Patent ID: 7074177
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
1. An external counterpulsation system which compresses a limited area of the lower limbs and buttocks; does not require high inflation pressures; reduces skin irritation; and reduces or eliminates the need for bladder deflation during a premature ventricular contraction, comprising: six air pressurizable bladders, wherein each said air bladder has a compression surface area of about forty square inches; a right and left lower thigh cuff, each said lower thigh cuff adapted for holding one said air bladder against the lower thigh of a patient and transmitting force generated by pressurization of said bladder to said patient through said compression surface area; a right and left upper thigh cuff, each said upper thigh cuff adapted for holding one said air bladder against the upper thigh of said patient and transmitting force generated by pressurization of said bladder to said patient through said compression surface area; a buttock cuff adapted for holding two said air bladders against the buttocks of said patient and transmitting force generated by pressurization of said bladders to said patient through said compression surface areas; wherein said cuffs are no more than six inches in width; an air compressor for pressurizing said bladders; a pressure regulator for limiting the pressurization of said bladders to no greater than 240 mm Hg; a plurality of valves for controlling the timing of said pressurization of said bladders; an ECG signal from an external ECG monitor connected to said patient; an ECG signal input connector that is capable of accepting ECG signals from different external ECG monitors; a programmable logic controller programmed to receive said ECG signal and generating valve timing signals from peaks in said ECG signal;