Fluid movement pumping device with artificial valve for increased blood and lymph circulation

Tech ID:
HSC-1423

The proposed work will investigate a general approach to improving peripheral blood circulation in the lower leg

by augmenting venous blood return.

The general approach is based on

the literature and findings of a recent investigation that assessed the effects of vacuum-assisted suspension

system (VASS) prostheses on blood circulation in dysvascular transtibial

amputees.

Some support was found for the hypothesis that such devices increase blood flow in the residual limb, but there

also were several unexpected outcomes including elevated

transcutaneous oxygen in the residual limb and increased blood flow in the sound limb.

One explanation for the results is that inadequate movement of blood caused stasis, and VASS

helps veins perform their function by applying cyclic external pressures on the skin during ambulation; possibly

replacing/augmenting the forces normally exerted by the calf muscle.

This explanation is supported by a study reporting that venous valves, known to be critical components for

returning blood, occur in far greater numbers in the peripheral venous system

than previously known.

Based on this general hypothesis, alternative strategies for more effectively providing such assistance using

external physical pressure were identified and are

the basis for the more specific approaches to be investigated in the proposed work, which is intended to

determine if peripheral circulation can be improved in non-amputee patients

with diabetes or CVI who are at risk of developing ulcers.

For information contact:
Daniel Rafferty
Business Development Manager
raffertyde@uthscsa.edu
(210) 562-4038
Inventors:
James Schroeder
Patent Information:
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