Abstract:
A portable oscillating compression system including an for compressing air; an accumulator tank for receiving and storing the compressed air from the air compressor; an air pressure adjustment module for modulating pressure of the compressed air when the compressed air exits the accumulator tank; a valve body assembly attached to the accumulator tank, a plurality of inflatable cuffs connected to the valve body assemble for receiving the compressed air from the valve body assembly; a controller for controlling the valve body assembly; a power supply; and a housing for containing said system.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Generally, the present relates to devices for use in improving blood circulation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable external counter pulsation device. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Clinical external counter pulsation therapy (ECP) was developed to improve a human cardiovascular system (under operational control of a health care professional). The clinical ECP system is very large, not very portable and is also prohibitively expensive for home use, with systems retailing for thousands of dollars. Even if such a system were affordable, its sheer size makes usage in a home environment very difficult. 
         [0005]    External counter pulsation (ECP) has been introduced during the last 3 decades as a non-invasive alternative approach to active physical exercise in patients suffering from severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Several prospective clinical trials have demonstrated a clear therapeutic benefit including improvement of clinical status and exercise performance as well as an improved quality of life. During ECP the aortic and intracoronary average and diastolic blood flow and pressure are increased while systolic pressure is decreased. This increase in blood flow results in increased shear stress in the arterial system suggesting also an improvement of the shear stress in the coronary artery bed. The mechanism by which ECP alleviates angina includes improvement of peripheral and coronary endothelial function, improvement of ventricular function, favorable peripheral effects similar to that of physical training and the recruitment and proliferation of collateral arteries. The latter process, termed arteriogenesis, may be initially triggered by physical forces: in the presence of a stenosis blood flow and consequently endothelial shear stress are increased across the lumina of pre-existing anastomotic arteries. Shear stress is a major trigger of arteriogenesis. Clinical studies have demonstrated a clear positive correlation between collateral formation and physical activity. A well-developed coronary collateral system minimizes the loss of myocardium in case of myocardial infarction and reduces the long-term cardiac mortality. However, only one third of the patients with CAD and residual stenosis or occlusions possess adequate collateral networks. ECP is therefore an attractive therapeutic option for the non-invasive stimulation of collateral growth. 
         [0006]    In clinical ECP therapy programs, a patient must undergo the therapy for 35 one-hour sessions, usually scheduled over a 5-day work week for a period of seven weeks. This regimen can be rigorous and places demands upon a patient&#39;s schedule. If a patient misses sessions, it can have an adverse effect on the treatment. 
         [0007]    The only ECP systems currently available are of the clinical type and some have received FDA approval. These systems, while touting their portability, remain bulky and in practical operation are not very mobile. The systems generally include a custom reclining bed and a control cart, which includes a display, input device, as well as the air and vacuum supply components. A number of air bladders (or cuffs) are provided for the patient to wear while reclining on the bed for treatment. These bladders are connected to the control cart with a series of hoses and sensor wires which monitor the patient&#39;s heartbeat as well as the performance of the air bladders. 
