WO2005092401A1

WO2005092401A1 - Modular compression device and method of assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005092401A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/009483
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wade P. Farrow; Barry L. Creighton
Original assignee: Farrow Medical Innovations, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-03-22
Filing date: 2005-03-18
Publication date: 2005-10-06
Also published as: EP1735019B1; EP1735019A1; ATE473020T1; DK1735019T3; US20140180183A1; AU2005225450B2; US9211225B2; AU2005225450A1; DE602005022172D1; US8663144B2; EP1735019A4; US20050209545A1; CA2560399C; CA2560399A1

Abstract

An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising multiple interconnectable bands of compressible or noncompressible material. Optional spine to further interconnect the bands. Interconnectable pieces designed for covering specific body areas. Modular arrangement of the individual components. Customized or off-the-shelf availability of the apparatus.

Description

MODULAR COMPRESSION DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND Excessive interstitial fluid accumulation, referred to as edema, may arise from a variety of illnesses and conditions, including venous valvular insufficiency, postphlebotic syndrome, and lymphedema. Control of this edema by reduction of interstitial fluids is important to increase PO2 delivery to tissues, relieve pain from swelling, and decrease risk of infection. Decreasing drainage of fluid from sores, skin breaks, and/or ulcerations promotes wound closure, prevents wound breakdown, and decreases risk of blood clot formation in veins. Thus, it is desirable to have a customizable or off-the-shelf compressive device that can be readily available for application to a body part to prevent excessive fluid accumulation resulting from a variety of diseases and maladies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs, la and lb are illustrations of different embodiments of a modular compression garment according to the present disclosure. Figs. 2a and 2b are perspective views of different embodiments of bands used in the modular compression garment of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a break-away view of the compression garment of Fig. 1 including one embodiment of a spine used for connecting a plurality of bands such as those shown in Fig. 2a and 2b. Figs. 4, 5 and 9 are alternative embodiments of a modular compression garments of the present invention. , Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of a footpiece for use with a modular compression garment. Fig. 7 is a side view of a liner for use with a modular compression garment. Fig. 8 is an illustration of an order form for ordering a customized compression garment. Figs. 10a and 10c are outside views of a garment according to anther embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10b is an inside view of the garment of Fig. 10a. Figs. 11a and 1 lb are illustrations of a pair of garments according to yet anther embodiment of the present invention.

DETATLED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure relates generally to treatment of edema and, more specifically, to a device for applying compressive pressure to a person's body in order to facilitate reduction of interstitial fluids from a body trunk and/or limb extremity and to provide support and fatigue relief. It is to be understood that the present disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not, in itself, dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Fig. la illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure applied as a lower limb compression garment 100. In this embodiment, the lower limb compression garment 100 includes several bands 102 that are of adjustable size by way of attachment mechanisms 104 for conforming, in the present embodiment, to a human leg 106. The lower limb compression garment 100 also includes an anklet 108 for conforming to a human ankle. Fig. lb illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure applied as an arm compression garment 100c. The garment 100c includes several bands 102 and attachment mechanisms 104, but they may be of different size and have different properties, as compared to one used for a human leg. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the leg, but can be used in various limbs and trunks of humans. It is further understood the invention is not limited to humans, but may apply for veterinarian use such as for a horse, dog, or other animal. For example, another embodiment may be used to compress an entire leg or arm of a human or a leg of a horse or dog. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide for maximal access to a portion of a limb. These embodiments may have the compression band 102 over the affected area on top, with the proximal and distal compression bands underlapping. This may allow removal of a compression band or bands 102 over the affected area, while not requiring removal of the entire garment. Thus, the rest of the garment 100 may remain therapeutic while the area is accessed.

