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.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device for free or controlled movement of a joint of a user, comprising:
 a portable power supply;   an embedded controller powered by the portable power supply;   an actuator having an output shaft coupled to a first attachment and a second attachment, the actuator controlled by the embedded controller to deliver a variable drive force output mode for a first direction, a free-movement mode, and a variable drive force output mode in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction; and   a hinged connection coupling the first attachment and the second attachment;   wherein the first attachment is configured for coupling to the output shaft and to a first portion of the user and the second attachment is configured for coupling to the output shaft and to a second portion of the user.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a force sensor configured to provide an indication to the embedded controller related to the variable drive force in the first direction, the variable drive force in the second direction or a force generated while in the free movement mode. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a wireless charger with a portable power supply. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising a connection port configured for wireless communication between a control unit and the embedded controller. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2  the actuator further comprising a first motor driven lead screw, a second motor driven lead screw and a motor driven cam coupled to the first motor driven lead screw and the second motor driven lead screw wherein coordinated operation of the first motor driven lead screw, the second motor driven lead screw and the motor driven cam drive the motion of output shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the motion of the output shaft is in the first direction and drives relative movement of the first attachment point and the second attachment point relative to the hinge to cause flexion of a joint of the user between the first attachment point and the second attachment point. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the embedded controller collects and stores in memory data related to the movement of the actuator in the first direction. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the motion of the output shaft is in the second direction and drives relative movement of the first attachment point and the second attachment point relative to the hinge to cause extension of a joint of the user between the first attachment point and the second attachment point. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the embedded controller collects and stores in memory data related to the movement of the actuator in the second direction. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the motion of the output shaft is in a free motion mode and the actuator permits relative movement of the first attachment point and the second attachment point relative to the hinge to permit user initiated movement of a joint of the user between the first attachment point and the second attachment point. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the embedded controller collects and stores in memory data related to the movement of the actuator in the free motion mode. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 3  further comprising a joint angle sensor in communication with the embedded controller and positioned to measure the angle between the first attachment or the second attachment or the movement of the hinge. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the first attachment is adapted for securement to a superior aspect of a joint and the second attachment is adapted for securement to an inferior aspect of a joint. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the joint is a joint of the leg. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the joint of the leg is an ankle. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the joint of the leg is a knee.