         [0008]    There is therefore a need for a portable oscillating compression system that provides similar treatment to an ECP system at level suitable for unsupervised use that allows for more flexible treatment options, can be used to treat or improve a variety of patients, and can provide users with a measure of improvement in their cardiovascular system to relieve pain, improve circulation and quality of life. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded side view of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cutaway views of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention;  FIG. 3A  is a front view and  FIG. 3B  is a rear view; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded side view of the filter, an air compressor, accumulator tank, air pressure adjustment module, and valve body assembly connected by hoses of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an air pressure adjustment module of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a valve body assembly of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the VBA as shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a VBA as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein arrows are used to depict air flow through the VBA during the cuff exhaust mode, at the end of diastole; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a VBA as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein arrows are used to depict air flow through the VBA at the end of treatment, when the system is vented to the atmosphere; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top view of calf cuffs and hose of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top view of thigh cuffs and hose of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is top view of a buttocks cuff and hose of the portable oscillating compression system of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are side views of an electrode with lead ( FIG. 13A ) and a finger-tip type pulse oximeter ( FIG. 13B ). 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Generally, the present invention provides a portable oscillating compression system. The system can include an air compressor, an accumulator tank, an air pressure adjustment module, a valve body assembly, hoses, inflatable cuffs, a controller, a power supply and a housing. The air compressor takes in air and compresses it to a predetermined pressure, after which it is deposited in the accumulator tank. The accumulator tank stores compressed air from the air compressor until the compressed air is needed by the system. The accumulator tank is also connected to an air pressure adjustment module. The air pressure adjustment module allows the air compressor to operate at a constant speed, providing constant air pressure to the accumulator tank. As the compressed air is removed from the accumulator tank by the system, the air pressure adjustment module regulates the compressed air in the accumulator tank, venting air above a predetermined pressure. The valve body assembly is connected to the accumulator tank. The valve body assembly intakes compressed air from the accumulator tank and distributes it as directed by the system. The hoses receive compressed air from the valve body assembly. The hoses are connected to inflatable cuffs that include bladders and can be secured to a patient. The inflatable cuffs are inflated by the compressed air from the valve body assembly and deflate when the compressed air is halted by the valve body assembly. The system controller includes software for processing and operating the system including detecting the electrical signals of the heart of the patient and the blood oxygen level of the patient. The controller also operates the valve body assembly, directing the inflation and deflation of the cuffs. The controller also includes a computer and input/output devices. The power supply provides power to the system components. All of the system components are located about the system housing, which can include wheels for portability and mobility. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The systems and methods described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate embodiments consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. 
         [0025]    Generally, the present invention provides a portable oscillating compression system for use in providing an external counter pulsation treatment to a patient. Most generally the system  10  of the present invention includes a housing frame  12  and panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , an air compressor  32 , an accumulator tank  34 , an air pressure adjustment module  42  (APAM), a valve body assembly  44 , a controlling device  48 , a power supply  49 , hoses  150 ,  170   190 , and inflatable cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200 . 
         [0026]    The term “oscillation” or “oscillating” as used herein is used to describe a recurring or periodic event, i.e. one that occurs at intervals. The portable oscillating compression system  10  of the present invention provides oscillating compression to the extremities of a patient using compressed air delivered to inflatable cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  secured about the extremities of the patient in a configuration that is known to those of skill in the art. The oscillating compression occurs in coordination with the heartbeat of the patient, hence the term “external counter pulsation” in a manner known to those of skill in the art as discussed in the Background. The cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  are inflated at the beginning of the diastole portion of a heartbeat, when the heart is drawing in blood from the rest of the body. The cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  are deflated at the end of the diastole, just before the systole portion of the heartbeat, when the heart pushes blood out to the rest of the body. 
         [0027]    The term “electrocardiogram” or “ECG” as used herein means the recording of a transthoracic interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, as detected by electrodes  220  attached to the surface of skin and communicated to the system  10  by leads  222 . The ECG measures the electrical conductivity of the heart. The ECG captures electrical impulses generated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue and translates them into a waveform. The waveform is then used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as other information about the heart. 
         [0028]    The term “hose” as used herein is intended to include a hose or other similar conduit. The hoses are used for transporting compressed air. The hoses can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples of materials include polymers, composites, or alloys. 
         [0029]    The terms “systole” and “diastole” as used herein refer to, respectively, the gathering of blood with contraction of the heart and the period of time when the heart refills with blood after contraction. The portable oscillating compression system of the present invention uses an ECG from a patient to determine when to inflate and deflate the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  secured about the extremities of the patient. The inflation of the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  begins at the beginning of the diastole, when the heart is refilling with blood. The inflated cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  compress the extremities of the patient, forcing blood toward the heart. The pressure is released at the end of the diastole, before the systole begins. 
