Methods and devices for deep vein thrombosis prevention

摘要

Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

主权项

1. An ankle support device for use with a patient, the device comprising:
a foot support structure; an ankle support structure; a hinge connecting the foot support structure to the ankle support structure; a portable power supply; an embedded controller powered by the portable power supply; an actuator with an output shaft, the actuator controlled by the embedded controller; where the device has a free movement mode and a powered output mode; a first attachment for coupling the actuator to a first portion of the patient and to the ankle support structure; a second attachment for coupling the output shaft to a second portion of the patient and to the foot support structure; wherein the embedded controller contains computer readable instructions for a pre-determined limit of actuator motion and a minimum amount of time between actuator movements whereby the computer readable instructions for the pre-determined limit of actuator motion contain actuator operating instructions for execution of a pre-determined actuator flexion and extension sequence when the minimum amount of time between actuator movements has been exceeded; and wherein the minimum of time between actuator movements is determined by a dynamic algorithm that approximates blood flow in a leg coupled to the ankle support structure by taking into account one of a frequency of ankle movement, an intensity of active ankle movement, and the patient's age and condition.