Patent ID: 8142372
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
1. A method of treating congestive heart failure (CHF) in a patient, said method comprising: arranging at least one pressure applicator externally around a body segment of the patient; applying negative pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, to the body segment of the patient during cardiac systole using the at least one pressure applicator, thereby reducing ventricular afterload in the patient; and removing the negative pressure to the body segment of the patient during cardiac diastole, wherein at least one said pressure applicator includes at least one housing adapted to surround the body segment of the patient, said at least one housing having a shell that includes an interior wall, an exterior wall, and a plurality of spacer elements configured to maintain said exterior wall in spaced relation with said interior wall, said plurality of spacer elements providing a plurality of air transfer openings that permit air flow between said exterior wall and said interior wall; and wherein said arranging step includes arranging said at least one housing around the body segment of the patient.