[0001] This invention relates to pressurizable, multi-chambered, therapeutic devices, and
more particularly to sleeves for applying compressive pressures against a patient's
leg.
[0002] Blood flow in patient's extremities, particularly the legs, markedly decrease during
extended terms of confinement. Such pooling or stasis, is particularly acute in surgery
and during recovery periods immediately thereafter.
[0003] Blood flow compressive devices, such as shown in U.S. Patents 4,013,069 and 4,030,488,
develop and facilitate the application of compressive pressures against a patient's
limbs and in so doing promoting venous return. The devices comprise a pair of sleeves
which are wrapped about the patient's limbs, with a controller for supplying the pressurized
fluid to the sleeves.
[0004] These sleeve devices may be seen in U.S. Patents 4,402,312 and 4,320,746.
[0005] US-A-4029087 shows another form of such device in which a sleeve having chambers
for pressure fluid is wrapped around a patients leg and secured at one side by a multiplicity
of tapes all of which have to be secured individually.
[0006] EP-A-168085 shows a boot having means for pressurizing its interior. The boot is
secured on the leg by a zipper or boot laces, the location of which not shown.
[0007] One use for the above mentioned sleeves is the prevention of deep vein thrombosis
(DVT) which sometimes occurs in surgical patients who are confined to bed. When a
DVT occurs, the valves that are located within the veins of the leg can be damaged
which in turn can cause stasis and high pressure in the veins of the lower leg. Patients
who have this condition often have leg swelling (edema) and tissue breakdown (venous
stasis ulcer) in the lower leg.
[0008] It has been shown that pneumatic compression can be highly effective in the treatment
of such edema and venous ulcers. This treatment is usually performed by the patient
themselves at home on a daily basis and requires that the patient be able to put on
and remove the sleeves unassisted. The sleeve devices which are wrappable from a flat
configuration as shown in the aforementioned patents, are difficult to apply by the
patients themselves.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention, to provide a compressible sleeve
device which is easily utilizable at home by the patient himself.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to optimize therapy for venous ulcers
and edema associated with poor venous return.
[0011] According to the present invention a sleeve for applying compressive pressures against
a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid comprises an elongated sheath
preferably multi layered defining a plurality of compressive chambers which may be
generally limb encircling, the said sheath having an open proximal end and a closed
distal end, the said sheath being adapted to receive a patient's limb through its
open proximal end; the said sheath having a front portion for juxtaposition with the
front surface of a patient's limb, and a back portion for juxtaposition with the back
surface of a patient's limb; the said front and back portions of the said sheath having
transversely extending side elements, the said side elements having an outer gripping
edge thereon, the said front portion having gripping means thereon being adapted to
be wrapped over the said side elements and secured on to the said gripping means of
the said front portion to permit girthwise adjustment of the said sleeve about a patient's
limb, for example the front and back portions of the sheath having transversely extending
side elements, the said side elements having a gripping edge thereon and the said
front portion having gripping means thereon, preferably on an outer lateral central
surface thereof, the said side elements being wrappable over and securable to the
said front portion of the sheath.
[0012] The said front portion and the said back portion of the said sheath are preferably
joined along their common edges coinciding between the said proximal end and the said
distal end, to define the said sheath.
[0013] The said front portion and the said rear portion preferably have a common coinciding
edge only partway along the length of the side of the said sheath from the said proximal
end to the said distal end, to permit openability of the said sheath, thus facilitating
entry of a patient's limb into the sheath.
[0014] The said back preferably includes a cushion pad for the juxtaposition of a patient's
foot thereagainst.
[0015] A compressive chamber is preferably disposed in the said back portion of the said
sheath, about the said foot cushion pad.
[0016] A compressive chamber is preferably longitudinally disposed in the said front portion
of the said sheath, extending from the distal end thereof, to or towards the proximal
end thereof, said compressive chamber about the said foot cushion pad and the said
longitudinally disposed compressive chamber in the said front portion are preferably
in fluid communication with one another.
[0017] The sleeve preferably includes a plurality of compressive chambers extending transversely
across the said back portion of the said sheath so as to extend only around the fleshy
portions of a leg when the sheath is wrapped therearound.
[0018] The chambers preferably extend across the back portion of the said sheath including
the said side elements. Thus these chambers and the longitudinally extending chambers
at the front together generally encircle a limb placed in the said sheath.
