Beiersdorf-jobst, Inc.

Jobst Institute, Inc.

Kci New Technologies, Inc.

Beiersdorff Jobst, Inc.

Kenneth M Bolam

Donald H Peeler

Philip P Ribando

Terry L Sandman

James Arthur Borgen

A compression system for applying gradient sequential compression of a patient's limb and accelerating deep venous blood flow in the limb from a source of pressurized fluid is provided. The system includes a means for supplying a source of pressurized fluid, said source having a connector interface comprising at least one outlet port, a connector for providing a continuous fluid passageway between the source of pressurized fluid and a compression sleeve. The compression sleeve includes a pair of dimensionally stable, flexible sheets of fluid impervious material, said sheets comprising a thermoplastic film and a fabric applied together into a unitary sheet and means for securing the thermoplastic films of said sheets together along lines defining at least one inflatable chamber disposed longitudinally along the sleeve. A fitting is secured to one of the thermoplastic films of each chamber and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the chamber. There is also provided a means for releasably securing the sleeve around the limb of a patient with the chamber encircling the limb.

Compression sleeve for use with a gradient sequential compression system

A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly independently measuring the pressures in the chambers and adjusting the pressure levels upward or downward, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can be default levels or selected by a user or health care professional for a particular application. In addition, the system controller can be programmed into a variety of modes for one or two-limb operation or for handling sleeves of varying length.

Gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein

A fluid connector for a compression system for improving venous blood flow in a patient provides a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of inflatable chambers in an elongated pressure sleeve. The connector includes a flexible conduit comprising a plurality of elongate hollow tubes having a corresponding plurality of fittings attached at one end of the conduit. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and a corresponding plurality of outlet ports communicating with the source of pressurized fluid. A grip portion is provided adjacent the end of the conduit. The grip portion is releasably attached to the source of pressurized fluid and grips the conduit securely between adjacent tubes such that the fittings move freely and independently relative to the grip portion. In this manner, leakage of the pressurized fluid and contamination of the fluid stream is minimized, while stresses induced in the conduit are not transferred to the fittings. At its other end, the conduit may include couplers for forming a fluid-tight seal with sleeve fittings attached to the inflatable chambers of the pressure sleeve.

Connector for a gradient sequential compression system

Compression sleeve for deep vein thrombosis

A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly measuring the pressures and adjusting the pressure levels, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can also be selected by a user or health care professional. In addition, the system controller can be programmed into a variety of modes for one or two-limb operation or for handling sleeves of varying length.

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

Kenneth M Bolam