Device and method to prevent deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis is a problem for persons who are substantially sedentary. This can be caused by an illness or trauma from an accident or in a sitting position for long period of time during long distant travel. The objective is to get motion, and an exertion into the person's legs, and particularly the feet. This is accomplished by a support that has at least one resilient unit, and preferably two such units. These units are on a support, which can be connected to the baseboard of a bed such as being an integral part of the baseboard or placed on the floor of any vehicles. The resilient units are connected and contain a fluid, which upon the application of pressure to one unit will allow fluid to flow from one resilient unit to another. The fluid preferably is heated and the pressure to be exerted to flow the fluid from one resilient unit to another can be regulated. Optimally a pump can be combined with the resilient units to pressurize the fluid and flow the fluid from one resilient unit to another to promote the person to move the fluid through the alternate pressing of the resilient units.

1 . A device to prevent deep vein thrombosis comprising a support, at least one resilient unit mounted on said support, a fluid in said resilient unit, and a means in association with and resilient unit to allow said fluid to flow from said resilient unit upon the application of a pressure on said resilient unit and return into said resilient unit upon the release of said pressure.  
   
   
       2 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein there are at least two resilient units.  
   
   
       3 . A device as in  claim 2  wherein the two resilient units are interconnected whereby said fluid can flow from a first resilient unit upon which pressure is being applied to a second resilient unit to which no pressure is being applied.  
   
   
       4 . A device as in  claim 3  wherein there is a channel connecting the first resilient unit to the second resilient unit, a valve mechanism in said channel to assist in controlling the flow of said fluid.  
   
   
       5 . A device as in  claim 4  wherein there is a heater to heat the fluid passing through said channel, at least one temperature sensor associated with said channel.  
   
   
       6 . A device as in  claim 2  wherein there is a pump associated with said at least two resilient units, said pump flowing said fluid alternately from one resilient unit to another resilient unit.  
   
   
       7 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein said support is a part of a bed or the floor of any travel vehicles and is located at the base of the bed or on the floor of any travel vehicles.  
   
   
       8 . A device as in  claim 7  wherein there are at least two resilient units.  
   
   
       9 . A device as in  claim 8  wherein the two resilient units are interconnected whereby said fluid can flow from a first resilient unit upon which pressure is being applied to a second resilient unit where no pressure is being applied.  
   
   
       10 . A device as in  claim 9  wherein there is a channel connecting the first resilient unit to the second resilient unit, a valve mechanism in said channel to assist in controlling the flow of said fluid.  
   
   
       11 . A device as in  claim 10  wherein there is a heater to heat the fluid passing through said channel, at least one temperature sensor associated with said channel.  
   
   
       12 . A device as in  claim 8  wherein there is a pump associated with said at least two resilient units, said pump flowing said fluid alternately from one resilient unit to another resilient unit.  
   
   
       13 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein said fluid is one of a liquid or a gas.  
   
   
       14 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein the resilient unit is comprised of a flexible film which contains the fluid.  
   
   
       15 . A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis comprising providing placing at least one foot of a person to be treated in contact with at least one resilient unit, and having such person push said at least one foot against said at least one resilient unit with at least one foot.  
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 15  wherein there are at least two resilient units.  
   
   
       17 . A method as in  claim 16  wherein the two resilient units are interconnected whereby said fluid can flow from a first resilient unit upon which pressure is being applied to a second resilient unit where no pressure is being applied.  
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 17  wherein there is a channel connecting the first resilient unit to the second resilient unit, a valve mechanism in said channel to assist in controlling the flow of said fluid.  
   
   
       19 . A method as in  claim 18  wherein there is a heater to heat the fluid passing through said channel, at least one temperature sensor associated with said channel.  
   
   
       20 . A method as in  claim 19  wherein there is a pump associated with said at least two resilient units, said pump flowing said fluid alternately from one resilient unit to another resilient unit.  
   
   
       21 . A method as in  claim 15  where in said fluid is one of a liquid or a gas.