Self applied and self adjusting device and method for prevention of deep vein thrombosis with movement detection

An electrical device for use in preventing circulatory ailments comprising:

• a pair of electrodes;
• signal means, attached to said pair of electrodes, for providing a signal to said pair of electrodes;
• a motion detector placed adjacent said pair of electrodes, whereby contraction of a user's muscle is detected;
• a controller coupled to said motion detector and said signal means, said controller adjusting said signal means to provide a signal to said pair of electrodes causing a predetermined contraction in the user's muscle;
• means, associated with said controller, for determining activity of the user's muscle sufficient to provide therapeutically adequate circulation, whereby said controller prevents said signal means from providing the signal to said pair of electrodes;
• and
• a cuff having attached thereto said pair of electrodes, said motion detector, and said signal means,
• whereby the electrical device is self adjusting providing effective treatment without adjustments by the user.

A self applied device for use in preventing circulatory ailments such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli, venostasis, orthostatic hypotension, ankle edema and leg discomfort associated with prolonged sitting comprising:

• an elongated rectangular cuff;
• an insert removably attached to said elongated rectangular cuff;
• a pair of electrodes placed on said insert;
• a motion detector placed on said insert;
• a control unit placed on said elongated rectangular cuff and coupled to said pair of electrodes and said motion detector, said control unit providing an electrical signal to said electrodes having a form of substantially a square pulse with an intensity of between 1 to 50 milliamperes, a voltage between 1 and 200 volts, a duration of between 0.1 and 0.3 milliseconds, a frequency of between 0.1 and 0.5 Hertz, with 5 to 15 repetitions delivered every 5 to 15 minute interval;
• and
• a battery attached to said control unit,
• whereby a user can attach and position the device easily for applying a safe and effective electrical signal causing muscle controlled contraction.

A method for preventing circulatory ailments comprising the steps of:

• providing a cuff with electrodes;
• applying an electrical signal to a calf muscle of a leg of a user through said electrodes;
• detecting contraction of the calf muscle of the user;
• adjusting the electrical signal based upon the contraction of the calf muscle of the user to obtain a predetermined degree of contraction,
• whereby a therapeutically appropriate degree of contraction is maintained without adjustment by the user.

An insert for a cuff used in preventing circulatory ailments comprising:

• a backing;
• a pair of electrodes placed on said backing;
• a motion detector placed on said backing, said motion detector positioned between said pair of electrodes,
• whereby said backing may be inserted within the cuff and placed on a user's leg.

A self applied device for use in preventing circulatory ailments comprising:

• a cuff;
• a pair of electrodes positioned a predetermined distance apart and held by said cuff;
• a control unit coupled to said pair of electrodes, said control unit providing an electrical signal to said electrodes having a form of substantially a square wave with an intensity of between 0.02 to 4 milliamperes, a duration of between 0.1 and 0.3 milliseconds, and a frequency of between 0.1 and 0.5 Hertz;
• a motion detector positioned adjacent said electrodes and coupled to said control unit;
• and
• a power source attached to said control unit,
• whereby a user can attach and position the device easily providing a safe and effective electrical signal causing muscle contraction detected by said motion detector.

A self applied device for use in preventing circulatory ailments comprising:

• a cuff;
• a pair of electrodes positioned a predetermined distance apart and held by said cuff;
• a control unit coupled to said pair of electrodes;
• a motion detector positioned adjacent said electrodes and coupled to said control unit,
• said control unit eliminating an electrical signal from being provided to said pair of electrodes when muscle contractions have been detected by said motion detector sufficient to prevent circulatory ailments;
• and
• a power source attached to said control unit,
• whereby a user can attach and position the device easily providing a safe and effective electrical signal causing muscle contraction detected by said motion detector.

A method for preventing circulatory ailments comprising the steps of:

• applying an electrical signal to the muscle of a user;
• detecting contraction of the muscle of the user;
• and
• adjusting the electrical signal based upon the contraction of the muscle of the user so as to obtain a therapeutically effective increase in blood flow to the muscle of the user,
• whereby a therapeutically appropriate degree of contraction is maintained without adjustment by the user.