The Bands 102 and Attachment Mechanisms 104 Referring also to Fig. 2a, in one embodiment, the bands 102 may include an inner layer 114 and an outer layer 112 with optional elastomeric compression material layer 110. In one embodiment an elastomeric loop material 112 such as Shelby Elastics Mon-3 or WonderWrap (Shelby, N.C.) may be sewn onto a backing of elastomeric fabric 114 such as Schoeller® Prestige 58012 (Sevelen, Switzerland).

The elastomeric fabric 114 may be sewn on-the-bias so as to provide more stretch. For higher compression for a given amount of stretch, the fabric 114 may be sewn not-on-the-bias. Therefore sewing a highly elastic loop fabric 114 onto the backing of the material 110 or 114 may alternate percentage stretchability and alternate the compression gradient, based upon material selection and if it is sewn on-the-bias or not on-the-bias. Sewing such elastomeric fibers 114 on-the-bias may allow more stretch but less compression. For example, sewing the WonderWrap on the Schoeller fiber on-the-bias may result in a 20-30% elastomeric range with good compression. Sewing the WonderWrap on the Schoeller fiber not on-the-bias may result in a 15-20% elastomeric range with more compression. This way several embodiments can be easily engineered to provide different common classes of compression such as 8-15mm, 15-20mm, 20-30mm, 30-40mm, or 40+mm. This may allow the garment 100 to be applied lightly or tighter and more therapeutic. If applied past the range of the therapeutic stretch, then the compression applied may be directly proportional to that the user applies. Referring to Fig. 2b, in another embodiment, the outer layer 112 may be a thin-napped Lycra material to which a hook-type fastener can readily adhere. One example of such material is produced by Techno-Med Technologies. The inner layer 114 can be made of a compression stocking material for providing enhanced compression. Examples of material for the inner layer 114 include knitted, woven and non-woven elastomeric materials such as weftloc, powernet, techsheen, lockstitch, superlock, triskin, stretch satin, gentilisimo, and tricot. Different models of this material can be chosen for a desired compression effect, and some bands may be made of different materials than others in the same garment 100. The two layers 112, 114 can be joined together using a variety of techniques, including a thin film coating of adhesive by Dartex Coatings (Slatersville, RI). In other embodiments, a thin semi-compressible layer 110 is provided between an inner layer 114 and the outer layer 112 of the bands 102. This layer 110 may be made of polyurethane foam such as Rosidal Soft (Lohmann Rauscher Neuwied, Germany). Such foam would ideally by 0.3cm thick, although other ranges of thickness 0.05cm to 5cm are possible. The layer 110 may include particles made of compressible, high resiliency, low density, open cell plastic foam. Such particles ground up and of different particle sizes and shaped particles can create areas of high pressure areas and intersecting networks of low pressure areas at the seams. Use of such particles for compression garments is known in the art and sold as the Tribute™ (Solaris Inc. Brookfield, WI). Other materials for the compressible layer 110 may include rubber, plastic air bubbles, foam air bubbles, or non-convolute foam. The semi- compressible layer 110 may have channels sewn in them to create lines of natural lymph flow or crisscross pattern. Alternatively, in other embodiments the foam may serve as the inner layer with a loop- compatible fabric or elastomeric material as the outer layer. In still other embodiments, the bands 102 may but consist essentially of elastomeric fabrics such as powernet nylon or nylon / spandex, and ComfortWeave™ polyester/ spandex, yarns such as Clearspan® spandex manufactured by Radici, Dorlastan® spandex manufactured by Bayer, Lycra® spandex manufactured by Invista, and/or special woven cotton fabrics such as Comprilan® short-stretch bandage, manufactured by Beiersdorf AG. Another elastomeric compression material that may be used is Lovetex® Industrial Corporation Breathe Freely. It is understood that, in the spirit of the disclosure, any suitable elastic material may be used and is not limited to those listed above. In the present example, the chosen material would be in a range of 15% to 100% elastic stretch, although other ranges are anticipated (including from 5% to 300%). hi still other embodiments, the band 102 may include the elastomeric semi-compressible layer and a thin outer layer of Velcro® (hook and loop) compatible fabric. Such a garment may