METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING VENOUS ACCESS

摘要

Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing vasodilatation and/or controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired vacuum pressure to the skin of the extremity of a mammal. In some cases it is also desirable to provide heat to regions of the extremity of the mammal to further dilate the veins or arteries in the patient. In some cases it is also desirable to apply a contact pressure to regions of the extremity of the mammal to improve perfusion of these regions. In one embodiment, the device includes a device that is adapted to rigidly enclose a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein so that a sub-atmospheric pressure can be applied to the mammal's extremity, which is further discussed below.