[0019] Indicia, e.g. a centre line, are preferably disposed longitudinally along, e.g. the
middle of said gripping means, the front portion to assist a patient in properly aligning
the said sleeve on his limb. The sheath is preferably a multi-layered sheath and comprises
an innermost film of flexible extensible plastic, and an outermost sheet of flexible
material, preferably less extensible, which between them define the said compressive
chambers. The sleeve preferably includes a plurality of conduits to duct pressure
fluid e.g. air from a pressure source to the said compressive chambers, at least one
of the said conduits preferably ducting the said air to more than one of the said
compressive chambers. The sheath preferably comprises an outer sheet which is relatively
stiff and inelastic so that it remains relatively flat upon inflation on introduction
of pressure fluid within the said compressive chambers; and an inner sheet which is
soft and compliant, so that upon inflation the said inner sheet conforms substantially
to the shape of the said limb.
[0020] In a preferred form of the invention the said front portion is adapted for placement
against the bony front of a patient's leg, the said front portion being substantially
inelastic, whereby when compression occurs by introducing the said fluid within the
said chambers, tension is applied across the curvature of the said front portion,
which tension translates into a pressure over the radius of curvature along the front
of the said leg.
[0021] In this preferred form of the invention the said inelastic front portion and the
said back portion of the said sheath when secured to enclose a patient's leg provide
pressure chamber means for filling the hollow portions at either side of the said
bony portion of the leg, whereby tension on the said inelastic front portion will
result in compression at that portion of the leg.
[0022] The said pressure chamber means in the said front portion is preferably partially
bifurcated. The bifurcation of the front portion chamber has the advantage of avoiding
any pressurizable chamber along the mid portion of the front portion of said proximal
end of the said sheath.
[0023] Desirably the sleeve is provided with a portion adapted to enclose a patient's foot
when the said front and back portions are wrapped over and secured together, the said
foot portion in juxtaposition with the bottom of the said patient's foot containing
no compressive chamber and thereby being non-inflatable.
[0024] Preferably the said portion enclosing the said foot contains cushion means for the
bottom of the said foot.
[0025] The present invention provides an elongated compressible sleeve device for enclosing
a length of a patient's limb, the sleeve having a plurality of sets of adjoining laterally
extending fluid pressure chambers.
[0026] The sleeve is preferably comprised of a single elongated outermost sheet of flexible
fluid-impervious material such as urethane-coated nylon.
[0027] An "inner" film of a suitable flexible fluid-impervious material such as urethane
is preferably disposed against the upper side of the "outer" elongated sheet, having
common sealed peripheral margins. The film is preferably sealed with respect to the
outer sheet to define a plurality of pressurizable chambers. The outer sheet is most
preferably stiffer and inelastic or less elastic relative to the inner film, thereby
permitting the inner layer to conform appreciably better to the shape of the leg.
Thus, the outer sheet will remain relatively flat upon inflation while the inner film
inflates and the areas of the film defining adjacent chambers press together, which
in turn substantially inhibits zero pressure areas. The elongated sheet and attached
film is preferably folded upon itself along a transverse fold near its longitudinal
mid-point. The sheet is then preferably joined along all of one and a portion of its
other longitudinal edges when folded upon itself to leave one side open from the midpoint
upwardly for ease of inserting the limb, thereby forming a two-layered sheath-like
structure, open at its proximal end to define an inner film and outer sheet arrangement.
A plurality of conduits are preferably arranged in fluid communication with their
respective chambers, each conduit preferably terminating in a connector adjacent the
open end of the sleeve.
[0028] The sleeve has a distal end which is preferably closed by its transverse fold, for
the enclosed emplacement of a patient's foot. An oblong or generally oval non-inflatable
pad is preferably enclosed between the inner and outer sheets at the distal end of
the sleeve, on top of the film, to provide a cushion base for the patient's foot.
[0029] The outer film of the topmost layer is arranged to be positionable over the front
side of a patient's limb. An adhering or securement means is preferably disposed along
the front of the topmost layer.
[0030] The side edges of the topmost layer, from the proximal end of the foot chamber, to
the uppermost end of the sleeve, preferably have an adhering strip attached therealong.
The longitudinal side portions of the sleeve preferably include margins or flap portions
which are foldable onto the adhering means, so as to adjustably encase the wearer's
limb in the sleeve.