be sold as a reusable, semi-disposable, or disposable garment. For example, as single-use embodiment might be sold sterile and for application directly after surgery on an affected limb in order to control swelling and prevent wound dehiscence, or to allow selective access postoperatively to access directly over incision or wound, while leaving rest of garment in tact. Other single-uses may include general hospital use or as outpatient clinic or home use in order to reduce or control interstitial edema. Alternative uses may be to hold a bandage or medication against a limb member. The attachment mechanisms 104, which is connected to or connectable to the bands 102, allow the bands to interconnect to one another. The attachment mechanisms 104 can be of various types such as hooks, snaps, buttons, and glue/adhesive, and some mechanisms for some bands 102 may be different than those for other bands on the same garment 100. In the example of Fig. 2, the attachment mechanisms include a hook-and-loop fastener, such as a Velcro® strip. Each band 102 may fasten to itself in such a way as the user can apply the band under compression and it will hold the compression against the body part. The hook of the hook-and-loop fastener may be sewn onto one end of the band and the body of the band or a portion thereon may have the loop material. In this embodiment, some or all of the exterior surfaces 112 of the bands 102 may include elastomeric loop material. The material therefore may interlock with the hook material of the attachment mechanisms 104 and/or a spine (discussed below). The use of loop material along the outside layer 112 of the band 102 allows each band to apply to a wider range of compression. Also, the use of elastomeric loop material may allow the dual function of attachment to the other end of the band, which has hook material, as well providing active compression. In varying embodiments, the bands 102 interconnect to each other in a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent manner. The connections may use chemical, thermal, or mechanical bonds. Mechanical temporary and semi-permanent bonds may include hook and loop, snaps, button and button-holes, or ties and eyelets. Mechanically bonded permanent attachments may include methods such as sewing and stapling. Chemical bonding includes methods such as fabric glue and super glue. Such glue is well- known in the art and used extensively in the industry for upholstery, furniture, and other products. Other forms of chemical bonding include tape adhesive such as PEELnSTICK and the acid-free acrylic double- sided adhesive SuperTape (Therm O Web, Wheeling II). Thermal bonding may include iron-on interfacing, ultrasonic welding of compatible components, or thermal melting of compatible components or iron-on interfacing. Such iron-on interfacing may for example include one or more layers of HEATnBOND® Ultrahold (Them O Web, Wheeling II). Some of the bonds (e.g., hook and loop) allow the garment 100 to be reused many times. Other bonds (e.g., fabric glue) may allow the garment 100 to be reused only a certain number of times. For example, the fabric glue may be reusable for a period of days, but afterwards may loose its adhesion properties. Still other bonds (e.g., thermal welding) are for a single use. For example, a lower perimeter 114a (towards the foot in the present embodiment) of the interior layer 114 may include a relatively soft hook material. The soft hook material 114a may overlap on the band 102 immediately below, thus interlocking between the adjacent bands and providing additional stability of the device. Alternatively, an upper perimeter 112a (away from the foot in the present embodiment) of the outer layer 112 may include hook material. The lowest band may attach to loop material sewn onto the anklet 108 or attach to the elastomeric loop band at the top of the footpiece. In some embodiments, there will be no soft hook material at the facing edges of the bands and the bands will simply overlap each other with the lowest band overlapping an anklet or footpiece. Small geographic symbols may be drawn or printed on each band 102 which will change shape in a characteristic way when the proper compression is applied so that the user knows the prescribed therapeutic compression is being applied. Such symbols are well known in the art, and are applied currently to short-stretch bandages such as sold by SSL International PLC under the trade name of Setopress (London, England). In another embodiment, material color or material markings will differentiate different bands of varying levels of compression.

