Multiple sleeve method and apparatus for treating edema and other swelling disorders

Abstract

An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

1 . A method for treating swelling in a patient's limb, said method comprising:
 placing a first sleeve over the limb so that the sleeve extends substantially over the full length of the limb and applies pressure; and   placing a second sleeve over the first sleeve, so that the second sleeve increases the pressure applied to the full length of the limb to decrease swelling.   
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the swelling is due to edema. 
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the swelling is due to lymphedema. 
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the swelling is due to venous insufficiency. 
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein the limb is an arm. 
   
   
       6 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the limb is a leg. 
   
   
       7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the second sleeve is a thin fabric compression sleeve. 
   
   
       8 . A method as in  claim 7 , wherein the first sleeve comprises a plurality of pressure-applying resilient protrusions arranged to apply an inward pressure onto a surface of the limb. 
   
   
       9 . A method as in  claim 7 , wherein the first sleeve comprises a compressible material. 
   
   
       10 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the compressible material comprises a plastic foam. 
   
   
       11 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein an outer covering of the first sleeve and an inner surface of the second sleeve provide a low coefficient of friction when the second sleeve is pulled over the first sleeve. 
   
   
       12 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the first sleeve exerts a pressure against the limb in the range from 5 mmHg to 30 mmHg and the second sleeve applies an additional pressure in the range from 5 mmHg to 30 mmHg.