         [0030]    More specifically, the system  10  of the present invention is a portable oscillating compression system for use in providing an external counter pulsation treatment to a patient. The system  10  includes a housing frame  12  that is sufficiently sized to contain all of the components of the system  10 . Further, the housing frame  12  is generally formed as a box with open sides. In the preferred embodiment, the housing frame  12  is approximately 92 cm tall with a width of 60 cm wide and a depth of 45 cm. When the housing frame  12  is made of aluminum enclosed by ABS panels, then the system  10  with the previous dimension weighs approximately 65 kg. The housing frame  12  is formed of a material that is sturdy yet light, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples of the materials include, but are not limited to metals and alloys of metals, such as aluminum or titanium. 
         [0031]    Additionally, the housing frame  12  is enclosed by a set of panels including top panel  14 , bottom panel  16 , front panel  18 , right side panel  20 , left side panel  22 , and back panel  24 . The panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , (left side panel and right side panel not shown) are sized to fit within the frame. The panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  include holes  13  through which fasteners  29  pass and secure the panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  to the housing frame  12 . Alternatively, the housing frame  12  can include channels into which the panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  can placed for maintaining the panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  in proper alignment. The panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  are generally easily removable for service of the system  10 . The panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  can also include graphics and labels providing instructions or labeling of controls that pass through the panel surfaces  15 , 17 , 19 , 21 , (left side panel surface and back panel surface not shown). The panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  are formed of a material that is resilient and somewhat dent-resistant, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples of the materials include, but are not limited to, polymers such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or lightweight metals such as aluminum or other compounds having the characteristics described herein. 
         [0032]    Additionally, the system  10  can include moving devices  26  mounted to the bottom panel  16  of the housing frame  12 . Examples of such moving devices  26  include, but are not limited to, wheels, bearings, casters and other similar devices known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the moving devices  26  can also include locking mechanisms  27  to prevent the system  10  from rolling unexpectedly. The locking mechanism  27  can include a locked and unlocked position to provide greater ease in use, such that the locked position prevents undesired movement of the system  10 , while the unlocked position enables the system  10  to freely move. In use, the system  10  can be positioned next to a chair, bed, or other suitable location. The mobility of the system  10  allows an operator to easily bring the system  10  to a patient, rather than require the patient to travel to the system  10 , as is the case with traditional, bulky systems. 
         [0033]    The housing frame  12  can also include a handle  28  that can be mounted on the exterior surface  11  of either on the top panel  14  or one of the four side panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 , or  24 . The handle  28  can be formed in any shape known to those of skill in the art to be capable of use as a handle. The handle  28  is preferably sized to be able to be grasped by the user. The handle  28  is preferably made of the same material as the housing frame  12 , but can be formed of a different material. The handle  28  can either be affixed or mounted onto the exterior surface  11  of the housing frame  12  or connected to an exterior surface  11  of one of the side panels  14 ,  18 ,  22 , or  24  after the housing has been formed using an affixing device, such as a screw or other similar device known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, the handle  28  can be formed as a single unit with the housing frame  12 . 
         [0034]    The housing frame  12  and panels  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24  enclose the system  10  of the present invention. The system  10  includes an air compressor  32 , secured to bottom panel  16  with brackets  312 , that takes in air through filter  300  and hose  302 . Filter  300  can be any type of filter known to those of skill in the art capable of filtering air. Examples include, but are not limited to foam or paper filters. Hose  302  is secured to air compressor  32  with clamp  304 . The air compressor  32  and compresses the air to a predetermined pressure, after which the air is deposited in the accumulator tank  34 . The predetermined pressure supplied by the air compressor  32  is generally between approximately 3.5 kPa and 55.2 kPa, as is readily known to those of skill in the art of external counter pulsation. The air compressor  32  can be a single compressor or multiple compressors. The air compressor  32  can be any air compressor known to those of skill in the art to be able to be used in the manner described herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, rotary compressor, scroll compressor, and other similar compressors. The air compressor  32  can operate in a variety of modes, such a continuous or periodic. The air compressor  32  can also include a pressure monitor that provides information to the system  10  regarding the output pressure supplied by the air compressor  32 . 