The Spine 120 Referring now to Fig. 3, in one embodiment, the bands 102 are joined together at a spine 120. The bands 102 can be joined to the spine 120 in various manners, and in the present embodiment they are sewn together. The spine 120 may comprise non-elastic or elastic material. There may be no difference in bulk or therapeutic application of this embodiment. Furthermore, the bands 102 may be partially or completely sewn together. In this embodiment, the bands 102 and spine 120 may be separately pre- manufactured, and then sewn together once measurements are made of the affected limb. By modifying the degree of overlap of the bands and the number of bands, a wide geometry of limbs may be fitted. The anklet 108 (Fig. 1) may be sewn to either or both of the spine 120 and the adjacent band 102. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the spine 120 extends both on an inside (adjacent the leg) and outside (external) of the lower limb compression garment 100. In furtherance of the example, the spine 120 includes hook material 122 for engaging with loop material 124 on the bands 102 (the loop material can be on both the inside and outside portions of the bands). An outer layer 126 is also provided, which may be either relatively stiff or rigid, which can facilitate the assembly and fitting of the lower limb compression garment 100, or may have elasticity which can facilitate the movement of the lower limb compression garment once in place. Other embodiments may use one spine, one on the inside or one on the outside. Other embodiments may forego the spine as the hook-and-loop fastener or other connective means lengthwise centrally in each band 102 and overlapping may provide adequate connection to hold the device together as a single unit for application or storage. In some embodiments, the spine 120 may also serve to connect the anklet 108 (Fig.l). In other embodiments, the bands 102, spine 120, and/or anklet 108 can be attached using other mechanisms, such as glue or adhesive, snaps, or buttons. Furthermore, the spine 120 can be sewn or otherwise segregated into increments 128 so that it can easily be cut or shortened, as needed. For a lower limb, the spine may be 12, 13, 14, or 15 inches in length with increments, although single lengths of spine for different uses are within the scope of the present disclosure. For use as an upper limb compression device, for example, the spine may preferentially go the entire length of the arm along the outside edge. This may necessitate a longer spine and such permeations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the spine may wrap around from one side to the other to allow for attachment of excess length or for additional stability of the device. Additionally, it is understood that other modular configurations exist within the scope of the present disclosure, such as any other attachment of the spine to the compression bands or method of attachment of one band to another. These may include buttons, snaps, zippers, or other methods of attachment. Referring now to Fig. 4, in another embodiment, there are two bands, designated 102a, 102b, for each band "level." These bands 102a, 102b interconnect to each other and/or the spine 120. The spine may include slits 120a, 120c, 120d to assist in interconnection of the garment 100. The interconnectivity of the spine 120 to the bands 102a, 102b may be any method of mechanical, chemical, or thermal. In the present embodiment, the slits for each band 102a b alternate on either side of the spine 120 so that the bands can overlap. For example, the slits 120a are on one side of the spine 120 and adjacent slits 120c are on the opposite side, with a portion of each slit overlapping. In this example, the slits 120a, 120c, 120d do not extend all the way through the spine 120. In another embodiment, the slits 120a and 120c (and so forth) may not lie on the same line. For example, the slits 120a can be offset to one side of the spine, while the slits 120c can be offset to the opposite side of the spine. In another example, the slits 120a are further separated from each other than the slits 120c. In this way, the slits 120a, 120c allow the bands 102 to overlap. hi another embodiment, a single band (102, Fig. 1) can be fed through the slits 120a to position each band on the spine 120. Referring to Fig. 5, in yet another embodiment, the spine 120 includes horizontal slits 120b and an optional cover member 129. The bands 102 fit against the spine 120 and may or may not attach at positions 122a for the spine and 112b for the band. The cover member 129 can then be woven in and out of the slits 120b in order to hold the bands against the spine. Also, the bands 102 can include projections to interact with the slits 120b. The cover member 129 may attach just at the ends, or may attach at locations between each band 102. Again, any interconnections may be temporary or permanent and may include mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds or a combination thereof. Referring to Fig. 9, in still another embodiment, the spine 120 is formed together with (e.g., formed from the same sheet of material) as some of the bands 102, identified as bands 102c. The spine 120 may include additional material to give the spine properties that are different from the bands 102. The spine 120 in one embodiment includes vertical slits 120a for receiving another group of bands 102, identified as bands 102d. The bands 102c fit in the vertical slits 120a. As before, any interconnections may be temporary or permanent and may include mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the are no slits in the spine and the other group of bands 102 attach to the spine 120 by other attachment mechanisms as discussed above. Not all of the bands 102 need to be similarly constructed. For example, one of the bands in Fig. 5, designated with reference numeral 102c, is formed as a chevron, connecting with the spine 120 at the apex of the chevron. Such shape of a band may be desirable to create a more ergonomic angle on the limb. Such angles are preferably applied perpendicular to the skin, with more angle around the upper and lower curves of the calf than the rest of the garment. Such angles may vary according to limb geometry and garment size. Also, different bands can have different levels of elasticity. This would allow the garment 100 to be placed in different scenarios, such as over a bladder used for pneumatic pumps for preventing deep veinous thrombosis. Also different levels of compression can be provided for bands 102 nearer the ankle (or wrist, or shoulder) than further away from the ankle. This selection of a specific elasticity can therapeutically treat edema or decreasing vein size to prevent blood clots by providing gradient compression to the affected limb. Furthermore, bands 102 can have different amounts of compressions and expansion, either compared to each other or different amounts along the band itself. Using different levels of compression may be desirable for different garments. Further, graduated compression may be accomplished by using bands of various levels of compression in the same garment. For example, generally more compression may be desired in the ankle portion and less proximally for a leg compression garment. By using different band composition to vary the stretch, different levels of compression may be achieved. In another example, a band may have less stretch in the portions that intersect the spine 120, and more compression near the ends that are used for the locking mechanism 104. Thus, an assembled device can therapeutically apply varying levels of compression. When the user feels that the band no longer stretches, then the compression becomes different and proportional to the tension placed on the band. The user can thus learn to "dial in" to this difference and so more reliably and predictably apply the desired level of compression. By varying the length and width of a band and/or the composition of the band, any desired level of compression can be created in the band.

