Methods and system for performing remote ischemic preconditioning

A method of performing remote ischemic preconditioning, the method comprising:

• positioning a cuff about a limb of a subject;
• initiating a treatment protocol that includes a plurality of sequentially actuated treatment cycles, including a first treatment cycle, a second treatment cycle, and a third treatment cycle:
• the first treatment cycle comprising:
• compressing the limb of the subject with the cuff to a pressure above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb for a first ischemic duration that last for at least a minute;
• and
• releasing pressure applied to the limb by the cuff in to allow blood flow through the limb for a first reperfusion duration that lasts at least one minute;
• the second treatment cycle comprising:
• compressing the limb of the subject with the cuff to a pressure above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb for a second ischemic duration that last for at least a minute;
• and
• releasing pressure applied to the limb by the cuff to allow blood flow through the limb for a second reperfusion duration that lasts at least one minute;
• the third treatment cycle comprising:
• compressing the limb of the subject with the cuff to a pressure above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb for a third ischemic duration that last for at least a minute;
• and
• releasing pressure applied to the limb by the cuff in to allow blood flow through the limb;
• removing the cuff from the limb of the subject;
• wherein the first reperfusion duration and the second reperfusion duration are of different lengths of time.

A system for remote ischemic preconditioning, the system comprising:

• a cuff configured to retract about a limb of a subject;
• an actuator connected to the cuff and that, when actuated, causes the cuff to contract about the limb of the subject to reduce blood flow therethrough;
• and
• a controller that controls the actuator to operate according to a treatment protocol that includes a plurality of sequentially actuated treatment cycles, each treatment cycle comprising:
• cuff actuation, during which the actuator contracts the cuff about the limb of the subject to a pressure above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb;
• an ischemic duration, during which the cuff is contracted about the limb above systolic pressure to occlude blood flow through the limb, the ischemic duration lasting for at least about a minute;
• cuff release, during which the actuator releases the cuff to allow blood flow through the limb;
• and
• a reperfusion duration, during which the cuff is in an at least partially relaxed state to allow blood flow through the limb, the reperfusion duration lasting for at least one minute.