         [0035]    The accumulator tank  34  stores compressed air from the air compressor  32  until the compressed air is needed by the system  10 . The accumulator tank  34  can be any tank known to those of skill in the art to be able to hold and maintain compressed air. The accumulator tank  34  is sized to be large enough to maintain a volume of compressed air needed to inflate the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  of the present invention to a pressure sufficient for providing the external counter pulsation treatment. The accumulator tank  34  can be a single tank or multiple tanks. The tanks  34  must generally be able to hold at least 12 liters of air. In the preferred embodiment, the tank  34  is generally 22 cm tall with a width of 40 cm wide and a depth of 35 cm. The tanks  34  can be formed of a variety of materials as are known to those of skill in the art to be able to contain pressurized air. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, titanium or polymers. The tanks  34  can be formed using a variety of techniques, such as but not limited to molding tanks  34  with fiber-reinforced polymers. The tanks  34  can be shaped in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, spheres or cylinders. If multiple tanks are utilized, the tanks  34  can be joined together to receive compressed air from the air compressor  32 . The tanks  34  can be mounted to the system housing frame  12  using fasteners  29  to secure the tanks  34  to the housing frame  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the tank  34  is mounted to housing frame  12  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The tank  34  can be otherwise affixed/mounted within the system  10  without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0036]    The accumulator tank  34  can include at least one intake port  36  through which the tank  34  receives compressed air from the air compressor  32 . The tank  34  also includes at least one outlet port  38  through which compressed air exits the accumulator tank  34  via a hose  306  to the valve body assembly  44  and at least one outlet port  40  through which compressed air exits the tank  34  to the air pressure adjustment module (APAM)  42 . The air compressor  32  is connected to the accumulator tank  34  by a hose  306  that is affixed to both the intake port  36  and the outlet port  40 . The hose  306  is attached to the air compressor  32  using a clamp  304  and to an intake port on the tank  34  using a clamp  304  such that air can only flow from the air compressor  32  to the tank  34 . The clamp  304  can be of a variety of types known to those of skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel worm drive clamp. 
         [0037]    The APAM  42  regulates air pressure stored within the tank  34 , maintaining a predetermined pressure by releasing excess pressure to the atmosphere. The APAM  42  is connected to the tank  3  using a hose  308 . The hose  308  is clamped to the tank  34 . The clamp  304  can be of a variety of types known to those of skill in the art, such as but not limited to, a stainless steel worm drive clamp. 
         [0038]    In other words, the compressed air enters the APAM pressure valve body  66  via a hose  308  attached to the accumulator tank  34 . The compressed air acts upon the valve plunger  64 , applying an axial force on the plunger  64  moving it toward an APAM motor  52 . The plunger  64  exerts a resistive force to the compressed air through an APAM compression spring  62 . The position of the valve plunger  64  stabilizes when the opposing forces are equal. Depending upon the equilibrium position of the plunger  64 , compressed air can flow through the APAM pressure valve body  66  and out to the atmosphere through a silencer  108 . The equilibrium position is variable and can be controlled by the operator using the APAM switches  43  of the controlling device  46  or can automatically controlled. The APAM  42  can also include a limit switch  78  on the pressure valve body  66  that is activated by a set screw  80  attached to the bushing  60  that provides restriction for the minimum and maximum linear displacement of the plunger  64 . In the preferred embodiment, the compressed air from the accumulator tank  34  can be regulated from approximately 3.5 kPa to 55.2 kPa that is used to inflate the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  of the system  10 . This regulation by the APAM  42  enables the air compressor  32  to operate at a constant speed by providing constant air pressure to the accumulator tank  34 . The APAM  42  regulates the pressure of air in the accumulator tank  34  by the position of the plunger  64  which selectively restricts the flow of air through the pressure valve body  66  to the atmosphere. The APAM  42  can be modulated as needed either prior to commencing use of the system  10  or during the operation of the system  10 . The modulation of the system  10  can be accomplished either manually using controls  8  located on the exterior surface  15  of the top panel  14 . The controls  8  can include, but are not limited to, buttons, knobs, dials, sliders, emergency stop switches, keyboards and other computer input devices. Alternatively, the modulation of the system  10  can be accomplished using a controlling device  46 . 