[0031] The topmost layer preferably comprises a pair of longitudinally directed pressurizable
chambers which are in fluid communication with the pressurizable chamber above and
alongside the patient's foot.
[0032] A longitudinally directed centrally disposed sight line may be arranged along the
middle of the adhering means to permit the patient to line up the sleeve, so that
the sight line is aligned up the middle of the limb, permitting most effective utilization
and location of the compressive chambers on the limb.
[0033] When the sleeve fully encloses a patient's limb, and the marginal side flaps of the
sleeve are wrapped over and adhered to their respective sides of the adhering means,
the patient's limb is almost completely surrounded by inflatable chambers, awaiting
sequential pressurization. However, the front of a patient's leg is bony and hence
requires no pressurizable chambers. The important area is the muscular area on the
sides and back of a patient's leg, which contains the veins to which compressive pressure
needs to be applied in accordance with this invention. The front side of the sleeve,
which comprises the tongue portion thereof, is preferably inelastic, so that when
compression occurs in the remainder of the sleeve and onto the leg, tension is applied
across the curvature of the tonge which in effect translates into pressure over the
radius of curvature along the front of a patient's leg.
[0034] The invention may be put into practice in various ways and one specific embodiment
will be described by way of example to illustrate the invention with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a full limb length compressible sleeve constructed
according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the sleeve shown in Figure 1, with a patient's
limb depicted therein;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the elongated outer sheet, which when folded generally
along its transverse mid-point, comprises the outer layer of the sleeve;
Figure 4 is a plan view of an inner film disposed upon the outer sheet having the
chambers defined by seal margins between the inner film and the outer sheet; and
Figure 5 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of the sleeve, with the inner and the
outer sheet joined at their appropriate peripheral locations.
[0035] The present invention comprises an elongated compressible sleeve 10 for enclosing
a patient's limb, and is of a form and shape appropriate for a leg. The sleeve 10,
shown in perspective view in Figure 1, includes a plurality of adjoining generally
transversely extending fluid pressurizable chambers 12, which are shown more clearly
in Figure 4.
[0036] The sleeve 10 is comprised of an outermost flexible fluid-impervious sheet 14, made
of urethane-coated nylon, or the like, in an elongated form, as shown in Figure 3.
The outermost sheet 14 has a first end 16 and a second or opposed end 18, each of
which has a transverse dimension that narrows (tapers) slightly to a general mid-point
of the sheet 14, defined by a transverse fold line 20.
[0037] The sleeve 10 is also comprised of an innermost flexible fluid-impervious film 22,
made of plastic material such as urethane, having a peripheral outline, as shown in
Figure 4, which is generally similar to the configuration of the outermost sheet 14.
As previously stated, the outermost sheet is stiffer and less elastic or inelastic
relative to the innermost film so that the latter conforms well to the shape of the
leg while the former remains relatively flat upon inflation.
[0038] The film 22 has a first end 24 and a second end 26, each of which has a transverse
dimension that narrows slightly to a general mid-point of the film 22 defined by the
common transverse "fold" line 20. The peripheral outline of the innermost film 22
is substantially the same as the periphery of the outermost sheet 14. Preferably,
however, the length of the film 22, to the right of the common "fold" line 20 as shown
in Figure 4, is shorter than the corresponding length of the outer sheet 14, e.g.
of the order of 20% shorter.
[0039] In both the outermost sheet 14, and the innermost film 22, the longer portion of
each to one side of their common fold line 20, comprises the backside portion 17 of
the sleeve 10 having elongated side marginal portions 70 which wrap about the patient's
limb from the backside thereat, which portions are to the left of the fold line 20,
viewing Figure 2.
[0040] The innermost film 22 is placed over the outermost sheet 14, with their common fold
line 20, and their first ends 24 and 16 also contiguous, as shown in Figure 4. The
section of the sleeve 10, to the right of the fold line 20, as shown in Figure 4,
will comprise the frontside portion 19, of the sleeve 10, when the film 22 and sheet
14 are folded along the fold line 20, onto themselves, to form the sleeve.
[0041] The innermost film 22 may then be sealed to the outermost sheet 14 generally at the
periphery 23 of the film 22 and at seal lines 32 which also define a plurality of
longitudinally spaced transversely directed pressurizable chambers 12 between the
innermost film 22 and the outermost sheet 14. The seal lines 32 and the chambers 12
are shown in Figure 4 prior to the folding of the elongated sheet 14 and the film
22 and subsequent peripheral joining. Suitable sealing means, e.g. radio frequency
(RF) sealing means, will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art.
