EP-4734904-A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRESSURE THERAPY

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a pressure therapy.

Inventors

• SCHWARZ, Tomá
• PROUZA, Ond ej
• KUBÍN, Stanislav

Assignees

• BTL Medical Development a.s.

Dates

Publication Date

20260506

Application Date

20250520

Claims (20)

1. 1. A device for pressure therapy, the device comprising: a control unit 103, a therapy unit 105, and a pressure generator 106.
2. 2. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, wherein the therapy unit 105 comprises a therapy chamber 201.
3. 3. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, further comprising a sealing unit 202.
4. 4. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 3, wherein the sealing unit 202 comprises at least one of: a cuff 401, a moldable membrane 501, a flexible membrane 602, an iris 601, an inner tubular member 402, a pressure generator of a sealing unit, an actuator 502, a sleeve 603, a band 604, a blade 605 or a wrap, or a combination thereof.
5. 5. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 4, wherein the cuff 401 is inflatable.
6. 6. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 4, further comprising a cuff release barrier for attachment of the cuff 401 in the therapy chamber 201 and prevent it from being released or falling out of the therapy chamber 201.
7. 7. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 4, wherein the sealing unit 202 comprises a click mechanism 113.
8. 8. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 7, wherein the click mechanism 113 comprises: an inserting member 117 for inserting the cuff 401; a cuff connector 116 for air tight connection of the cuff 401, wherein the cuff connector 116 is connected to the pressure generator 106 or to a pressure sensor; and a first closing member 118a and a second closing member 118b for closing the cuff 401 into the inserting member 117.
9. 9. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 4, wherein the sealing unit 202 comprises the actuator 502, wherein the actuator 502 is hydraulic, pneumatic or electric, and the actuator 502 comprises at least one of a piston, a motor, a servo motor, a liner actuator or a rotary actuator, or a combination thereof.
10. 10. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, the device further comprising: a main unit 101, wherein the main unit 101 is connected to the therapy unit 105 by at least one fluid conduit 203; and a user interface 104.
11. 11. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 10, the device comprising a frontmounted user interface 104, wherein the therapy unit 105 is positioned between the at least portion of the main unit 101 and the user interface 104.
12. 12. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor 107 and at lest one fluid conduit 203; wherein the pressure generator 106 is connected to the therapy unit 105 by the at least one fluid conduit 203.
13. 13. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, the device comprising a positioning mechanism 109 to adjust the position of the therapy unit 105.
14. 14. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, further comprising a parking system 110 for positioning or parking of the device, the parking system 110 comprising at least one wheel and a central brake 114.
15. 15. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, the device comprising an upper part and a bottom part, wherein the upper part comprises a user interface 104, a positioning mechanism 109 and the therapy unit 105, and the bottom part comprises a parking system 110 and the pressure generator 106.
16. 16. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 1, the device comprising an upper part, a middle part and a bottom part, wherein the upper part comprises a user interface 104, the middle part comprises a positioning mechanism 109 and the therapy unit 105, and the bottom comprises a parking system 110 and the pressure generator 106.
17. 17. A device for pressure therapy, the device comprising: a control unit 103; a pressure generator 106 configured to generate positive and negative pressure; a therapy unit 105 comprising a therapy chamber 201 and a sealing unit 202 comprising at least one of: a cuff 401, a moldable membrane 501, a folded cuff 512, or an iris 601 and a flexible membrane 602.
18. 18. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 17, wherein the therapy chamber 201 has a cylindrical cross-section.
19. 19. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 17, wherein the therapy unit 105 has at least one opening 204 allowing access to the therapy chamber 201, wherein the opening 204 is located on the side of the therapy chamber 201, spaced apart from the sealing unit 202.
20. 20. The device for pressure therapy according to the claim 19, wherein the opening 204 comprises at least one seal.

Description

Method and device for pressure therapy Field of the invention The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a pressure therapy. Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/649,650 filed on May 20, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background The present invention is in the domain of medical devices and therapeutic methodologies, specifically relating to pressure therapy, e.g. vacuum compression therapy, also known as vacuum pressure therapy. This system is designed to stimulate blood flow and optimize wound healing and tissue repair processes by leveraging the principles of negative pressure therapy or positive pressure therapy. It may be used in medical, physiotherapy, or aesthetic treatments. The invention introduces a novel approach to managing various diseases affecting blood flow, wounds, and other medical, dermatological, and/or aesthetic conditions, providing a versatile and efficient solution for healthcare practitioners and subjects alike. The present invention also relates to pressure-controlled environments and, more specifically, to systems and methods for managing both hyperbaric and hypobaric conditions within chambers. Hyperbaric chambers provide elevated atmospheric pressure, while hypobaric chambers simulate reduced atmospheric pressure. The invention encompasses a versatile and adaptable approach to modulating pressure environments for various applications, including medical treatments, physiological treatments, and aesthetic treatments. Hyperbaric therapy may be used to perform various treatments and actions in a positive-pressure environment. A popular type of hyperbaric therapy is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves a subject breathing oxygen in an environment with increased pressure. It is widely used to treat decompression sickness (occurring during scuba diving or ascent to altitude), air bubbles in the blood vessels, various infections, chronic wounds, and others. Hypobaric therapy may be used to perform various treatments and actions in a negative-pressure environment. A popular type of hypobaric therapy is negative pressure wound therapy, a medical technique used for the management of wounds. Its goal is to promote wound healing by creating an environment that facilitates the removal of excess fluids, stimulates blood flow, and helps reduce edema and/or swelling. The alternating negative and positive pressure of vacuum compression therapy (pressure therapy) contributes to improved blood circulation, making it an effective tool for enhancing blood flow to limbs. This application is particularly valuable in addressing circulatory issues and promoting vascular health. Vacuum compression therapy may be used to treat various ischemic conditions (such as ischemia), where there is a restriction in blood supply to the tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen, glucose and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. Vacuum compression therapy can improve perfusion and oxygenation of the tissues and can enhance venous return. Vacuum compression therapy finds utility in physiotherapy by assisting in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Controlled pressure variations in vacuum compression therapy (pressure therapy) may aid in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue recovery, and enhancing overall rehabilitation outcomes. In aesthetic applications, the therapy may be employed for body contouring, cellulite reduction, and skin rejuvenation. The precise control of pressure facilitates targeted therapy, promoting collagen synthesis and improving the overall appearance of the skin. In wound treatment applications, the controlled pressure variations may be used to treat chronic wounds (formed, for example, because of diabetes or radiation injury), surgical incisions, and other small-area or large-area wound sites. The device may be used in combination with various wound dressings to create a seal around the wound and to remove excess fluids from the wound, creating a cleaner wound environment. Removing excess fluid may also contribute to the reduction of edema and/or swelling around the wound. The stimulation of the blood flow may also be beneficial for tissue repair and may optimize wound healing. Summary of the invention The present invention introduces a groundbreaking advancement in the field of medical devices, specifically in the area of vacuum compression therapy (pressure therapy). The system is ingeniously designed to address and surpass the limitations of traditional compression therapy methods, offering an innovative solution for a wide range of medical and aesthetic applications. This invention comprises a novel and versatile vacuum compression therapy (pressure therapy) system designed to optimize blood flow, promote wound healing, and facilitate tissue repair through the application of controlled pressure variations. This innovative system encom