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment, the APAM  42  is approximately 20 cm long, 8 cm wide, and 8 cm tall. The APAM  42  components are formed of resilient materials capable of performing under the conditions in which they were intended to be used, examples include, but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, nitrile, and rubber. In the preferred embodiment, the APAM  42  is mounted to housing frame  12  as shown in FIGS.  3 A and  3 B. The APAM  42  can be otherwise affixed/mounted within the system  10  without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, the AC motor  52  can have an output of 120 rpm at 115 VAC. The AC motor  52  can be a geared synchronous motor, but other motors can also be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. The APAM  42  regulates the release of the compressed air in the accumulator tank  34 , venting extraneous air above a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure can be defined by one of skill in the art, but generally is approximately above 56 kPa. 
         [0041]    In operation, the air pressure of the system  10  can fluctuate due to the requirements of the controller  46  and/or the adjustments of the operator of system  10 . The APAM  42  regulates the air pressure of system  10 , which enables the compressor  32  to operate at a continuous speed or continuous pressure. More specifically, the APAM  42  includes a motor  52  for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air stored in the accumulator tank  34 . The motor  52  can be either an AC or DC geared synchronous motor. The motor  52  drives the axle  58  that is secured to the output shaft of motor  52  with a helical flex shaft coupling  56 . The coupling  56  allows the motor  52  to smoothly adjust the position of the pressure valve bushing  60  within the pressure valve body  66 . The motor is secured to valve body  66  by a pair of brackets  54 . The axle  58  is secured to a pressure valve bushing  60  via a set screw  69 . As the axle  58  rotates, the pressure valve bushing  60  moves linearly along the drive axis of the axle  58 , thereby altering the position of the busing  60  within the valve body  66 . The bushing  60  includes a seal  70  that prevents compressed air from escaping between the bushing  60  and the valve body  66  as the bushing  60  is moved linearly. The compression spring  62  is disposed within the cavity  68  and the plunger  64  and provides a compressive force against the bushing  60  to provide pressure against the valve plunger  64 . A plunger  64  is enclosed within the valve body  66  and cavity  68  and moves linearly along with bushing  60  driven by axle  58 . Compressed air enters the valve body  66  through the air inlet  72  via a hose  310  connected to the tank  34 . The hose  310  is secured to tank  34  and the valve body  66  with clamps  304 . The compressed air from the tank  34  exerts a force upon the plunger  64 . The compression spring  62  exerts an opposing force on the plunger  64 . The equilibrium position of the plunger  64  is determined by the summation of the two forces. If the force of the compressed air exceeds the force of the compression spring, then the plunger  64  will be forced into the cavity  68  resulting in compressed air moving past the plunger  64  and out of the valve body  66  through the air outlet port  74  to the atmosphere. If the force of the compressed air is less than the force of the compression spring, then the plunger  64  will not be displaced by the compressed air from the tank  34  and no compressed air will pass by the plunger  64 . The minimum and maximum position of the plunger  64  is determined by the limit switch  76  which is secured to the valve body  66  by the limit switch plate  78 . The position of the limit switch  76  is secured by the limit switch set screw  80 . 