The Anklet 108 Referring again to Fig. 1, in another embodiment, the anklet 108 can be configured as an ankle high, knee-high or thigh-high sock or stocking, being relatively thin so that a shoe can be worn over the garment. In one embodiment, the anklet 108 is made of a synthetic stretch-fiber fabric such as a Lycra® brand spandex-containing material in a knitted, woven or non-woven construction. In some embodiments the anlclet 108 may or may not fasten to the rest of the garment 100. For example, a compression anklet or stocking can be used and placed in position with, but not attached to, the garment 100. In Fig. lb, the tubing material may or may not provide additional therapeutic compression. The material may furthermore be attached to the spine or may itself form the spine of the garment. Referring now to Fig. 6, in another embodiment, a footpiece 130 can be used as a different kind of anklet. In one embodiment, the footpiece 130 includes an inner sock-like member 132 of cotton/Lycra blend and three outer bands 134a, 134b, 134c of elastomeric material. Other materials and construction can be chosen in order to alter the compression level of the device. Construction may be made of same materials and layers as in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the material may be an elastic or non-elastic material and of one single layer or many overlapping layers. The three elastomeric bands 134a, 134b, 134c are arranged so that the first elastomeric band 134a fastens over the forefoot, the second elastomeric band 134b is angled at approximately ninety degrees to the surface of the midfoot, and the third elastomeric band 134c is fastened parallel to the back of the Achilles. In the present embodiment, the third elastomeric band 134c is unique from the other two in that it can attach in place across, or across and downward onto the dorsum of the footpiece. Thus the design is unique in that it allows to fit a variety of foot sizes and to apply variable compression as desired to be most therapeutic. The footpiece 130 also includes a single band 134c sewn in place in the middle with both free ends with sewn hook material. The hook material may be fastened circumferentially across just below the ankle, or may reach down toward the forefoot and across to the opposite side, for example. The flexibility of this band allows a number of geometries to be accounted for. In one embodiment, the band is just over three inches wide. The length of the band may be any desired length for therapeutic use. For example, lengths of 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, and 18 inches, or other lengths are possible.