[0042] A foot pad 36, of generally oval shape, is non-pressurizably disposed between the
sheet 14 and the film 22, to form a cushion against which a patient's foot is placed,
as may be seen in Figure 2. A front pressurizable chamber 34, partially bifurcated,
is disposed to the right of the fold line 20 of Figure 4. The front chamber 34 is
in fluid communication with a chamber 35 which extends around the side portions of
the foot pad 36. The bifurcated chamber 34 eliminates any pressure chamber juxtaposed
against the very forwardmost bony part of a patient's leg, when it is enclosed in
the sleeve 10. This in turn applies compression to the flat leg sections on either
side of the forwardmost bony portion of the lower leg. Since these flat leg sections
are the sites of many ulcers, it follows that they are important areas for applying
compressive pressure in accordance with this invention. The backside portion 17 of
the sleeve 10 includes a lowermost pressurizable ankle chamber 38, an intermediate
calf chamber 40, a first thigh chamber 42 and an upper thigh chamber 44. Each chamber
38, 40, 42 and 44 has an orifice 46 for the supply of pressure fluid e.g. for the
sequential pressurization and depressurization of those chambers, through a plurality
of conduits 50, through a coupling adapter 51, which is in fluid communication through
further conduits 53 with a compression generator. This arrangement may be as identified
in various patents including those previously incorporated by reference herein. The
chamber 35, disposed about the sides and forepart of the pad 36, as well as the pressurizable
chamber 34 in the frontside of the sleeve 10, including the top of the foot, is preferably
maintained at a constant base pressure of about 10 pounds pressure, from a pressure
generating source as aforementioned.
[0043] During assembly of the sleeve 10, the frontside 19 of the sleeve 10 is folded over
onto the backside portion 17 of the sleeve 10, along their common fold line 20, and
are joined, as by stitching or the like, along their common peripheral points, as
indicated by "P", shown in Figure 5. The common peripheral points P may be recited
as one generally longitudinally common side edge 52, and another side edge 54, only
a portion of which is common to the frontside 19 and the backside 17. A longitudinal
opening 56 extends almost half-way along one longitudinal side, and the sleeve 10
is open at its proximalmost end 60, to permit, in conjunction with the side opening
56, a patient to easily slide his leg "L" into the sheath-like arrangement of the
sleeve 10.
[0044] A generally rectangular (slightly truncated) patch of receiving cloth 62 is secured
to the outside upper portion of the frontside 19, of the sleeve, as shown in Figures
1, 2, 3, and 5. A narrow strip 64 of hook means, such as the trademarked "Velcro"
material, is attached adjacent the elongated marginal side elements 70 or edges, as
shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5.
[0045] After a patient has placed his leg or limb in the sheath-like sleeve 10, the longitudinal
side portions along the proximal segment of the sleeve 10, may be wrapped about the
patient's limb "L" as shown in Figure 2, so that the narrow strip 64 of hook means
engages the receiving cloth 62 to encircle the patient's limb and hold the sleeve
closely around the leg. A marker (or sight) line "M" as shown in Figure 1, may be
disposed on the topside of the receiving cloth 62, to facilitate alignment of the
sleeve with the front mid-portion of the patient's limb (leg). The sheath shown in
Figure 5 is of a size such as to reach just above the knee. Longer sheaths may be
used.
[0046] Air or other pressurizable fluid may then be directed through the conduits 46 into
the chambers 34, 38, 40, 42 and 44 in the manner, e.g. of sequence and pressure profile,
created by the pressure generator aforementioned.
[0047] In view of the foregoing description and illustrative drawings, it will thus be appreciated
that the present invention provides a therapeutic device for applying compressive
pressure against the leg, which device is easily applied and removed by the patient
and is accordingly particularly suitable for home care.
[0048] Apart from this advantage, the construction and arrangement of elements of the therapeutic
device of this invention provides further significant advantages which can best be
described by reference to the physiology of the patient's leg.
[0049] As was previously stated, the important area to be subjected to compression is the
muscular area on the sides and particularly on the back of the leg. The front of the
leg is bony and hence does not require this treatment. Accordingly, the front side
of the sleeve, which we can call the tongue portion thereof is not provided with sequential
compression chambers. Moreover, the tongue portion is inelastic so that compression
occurring at the back of the leg causes tension to be applied to the inelastic tongue
portion which is in turn translated to pressure over the radius of curvature at the
front of the leg.