         [0042]    The valve body assembly (VBA)  44  is approximately 23 cm wide by 20 cm tall by 20 cm deep and is mounted to housing frame  12  with a plurality of fasteners. The VBA  44  and components can be formed of materials that can withstand compressed air. Some examples include, but are not limited to, aluminum, steel alloy, titanium, and polymers, composites, and alloys thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the VBA  44  is mounted to housing frame  12  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The VBA  44  can be otherwise affixed/mounted within the system  10  without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0043]    The compressed air from the tank  34  enters the VBA  44  via a hose  310  through an air inlet port  104 . The compressed air first encounters intake valve solenoids  86  which selectively open allowing compressed air to proceed through the VBA  44  into the outlet port  106 . When the solenoids  86  close, exhaust solenoids  88  open, allowing compressed air to flow back into the VBA  44  through outlet ports  106  and through silencer ports  102  and silencers  108  to the atmosphere. The cycle repeats until treatment ends, at which time both the intake  86  and the exhaust solenoids  88  are closed, and the vent valve solenoids  110  are opened, allowing compressed air to flow back into the VBA through the air outlet ports  106 . The compressed air is then vented through the vent ports  100  into the atmosphere. 
         [0044]    More specifically, during the intake portion of a cycle, the compressed air (flow as indicated by the arrows in  FIGS. 6-8 ) enters a second valve body portion  98  of the VBA  46  through an air inlet port  104  and passes through the transfer plate  96  into the first valve body portion  82 . The intake valve solenoid pintle heads  92  are held in place (closed), via intake seals  94 , against a transfer plate  96  due to the pressure of the compressed air against the pintle heads  92 . At least three intake solenoids  86  are energized sequentially, allowing compressed air to flow past the pintle heads  92  and out through the outlet ports  106  to the hoses  150 , 170 , 190 . The hoses  150 , 170 , 190  are connected to the inflatable cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200 . The exhaust valve solenoids  88  remain de-energized (closed), and the three vent valve solenoids  110  remain energized (closed). After the third of intake valve solenoid  86  opens, the three intake solenoid valves  86  close simultaneously. 
         [0045]    Next, the exhaust valve solenoids  88  are energized simultaneously, causing the exhaust valve pintle heads  93  to retract and the compressed air to return from the hoses  150 , 170 , 190  and the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  through the outlet ports  106  and the transfer plate  96  past the seals  95  and out through the three silencer ports  102  and the silencers  108  to the atmosphere. The three intake valve solenoids  86  remain de-energized (closed), and the three vent valve solenoids  110  remain energized (closed). The three exhaust valve solenoids  88  then close simultaneously, after which the first of the intake valve solenoids  86  are energized and the first of the intake pintle head  92  retracts, beginning another cycle. At the last cycle, the three intake valve solenoids  86  and the three exhaust valve solenoids  88  are de-energized (closed). The three vent valve solenoids  110  are simultaneously de-energized (opened), retracting the three vent valve pintles  116  releasing compressed air that returns from hoses  150 , 170 , 190  and cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  through outlet ports  106  and exits VBA  44  through the three vent ports  100  simultaneously to the atmosphere. The three vent ports  100  operate in unison and together allow for the compressed air to vent efficiently. 
         [0046]    A calf hose  150  is used to connect the system  10  to the calf cuffs  160 , 162 . The calf hose  150  is of a sufficient length as to enable attachment of the calf cuffs  160 , 162  to the system  10  without causing the system to move unintentionally, preferably the calf hose is at least 1.9 cm in diameter and 1.5 m in length. The calf hose  150  includes a connector  152  to connect to the valve body assembly  44 , a right side connector  154  to connect to the fitting  164  for right side calf cuff  160 , a left side connector  155  to connect to the fitting  166  for the left side calf cuff  162 . The calf hose  150  divides into two separate but equal side hose units, a right side calf hose  156  and left side calf hose  157 . The calf hose  150  is secured to connectors  152 ,  154 ,  155 . The connector can be of a variety of types known to those of skill in the art, such as but not limited to a polymer quick-connect connector. The right side calf cuff  160  and the left side calf cuff  162  can be any cuffs known to those of skill in the art for use in an external counter pulsation system. For example, the calf cuffs  160 , 162  can be approximately 40 cm long by 30 cm wide. The calf cuffs  160 ,  162  include right side bladder connector  164  and left side bladder connector  166  that are each connected to inflatable bladder  167  contained within the calf cuffs  160 ,  162 . The calf cuffs  160 ,  162  can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples include synthetic fabrics such as nylon. The calf cuffs  160 ,  162  include hook fastener pads  168  and loop fastener pads  169  for securing and maintaining the calf cuffs  160 , 162  in place about the calves of a patient. The hook fastener pads  168  and loop fastener pads  169  can be formed of materials that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Examples of such materials include synthetic materials such as nylon. 
