 312 is configured to support inflatable bladder 334. The foot sleeve 312 is configured to extend laterally and to be disposed and mounted about the foot F. Foot sleeve 312 is disposed on foot F such that the upper portion of the toe T is visible and monitored. The pair of metatarsal flaps 344 extend laterally from the foot sleeve 312 to surround the lateral portions of the foot F and cross the mouth step of the foot F during vascular treatment. Metatarsal flaps 344 form hook and loop type connectors. Hook elements 346 and 346a are mounted to foot sleeve 312. The metatarsal flaps 344 are wound around the foot while the hook elements 346, 346a engage the loop material of the foot sleeve 312 to facilitate mounting the foot sleeve 312 to the foot F. This causes the inflatable bladder 334 to be placed around the foot F for vascular treatment and includes a lateral portion 336 that engages with the lateral portion of the foot F for vascular treatment. This configuration of the foot sleeve 312 preferably combines with the foot F to increase circulation of the limbs.

With reference to FIG. 6, another alternative embodiment of the compression device 10 is shown. The compression device 10 includes a foot sleeve 412 configured to be disposed about the foot F, similar to those described above. A strap 422 similar to that described above extends from the foot sleeve 412. An inflatable bladder 334 similar to the one described above extends longitudinally along the foot F to extend a substantial portion of the toe T beyond the range of the lower part of the foot F, the heel H and the front heel B. Vascular therapy is applied until.

Foot sleeve 412 has wings 444 (similar to the metatarsal flaps described above) and is configured to support inflatable bladder 434. Foot sleeve 412 extends laterally, through vanes 444, and is configured to attach and mount about foot F. Foot sleeve 412 is disposed on foot F such that the upper portion of the toe T is visible and monitored. The blade 444 extends laterally from the foot sleeve 412 to wrap around the lateral portion of the foot F and traverse the mouth step of the foot F during vascular treatment. Wings 444 form hook and loop type connectors. Hook element 446 and loop element 446a are mounted to vane 444. Wings 444 are wound around the foot, allowing hook element 446 to engage loop element 446a to facilitate mounting of foot sleeve 412 to foot F. As shown in FIG. This causes the inflatable bladder 434 to be placed around the foot F for vascular treatment. This configuration of the foot sleeve 412 preferably combines with the foot F to increase circulation of the limbs.

Referring to Fig. 7, another alternative embodiment of the compression device 10 is shown. The compression device 10 includes a foot sleeve 512 configured to be disposed around the foot F, similar to those described above. A strap 522 similar to that described above extends from the foot sleeve 512. An inflatable bladder 534 similar to that described above extends longitudinally along foot F to extend a substantial portion of the toe T beyond the range of the lower part of the foot F, the heel H and the front heel B. Vascular therapy is applied until. The inflatable bladder 534 includes a longitudinal portion 536 extending therefrom in engagement with the preferred portion of the lower portion of the foot F while applying the foot sleeve 512 to the foot F. FIG. . Foot sleeve 512 is configured to support inflatable bladder 534. This configuration of the foot sleeve 512 is preferably coupled to the foot F to increase circulation of the limbs.

Embodiments disclosed herein can be variously modified. Accordingly, the above description should not be viewed as limiting, but merely illustrative of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will devise other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (23)

An inflatable body configured to be disposed around the foot, A strap extending from the body and configured to be disposed about a foot adjacent the ankle, The strap having a first layer, a second layer, and a third cushioning layer disposed therebetween configured to engage the outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the strap is integrally connected to the body. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the strap is integrally formed with the body. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the body comprises the first layer. 5. The compression device of claim 4 wherein said body comprises said second layer. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the strap has a segmented feature for contouring the foot. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the third cushion layer is disposed inside the first layer and the second layer such that the first layer and the second layer provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. . The compression device of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a metatarsal strap. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the first layer comprises a soft material. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the first layer comprises a soft material and a flexible film. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the third cushion layer comprises a foam material. The compression device of claim 1 wherein said second layer has an outer surface comprising a loop material disposed therewith. The compression device of claim 1 wherein the second layer comprises an outer surface having a flexible film and a loop material disposed therewith. 9. The compression device of claim 8 wherein the second layer includes a hook element capable of engaging the metatarsal straps with the loop material to have an outer surface comprising the loop material to mount the inflatable body to the foot. 13. The compression device of claim 12 wherein the body includes a hook element engageable with the loop material to mount the inflatable body to the foot. A foot sleeve comprising an inflatable body configured to be disposed about the foot, A strap integrally connected to and extending from the foot sleeve, The foot sleeve includes a metatarsal portion and the strap is configured to be disposed about a foot adjacent the ankle, The strap has a first layer, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween configured to engage the outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle so that the first layer and the second layer provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. Compression device composed. The compression device of claim 16, wherein the first layer is configured to prevent the third cushion layer from engaging the outer surface of the foot. 17. The compression device of claim 16 wherein said third cushion layer comprises foamed material. 17. The compression device of claim 16 wherein the strap has divided features for the contour of the foot. A foot sleeve comprising an inflatable bladder configured to be disposed about the foot, A strap integrally connected to and extending from the foot sleeve, The foot sleeve includes a metatarsal portion overlying the foot and the strap is configured to be disposed about a foot adjacent the ankle, The strap includes a foot contact layer comprising a soft material configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a cushion layer comprising an outer layer and a foam material disposed therebetween, wherein the foot contact layer and the outer layer And the outer layer comprises a hook element capable of engaging the metatarsal portion with the loop material to have an outer surface comprising the loop material to mount the foot sleeve to the foot. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the compression device comprises a plurality of straps extending from the body. An inflatable body configured to be disposed around the foot, A strap member extending from said inflatable body, The inflatable body comprising an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein a portion of the strap member is disposed between the upper and lower layers of the inflatable body. 23. The compression device of claim 22 wherein the strap member comprises a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers comprising a cushion layer disposed therein.

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