(57) Device and method for venous-flow stimulation, through localized periodic application
of squeezing forces, essentially limited to the phalanx of the digits and thumb, and
to the adjacent region of the palm of the hand. To this end, an inflatable mitt is
applied to the said phalanx and adjacent regions, with digits and thumb projecting
beyond the mitt. The mitt may be wrapped with suitable fabric, such as surgical gauze
or muslin, to provide a circumferential tie of the inflatable regions, the tie providing
hoop-tension reference for inward application of a squeezing pressure/release cycle;
and the squeeze is applied in unison circumferentially around each of the individual
digits (and thumb) at the phalanx region. Alternatively, the inflatable mitt may be
embedded in an orthopedic cast, without impairing the application of pulsed pressure
local to the indicated region; in this case, the circumferential tie is provided by
the cast.
|
|