         [0047]    A thigh hose  170  is used to connect the system  10  to the thigh cuffs  180 , 181 . The thigh hose  170  is of a sufficient length as to enable attachment of the thigh cuffs  180 , 181  to the system  10  without causing the system to move unintentionally, preferably the thigh hose  170  is approximately 3.8 cm in diameter and approximately 1.5 m long. The thigh hose  170  includes a connector  172  to connect to the valve body assembly  44 , a right side connector  174  to connect to the fitting  184  for right side thigh cuff  180 , a left side connector  175  to connect to the fitting  186  for left side thigh cuff  181 . The thigh hose  170  divides into two separate but equal side hose units, the right side thigh hose  176  and the left side thigh hose  177 . The hose  170  is secured to connectors  172 , 174 , 175 . The connectors can be of a variety of types known to those of skill in the art, such as but not limited to a polymer quick-connect connector. The right side thigh cuff  180  and the left side thigh cuff  181  can be any cuffs known to those of skill in the art for use in an external counter pulsation system. For example, the thigh cuffs  180 , 181  can be approximately 55 cm long by 30 cm wide. The thigh cuffs  180 , 181  can be formed from of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples include synthetic fabrics such as nylon. The thigh cuffs  180 , 181  include right side bladder connector  182  and left side bladder connector  183 . The thigh cuffs  180 , 181  include straps  184  that are stitched to thigh cuffs  180 ,  181 . The straps  184  can be formed of the same material as thigh cuffs  180 ,  181 . The thigh cuffs  180 , 181  include an inflatable bladder  185  connected to right side bladder connector  182  and left side bladder connector  183 . The thigh cuffs  180 , 181  include hook fastener pads  186  and loop fastener pads  187  for securing and maintaining the thigh cuffs  180 , 182  about the thighs of a patient. The hook fastener pads  186  and loop fastener pads  187  can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Examples of such materials include synthetic materials such as nylon. 
         [0048]    A buttocks hose  190  is used to connect the system  10  to the buttocks cuff  200 . The buttocks hose  190  is of a sufficient length as to enable attachment of the buttocks cuff  200  to the system  10  without causing the system to move unintentionally, preferably at least 3.8 cm in diameter and approximately 1.5 m long. The buttocks hose  190  includes a connector  192  to connect to the valve body assembly  44 , a right side connector  194  to connect to the right side fitting  201  for bladder  203  a left side connector  195  to connect to the left side fitting  202  for bladder  203 . The buttocks hose  190  divides into two separate but equal side hose units, a right side buttock hose  196  and a left side buttocks hose  197 . The buttocks hose  190  can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples of materials include polymers. The hose  190  is secured to the connectors  192 , 194 , 195 . The connectors  192 , 194 , 195  can be of a variety of types known to those of skill in the art, such as but not limited to a polymer quick-connect connector. The buttocks cuff  200  includes a right side bladder connector  201  and a left side bladder connector  202  that are each connected to an inflatable bladder  203  contained within the buttocks cuff  200 . The buttocks cuffs  200  can be formed from of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Some examples include synthetic fabrics such as nylon. The buttocks cuff  200  includes a pair of straps  204  with hook fastener pads  205  and loop fastener pads  206  for securing and maintaining the buttocks cuffs  200  about the buttocks of a patient. The hook fastener pads  205  and loop fastener pads  206  can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. The hook fastener pads  205  and loop fastener pads  206  can be formed of a material that can withstand pressure, such materials are known to those of skill in the art. Examples of such materials include synthetic materials such as nylon. 