[0050] It will also be seen from the foregoing description that there is no compression
applied to the bottom of the foot. Since blood does not pool there, edema does not
occur and consequently there is no need to apply compression. On the other hand, if
the bottom of the foot portion were inflated to apply compression, the resulting pressure
patterns would be changed if the patient stood on his feet, which the patient is indeed
permitted to do when wearing the therapeutic device of this invention.
[0051] Yet another important advantage is obtained from the use of an outer sheet which
is relatively stiff and inelastic and an inner film which is soft and compliant. Apart
from the fact that it is desirable to have an abrasion resistant outer surface, this
combination of outer sheet and inner film permits the inner film to conform substantially
to the shape of the individual leg. Accordingly, zero pressure points are substantially
precluded, thus avoiding or lessening the so-called corrugation effect typically seen
when prior hospital compressible sleeve devices are used on edematous legs.
1. A sleeve for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source
of pressurized fluid, comprising an elongated sheath (10) defining a plurality of
compressive chambers (12), the said sheath having an open proximal end (60) and a
closed distal end, the said sheath being adapted to receive a patient's limb through
its open proximal end; the said sheath having a front portion (19) for juxtaposition
with the front surface of a patient's limb, and a back portion (17) for juxtaposition
with the back surface of a patient's limb; characterised in that the said front and
back portions of the said sheath having transversely extending side elements (70),
the said side elements having an outer gripping edge (64) thereon, the said front
portion having gripping means (62) thereon, the said side elements (70) being adapted
to be wrapped over and secured on to the said gripping means (62) of the said front
portion to permit girthwise adjustment of the said sleeve about a patient's limb.
2. A sleeve for applying compressive pressures about a patient's limb as claimed in Claim
1 characterized in that the said front portion and the said rear portion have a common
coinciding edge (54) only partway along the length of the side of the said sheath
from the said proximal end to the said distal end, to permit openability of the said
sheath, thus facilitating entry of a patient's limb into the sheath.
3. A sleeve for applying compressive pressures about a patient's limb as claimed in Claim
1 or Claim 2 characterized in that the said back portion includes a cushion pad (36)
for the juxtaposition of a patient's foot thereagainst.
4. A sleeve for applying compressive pressures about a patient's limb as claimed in any
one of Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that a compressive chamber (34) is longitudinally
disposed in the said front portion of the said sheath, extending from the distal end
thereof, to or towards the proximal end thereof.
5. A sleeve for applying compressive pressures about a patient's limb as claimed in any
one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it includes a plurality of compressive
chambers (38,40,42,44) extending transversely across the said back portion (17) of
the said sheath so as to extend only around the fleshy portions of a leg when the
sheath is wrapped therearound.
6. A sleeve as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the sheath comprises
an outer sheet (14) which is stiff and inelastic so that it remains flat upon inflation
on introduction of pressure fluid within the said compressive chambers; and an inner
sheet (22) which is soft and compliant, so that upon inflation the said inner sheet
conforms substantially to the shape of the said limb.
7. A sleeve as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the said front
portion is adapted for placement against the bony front of a patient's leg, the said
front portion being substantially inelastic, whereby when compression occurs by introducing
the said fluid within the said chambers, tension is applied across the curvature of
the said front portion, which tension translates into a pressure over the radius of
curvature along the front of the said leg.
8. A sleeve as claimed in Claim 7 characterized in that the said inelastic front portion
and the said back portion of the said sheath when secured to enclose a patient's leg
provide pressure chamber means (34) for filling the hollow portions at either side
of the said bony portion of the leg, whereby tension on the said inelastic front portion
will result in compression at that portion of the leg.
9. A sleeve as claimed in Claim 8 characterized in that the said pressure chamber means
(34) in the said front portion is partially bifurcated.
10. A sleeve as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it includes
a portion adapted to enclose a patient's foot when the said front and back portions
are wrapped over and secured together, the said foot portion in juxtaposition with
the bottom of the said patient's foot containing no compressive chamber and thereby
being non-inflatable.
