Methods and devices for deep vein thrombosis prevention

Abstract

Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device intended to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in a patient, the device comprising:
 a portable power supply;   an embedded controller powered by the portable power supply;   an actuator with an output shaft, the actuator controlled by the embedded controller;   where the device has a free movement mode and a powered output mode;   a first attachment for coupling the actuator to a first portion of the patient; and   a second attachment for coupling the output shaft to a second portion of the patient.