Stockings and Liners Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, a stocking liner 140 may be provided under the garment 100 to reduce itching and minimize effects of overlapping on the skin. The liner can extend the entire length of the garment 100, including any ankle 108 or foot piece 130, or may cover only a portion thereof. The liner 140 can be formed of a cotton / Lycra® blend or other material and may have a foam lining. The foam lining may include sewn channels to follow the body's natural lymphatic drainage lines. The foam lining also may have foam with stitches or carved portions to create a waffle-like pattern in order to facilitate lymphatic drainage in the un-compressed portions. The thiclmess of such a liner 140 may be quite thick, such as can be achieved with the JoviPak UE-P-AG1 (Tri-D Corporation Kent, WA). The foam may include a granular-type material. A fabric cover may also be included on all or part of the foam lining. Referring also to Fig. 7, the liner 140, shown here being used with an arm compression garment, would have a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions, or high pressure areas 142 and channels 144 there between. The channels 144 potentially facilitate lymphatic drainage while reducing interstitial edema along the high pressure areas 142. The liner 140, which may be constructed similarly to commercial products known under the brand JoviPak, Tribute™ or Komprex II, may be a cotton or blended material with thicker woven fabric as seen in many commercially available socks. Another embodiment of the liner 140 may include one or two layers of cotton or cotton/Lycra blend or another similar woven or formed material, with semi compressible material woven between the inner and out layers of the liner. The liner 140 may also include the channels 144 which are in the form of sewn pockets with openings 146 for insertion of a semi-compressible insert 148 to form the high pressure areas 142. Such an embodiment may have distinct advantages over other commercially available liners since it may be much thinner but with similar performance. This allows more comfort for long-term wear and improved breathability of the liner 140. The liner 140 may be designed for a specific use, but may have additional uses under other commercially available compression devices, such as The Cinch (Innovative Medical Solutions, Seattle WA), ReidSleeve (Peninsula Medical Inc., Scotts Valley CA), short-stretch or medium-stretch bandages, CircAid (San Diego CA) or other commercially used products for treatment of edema, venous and lymphedema. The insert 148 is preferentially thin and less than 1cm, although larger sizes may also be desirable. In another embodiment, foam padding can be positioned in-between the liner 140 and the straps 102. The foam padding can be used to reduce lymphedema. One possibility is to use dense foam such as Komprex foam (Lohmann Rauscher Neuwied, Germany). In this embodiment, the foam is cut into small squares of 0.25cm to 2cm along each side. These squares may or may not have a pyramid shape facing the inner layer. These pyramid-shaped areas massage the affected area during wear and can break up fibrotic areas, effectively reducing lymphedema long-term. Alternatively, one solid piece of foam with a grid but out on one side may achieve the same function. Other foam padding includes JoviPak Multipurpose pads (Tri-D Corporation Kent, WA) or other commercially available products such as the Jovi Le-C-Advi sheet foam liner. Such pads are sewn chips or pieces of polyurethane or similar foam and may or may not have channels sewn into place.