1. Manschette zur Ausübung von Druckkräften auf eine Gliedmaße eines Patienten aus einer
Druckmittelquelle, mit einer länglichen, mehrere Druckkammern (12) begrenzenden Hülle
(10), die ein offenes proximales Ende (60) und ein geschlossenes distales Ende aufweist
sowie zur Aufnahme der Gliedmaße des Patienten durch das offene proximale Ende ausgebildet
ist und einen vorderen Abschnitt (19) zum Anlegen an die Vorderseite der Gliedmaße
des Patienten sowie einen hinteren Abschnitt (17) zum Ablegen an die Hinterseite der
Gliedmaße des Patienten besitzt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der vordere und der hintere
Abschnitt der Hülle quer verlaufende Seitenteile (70) aufweist, die einen außenliegenden
Griffrand (64) aufweisen, daß der vordere Abschnitt Greifmittel (62) aufweist, daß
die Seitenteile (70) zum Übereinanderlegen und Befestigen an den Greifmitteln (62)
des vorderen Abschnittes ausgebildet ist, um eine gürtelförmige Anordnung der Manschette
rund um die Gliedmaße des Patienten zu ermöglichen.
2. Manschette zur Ausübung von Druckkräften auf eine Gliedmaße eines Patienten, nach
Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der vordere und der hintere Abschnitt bloß
über einen Teil der Länge der vom proximalen zum distalen Ende verlaufenden Hüllenseite
zusammentreffende Ränder (54) aufweisen, um das Öffnen der Hülle zu ermöglichen und
somit das Einführen der Gliedmaße des Patienten in die Hülle zu erleichtern.
3. Manschette zur Ausübung von Druckkräften auf eine Gliedmaße eines Patienten, nach
Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der hintere Abschnitt eine Kissenauflage
(36) zum Anlegen an den Fuß des Patienten aufweist.
4. Manschette zur Ausübung von Druckkräften auf eine Gliedmaße eines Patienten, nach
den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß im vorderen Abschnitt der Hülle
eine längsverlaufende Druckkammer (34) angeordnet ist, die sich vom distalen Ende
aus bis zum oder in Richtung zum proximalen Ende erstreckt.
5. Manschette zur Ausübung von Druckkräften auf eine Gliedmaße eines Patienten, nach
den Ansprüchen 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie mehrere Druckkammern (38,
40, 42, 44) aufweist, die sich quer über den hinteren Abschnitt (17) der Hülle und
bloß über die fleischlichen Bereiche eines Beines erstrecken, wenn das Bein damit
umhüllt ist.
6. Manschette nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Hülle eine
außenliegende Bahn (14), die steif und unelastisch ist, so daß sie bei Aufblähen beim
Einleiten eines Druckmittels in die Druckkammern flach bleibt, und eine innenliegende
Bahn (22) aufweist, die weich und nachgiebig ist, so daß sich beim Aufblähen die innenliegende
Bahn im wesentlichen der Form der Gliedmaße anpaßt.
7. Manschette nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der vordere Abschnitt
zum Anlegen an die knöcherne Vorderseite des Beines eines Patienten ausgebildet und
im wesentlichen unelastisch ist, wodurch bei Auftreten von Druckkräften durch Einleiten
des Druckmittels in die Kammern entlang der Krümmung des vorderen Abschnittes eine
Zugkraft ausgeübt wird, die sich entlang dem Krümmungsradius längs der Vorderseite
des Beines in eine Druckkraft umsetzt.
8. Manschette nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der unelastische vordere Abschnitt
und der hintere Abschnitt der Hülle im befestigten, das Bein eines Patienten umschließenden
Zustand eine Druckkammereinrichtung (34) zum Ausfüllen der hohlen Bereiche an beiden
Seiten des knöchernen Bereiches des Beines bilden, wodurch Zugkräfte im unelastischen
vorderen Abschnitt zu Druckkräften an diesem Beinbereich führen.
9. Manschette nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Druckkammereinrichtung
(34) im vorderen Abschnitt teilweise gegabelt ist.
10. Manschette nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie einen Abschnitt
aufweist, der zum Umschließen des Fußes eines Patienten ausgebildet ist, wenn der
vordere und hintere Abschnitt übereinandergelegt und aneinander befestigt sind, und
daß der Fußabschnitt in Anlage an der Sohle des Fußes des Patienten keine Druckkammer
enthält und daher nicht aufblähbar ist.
