US 6,368,357 B1 · Therapeutic device for amputees

Abstract

A device is provided for applying therapeutic pneumatic pressure to the residual limb of an amputee in the post-operative stage. The device is intended for use in the immediate post-operative phase, i.e., immediately after surgical amputation of a limb. The device is intended to promote healing and proper residual limb formation after surgery. The device may comprise a calm-shell-like outer shell, the halves of which are joined together by a fastening means. A two-piece outer shell construction may also be used. The interior of the outer shell is fitted with inflatable bladders which, in combination, encompass the circumferential surface of the residual limb. An additional bladder may be provided at the distal end of the outer shell to cover the lower-most portion of the residual limb. The pressure within each bladder may be varied and adjusted.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A therapeutic device for post-operative treatment of a residual limb of an amputee comprising:

an inner shell having overlapping flap portions;
an outer shell dimensioned and configured to nestingly receive said inner shell with said inner shell being attached thereto;
means for drawing together the overlapping flap portions of said inner shell to reduce the diameter of said inner shell;
a plurality of inflatable bladders disposed completely around an interior wall of said inner shell, said bladders when inflated cooperating with said inner shell to provide therapeutic pneumatic pressure to the entire residual limb of the amputee and promote venous blood flow to the entire residual limb;
and
a cup portion formed on the bottom of said outer shell to support the distal end of the residual limb of the amputee.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Therapeutic device for amputees

Life of this patent

Therapeutic device for amputees

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19