| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions. SOLUTION: A blood flow is increased by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot 108 or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure, so that a human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the medical device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller 160 in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
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