Additional Embodiments Referring to Figs. 10a, 10b, and 10c, in another embodiment, the garment 100 can be assembled with a spine that is built-in to the bands. A first band 102e includes a portion of webbing material 180 sewn thereon, as well as two strips of loop material 182 and a portion of hook material 184. A next group of bands 102f also include the sewn-on webbing material 180 and the loop material 182 and hook material 184. The bands 102e, 102f can be configured as shown in Fig. 10b. Additional bands 102g can then be added, as shown in Fig. 10c, with additional webbing material 180 sewn on as well as loop material 182 and hook material 184. As a result, the garment 100 can be assembled piece-wise, as shown. Referring to Fig. 11a, in another embodiment, two different garments, designated 100a and 100b, can be used. In the present example, the garment 100a is similar to the garment 100 of Fig. la, and is placed around the lower leg. The garment 100b is placed around the thigh. Such an arrangement can be very beneficial for reducing blood clots, such as during a knee surgery operation. The garments can be of different construction. For example, the lower garment 100a can be of a longer-lasting, less-elastic, reusable material, and the upper garment 100b can be made of a more-disposable, more elastic material. In the illustration of Fig. 11a, the knee is exposed, and can therefore be examined and/or operated on with one or both of the garments 100a, 100b in place. In the alternative, a band 102h can be provided to further wrap the knee. In the present example, the band 102h is very long, and can wrap the knee multiple times before being secured with the fastener 104. Fastener 104 may be attached to garment 102b, be separately applied, or be interconnectable to garments 102a and/or 102b. Referring still to Fig. 11a, in some embodiments (including all the embodiments discussed above), a pneumatic compression device (PCD) 190 can be incorporated with the garment. In the present example, it is incorporated with the lower garment 100a. One example of a PCD is a DVT pump. The PCD 190 connects to one or more air bladders 192 through tubing 194. The air bladders 192 can be sewn into one or more bands 102, or a pouch may be provided in the garment 100a to receive them. Referring now to Fig. l ib, in another embodiment, the two garments 100a, 100b can be interconnected by a knee piece 196. The knee piece 196 may be constructed of a knitted, woven, or non- woven elastomeric fabric, including those listed above. L the present embodiment, the knee piece 196 is a slip-on sleeve that can stretch in multiple directions. Also in the present embodiment, the knee piece 196 is sewn into the lower band 102 of the upper garment 100b, but attached to the lower garment 100a through an optional hook fastener 198. It is understood that other fastener systems can also be used. Referring again to Fig. lb, in this embodiment, the garment 100c includes a stocking 140. The stocking 140 can be similar to any of the stockings discussed above. In the present embodiment, the stocking 140 includes a portion that functions as the spine 120. For example, the stocking can be made in whole or in part of a material that can attach to the bands 102 through various attachment mechanisms. In furtherance of this example, the stocking can include an outer surface that connects to a hook-type material (of a hook-and-loop fastener system) on the bands 102. In another example, the stocking 140 includes several slits, as discussed above, which can engage with the bands, lh yet another example, the stocking 140 includes a strip of different material, or of different physical property to provide the spine 120. In furtherance of this example, a strip of more-rigid or hardened material can be provided to serve as the spine 120 and can thereby receive the attachment mechanisms for receiving the bands 102.