         [0049]    The system  10  of the present invention allows an operator to quickly conform the system  10  for patient treatment. The input devices of the system  10 , such as a display  30  with touchscreen capability or a keyboard  31  easily allow an operator to enter patient information and adjust and customize the system treatment. The system  10  includes a number of output devices, such as a display  30  with touchscreen capability, speaker integrated into controller  46 , or illuminated controls  47  allow an operator to receive information about system operation and patient conditions. The system  10  allows for patient information to be stored electronically for future treatments or purposes or analysis. 
         [0050]    The system  10  of the present invention also includes a controller  46  for controlling the operation of system  10 . The controller  46  includes a computer  45  and display  30 . The controller  46  is mounted using fasteners such as screws to the interior of housing frame  12  and display  30  is mounted to display stand  33  to the housing frame  12 . The controller  46  receives data from the system  10  and uses software to interpret and display patient data on display  30 . The software includes algorithms to process data received from the various components of the system  10  and the patient. More specifically, the controller  46  receives ECG electrical signals from the patient by measuring the electrical conductivity of the heart and capturing the electrical impulses generated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue using the electrode  220  and the lead  222 . The controller  46  translates the electrical conductivity information into a waveform. The waveform is then used by the system  10  to measure the rate and regularity of the heartbeat of the patient. A number of electrodes  220  such as Kendall BioTac™ Ag/AgCl, Ref. 22733 (Covidien Ltd., Mansfield, Mass. USA), teardrop-shaped foam pre-gelled electrodes or similar can be used and placed upon the chest in the vicinity of the heart of the patient. The electrodes  220  are connected to leads  222  that are also connected to the controller  46  within the system  10 . The ECG of the patient is measured and the controller  46  of system  10  uses this information to coordinate the inflation and deflation of the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  secured to the patient. 
         [0051]    The controller  46  uses a fingertip-type plethysmograph (pulse oximeter) sensor  240  to generate an electrical signal that correlates with the arterial blood pressure pulse wave of the patient. The signal is sent via lead  242  to controller  46 . The controller  46  also controls the operation of the air pressure adjustment module (APAM)  42  and valve body assembly (VBA)  46 . The controller  46  adjusts the position of plunger  64  of the APAM  42  to regulate the pressure supplied from the tank  34  to cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200 . The controller  46  also adjusts the APAM  42  in response to user input. The controller  46  interprets data obtained by the electrodes  220  and pulse oximeter  240  attached to the patient and sends signals to the intake  86 , exhaust  88  and vent valve solenoids  110  coordinating their operation. The controller  46  directs each intake valve solenoid  86  to open sequentially, inflating the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  secured to the patient during the diastole of the heartbeat. At the end of the diastole, the controller  46  directs each intake valve solenoid  86  to close simultaneously and each exhaust valve solenoid  88  to open simultaneously, with venting to the atmosphere. After the pressure is released from the cuffs  160 , 162 , 180 , 182 , 200  and hoses  150 , 170 , 190  the controller  46  directs each exhaust valve solenoid  88  to close and a treatment cycle is complete. The vent valve solenoids  110  are opened by the controller  46  at the conclusion of treatment. 
         [0052]    The system  10  also includes power supply  48  electrically connected to the system  10 . The power supply  48  provides electrical power to the components of the system  10  during operation. The power supply  48  can be of a variety of types such as a medical grade power supply generally used in medical devices as are known to those of skill in the art. The power supply  48  can accept a variety of input or mains power, such as 120 VAC 60 Hz or 230 VAC 50 Hz. The power supply  48  can further include a transformer to convert mains power to output power such as 24V or 48V. 
         [0053]    Other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed in detail below. This description provides illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and is intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the specification, serve to explain the described and claimed aspects and embodiments. 
         [0054]    The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used herein, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. 
         [0055]    Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the described invention, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.