1. Manchon destiné à appliquer des pressions compressives contre un membre d'un patient
à partir d'une source de fluide sous pression comprenant une gaine allongée (10) délimitant
une multiplicité de chambres de compression (12), la gaine en question possédant une
extrémité proximale ouverte (60) et une extrémité distale fermée, la gaine concernée
étant adaptée à recevoir un membre d'un patient par son extrémité proximale ouverte,
cette gaine possédant une partie frontale (19) destinée à la juxtaposition avec la
surface frontale d'un membre d'un patient et une partie arrière (17) destinée à la
juxtaposition avec la surface arrière d'un membre d'un patient, caractérisé en ce
que la partie frontale et la partie arrière précitées de la gaine concernée comportent
des éléments latéraux s'étendant transversalement (70), ces éléments latéraux possédant
un bord d'agrippage externe (64), la partie frontale précitée comportant des moyens
d'agrippage (62), les éléments latéraux (70) précités étant adaptés à couvrir les
moyens d'agrippage (62) et à être fixés à ces moyens d'agrippage (62) de la partie
frontale pour permettre l'ajustement du manchon précité à la manière d'une sangle
autour d'un membre d'un patient.
2. Manchon pour appliquer des compressions compressives autour d'un membre d'un patient
suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la partie frontale précitée et la
partie arrière précitée possèdent un bord coïncidant commun (54) seulement partiellement
le long de la longueur du côté de la gaine précitée à partir de ladite extrémité proximale
jusqu'à ladite extrémité distale, pour permettre de donner de l'ampleur à ladite gaine,
afin d'ainsi faciliter la pénétration d'un membre d'un patient dans la gaine.
3. Manchon pour appliquer des pressions compressives autour d'un membre d'un patient
suivant la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la partie
arrière précitée comprend un tampon formant coussin (36) pour la juxtaposition contre
celui-ci d'un pied d'un patient.
4. Manchon pour appliquer des pressions compressives autour du membre d'un patient suivant
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'une chambre compressive
(34) est disposée longitudinalement dans ladite partie frontale de la gaine précitée,
s' étendant à partir de l'extrémité distale de celle-ci, jusqu'à ou en direction de
l'extrémité proximale de celle-ci.
5. Manchon pour appliquer des pressions compressives autour du membre d'un patient suivant
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une multiplicité
de chambres compressives (38, 40, 42, 44) qui s'étendent transversalement à travers
la partie arrière (17) précitée de la gaine concernée, de manière à ne s'étendre seulement
qu'autour des parties charnues d'une jambe lorsque la gaine est amenée à recouvrir
cette jambe.
6. Manchon pour appliquer des pressions compressives autour du membre d'un patient suivant
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la gaine comprend
une feuille externe (14) qui est rigide et non élastique, de manière à ce qu'elle
demeure plate lors du gonflement par introduction d'un fluide sous pression dans lesdites
chambres compressives et une feuille interne (22) qui est molle et souple, de façon
que lors du gonflement cette feuille interne se conforme sensiblement au contour du
membre précité.
7. Manchon pour appliquer des pressions compressives autour du membre d'un patient suivant
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie frontale
est adaptée au placement contre la partie frontale osseuse d'une jambe d'un patient,
cette partie frontale étant sensiblement non élastique, si bien que lorsqu'une compression
s'opère par l'introduction du fluide précité dans les chambres en question, une tension
est appliquée en travers de la courbure de cette partie frontale, laquelle tension
se traduit par une pression exercée sur le rayon de courbure le long de la partie
frontale de la jambe précitée.
8. Manchon suivant la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie frontale non
élastique et ladite partie arrière de ladite gaine lorsqu'elle est assujettie pour
enfermer une jambe d'un patient constituent un dispositif à chambre de pression (34)
pour remplir les parties creuses de chaque côté de ladite partie osseuse de la jambe,
si bien qu'une tension exercée sur ladite partie frontale non élastique va provoquer
une compression à cette partie de la jambe.
9. Manchon suivant la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif à chambre
de pression (34) dans ladite partie frontale bifurque partiellement.
10. Manchon suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il
comprend une partie adaptée à enfermer ou enclore un pied d'un patient lorsque lesdites
parties frontale et arrière se chevauchent et sont mutuellement assujetties, ladite
partie formant pied en juxtaposition avec la partie inférieure du pied du patient
en contenant pas de chambre compressive et étant ainsi non gonflable.