Business Method Referring now to Fig. 8, the garments 100 discussed above can be provided in response to receiving a customer order form 200. The form 200 includes an order information section 202, a shipping information section 204, a billing information section 206, a measurement section 208, and a measurement guide 210. A customer can obtain and fill out the form 200 where measurements are taken of key components of the affected limb. If the place of assembly for the garment 100 is the same as the place of sale, then the measurements may be compared to pre-stocked components and the proper number and type of components can be selected. The modularity of the garment 100 facilitates a sales facility in having a reduced inventory yet still being able to provide a highly-customized solution. Furthermore, the amount of overlap of bands may be varied to accommodate a variety of leg lengths. In one embodiment, the bands 102 are just over three inches in height, and each lower limb compression device may have 4-6 bands, one to two spines 120, and a footpiece or anldet 108. Since the spine 120 may be modular, one spine may accommodate an arm or a lower leg. Other spines, such as for an entire lower limb device, may also be provided. In another embodiment, the spine 120 may include a material backing with iron-on interfacing. This will allow quick permanent assembly of a plurality of bands 102 with or without an anklet. This customization can be done at the time of measurement of the actual limb, or can be done at a remote location using the measurement form 200. In some embodiments, one or more of the bands 102 can be overlapped and connected (e.g. sewn together) prior to delivering to a doctor or patient, hi other embodiments, some or all of the garment 100 can be sterilized prior to delivery. Some embodiments of the form 200 can include information that would allow a doctor or provider to custom select certain bands 102 for different purposes. For example, different levels of edema (e.g., minimal, extreme) can be addressed by selecting an appropriate elasticity of the bands 102. Also, the height and/or weight of a patient can factor into the selection of band size, placement (e.g., more elastic bands near the ankle) and composition. The bands 102 can include a marker such as a position number that will indicate their placement on the spine 120. The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments according to aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. For example, many of the above- described embodiments are described with a more expensive material. In other embodiments, the garments can be constructed of single-use or disposable materials. Furthermore, features of the garments can be made to ensure that the garments are not improperly reused, such as having adhesives or portions of the garment that rapidly deteriorate in response to some predetermined condition such as the elapse of time or a high-temperature cleaning operation. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An apparatus for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patient including a first plurality of bands with interconnecting portions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bands is elastic.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of the bands is inelastic.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ankle stocking or footpiece.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a joint piece.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the joint piece is an elbow stocking or elbow piece.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a liner.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the liner comprises a granular foam

9 The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the liner includes one or more from a group including foam and fabric.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bands are configured to support interlocking.

11 The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the interlocldng is achieved through at least one of either a thermal bond, a chemical bond, or a mechanical bond.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two of the first plurality of bands are permanently secured together.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of bands are sewn together.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of bands are welded together.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein weld is selected to maintain the first plurality of bands for a predetermined number of uses.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is for single use.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bands assemble in a single-use configuration.

18. A method of providing an apparatus for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a limb of a patient, the method comprising: receiving measurements of predetermined components of the limb; selecting a plurality of bands according to the measurements; assembling the selected plurality of bands; and providing the assembled bands to the patient.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: selecting one of either an ankle wrap, a knee wrap, an elbow wrap, or a wrist wrap; and assembling the plurality of bands with the selected wrap.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising: selecting one of either a foot piece, a knee piece, an elbow piece, or a wrist piece; and assembling the plurality of bands with the selected piece.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of assembling includes sewing at least two of the bands together prior to providing the assembled bands to the patient.

22. The method of claim 18 further comprising: selecting an elasticity for each of the bands, the elasticity of at least two bands being different.

23. A method for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patient including placing a compression apparatus adjacent the body area, separately wrapping and securing a plurality of bands around the body area, and overlapping and/or interconnecting at least two of the bands to each other.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising sterilizing at least a portion of the compression apparatus.

25. An apparatus for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of bands with interconnecting portions; at least one inflatable bladder for engaging with at least one of the plurality of bands, wherein the at least one inflatable bladder is configured to provide a variable amount of compression to the adjacent body area of the patient.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a pump for controlling an inflation of the at least one inflatable bladder.

27. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a second plurality of bands such that the first plurality of bands and the second plurality of bands are on opposite sides of the joint piece.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the joint piece is a knee piece and at least one of the first plurality of bands is permanently secured to the knee piece.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first plurality of bands are constructed to be disposable and the second plurality of bands are constructed to be reusable.

29. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bands comprises: a thin-napped material to which a hook-type fastener can readily adhere; an elastomeric-compression material for providing enhanced compression; and a thin film coating between the thin-napped material and the elastomeric compression material.

30. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein an elasticity of at least two bands are different.

31. The apparatus of claim 1 where an elasticity of at least of at least two bands are different.

32. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one or more of the first plurality of bands interlock with a compression stocking or sleeve.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, where the garment includes a compression sleeve or stocking, a portion of which operates as a spine for selectively engaging with one or more of the first plurality of bands.