Abstract:
A vascular treatment apparatus, comprising a chair, a horizontal housing and a retractable cover. The cover has hot and cold fluid dispensers whereby alternating and pulsating sprays of hot fluid and cold fluid treat a patient. The housing section also includes hot and cold fluid dispensers. The temperature, pulse strength and pulse rate are controlled by a central processing unit. The central process unit also correlates patient information for observing patient progress and comparing with other patients. Skin conditioner and disinfectant dispensers are included. The chair swivels for easy patient entry. The inventive method includes alternating pulsing streams of hot and cold fluid, preferably alternating 3 seconds of hot fluid with 3 seconds of cold fluid. The hot fluid is between 32 degrees centigrade and 41 degrees centigrade, and the treatment duration is approximately 25 minutes. Preferably, before treatment, the temperature of the hot fluid is gradually raised.

Description:
This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/391,066, filed on Jun. 19, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to a reconstructive vascular treatment apparatus, and a method for vascular treatment in general. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating a patient to alternating, pulsating streams of hot and cold fluid. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Reconstructive Vascular Treatment (RVT) is a method and system utilizing a digitized and computerized electronic operational system for the application of hot and cold fluid using exact and distinctive temperature differences applied to specific areas of the body. When the skin is exposed to alternately hot and cold temperatures, the body reacts by increasing the blood flow to the part of the body being treated. Alternation of constriction and dilatation of the local blood vessels stimulates peripheral blood-flow and helps to stimulate healing. If the treatment is systematically repeated over a period of time, the patient&#39;s blood circulation will permanently increase, due to the development of new collateral blood vessels in the body. Each blood vessel naturally has the capability for this new growth, and this growth is stimulated by the RVT. 
   RVT is primarily used as a type of “vascular stimulation,” causing alternate vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of local blood vessels to increase peripheral blood flow, mitigate pain, and stimulate healing by utilizing the body&#39;s natural innate ability to maintain homeostasis. 
   Medical Terminology 
   Homeostasis: a tendency to stability in the normal body states (internal environment) of the organism. It is achieved by a system of control mechanisms activated by negative feedback. 
   Vasoconstriction: the diminution of the caliber of vessels, especially constriction of arterioles leading to decreased blood flow to a part. 
   Vasodilatation: a state of increased caliber of the blood vessels. 
   Collateral Blood Vessels: secondary or accessory; not direct or immediate, a small side branch of blood vessels. 
   In addition to reconstructive treatment, the inventive treatment is also beneficial to those subject to high gravitational forces, such as fighter pilots and astronauts. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that makes available comfortable vascular treatment for a patient. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that is easy to use and easy to customize for treatment of a patient. 
   It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that is sturdy and provides reliable service in treatment of a patient. 
   It is still another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that makes improved hot and cold fluid vascular treatment of a patient. 
   It is yet still another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for vascular treatment of a patient that has pulsing sprays for the front and back of a person&#39;s legs. 
   It is yet another object of this invention to provide an apparatus that provide skin conditioner to a patient and is self cleaning after a patient is treated. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that obtains and records vascular treatment data for comparison with other patients and the observation of a patient&#39;s progress. 
   It is still another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for vascular treatment which is remote controlled. 
   It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved method for vascular treatment. 
   In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention comprises a vascular treatment apparatus having a chair or equivalent means for supporting a patient, a horizontal housing means for supporting plumbing and the chair means, and a retractable cover. The retractable cover includes one or more hot fluid dispensers, and one or more cold fluid dispensers, whereby pulsating sprays of hot fluid and cold fluid treat a patient. The instant invention further includes in the housing one or more housing hot fluid dispensers and one or more housing cold fluid dispensers. The housing may includes a hot fluid manifold and a cold fluid manifold for even distribution of the fluids through the dispensers. 
   The housing may have contoured footrests that each have individual fluid distributors, and the chair may be in swiveling connection with the housing. 
   The apparatus may have an adjustor for the strength and frequency of the pulsing sprays, and a temperature controller for at least one fluid. The adjustor may include a central processing unit (CPU) or other computerized means for manipulating the strength and frequency of the pulsing sprays and the temperature controller. 
   The apparatus may further include a disinfectant dispenser, and the hot and cold fluid dispensers in the cover, in the housing, or both, are tubular. An external motor may mix the hot fluid thereby adjusting the hot fluid temperature. 
   The apparatus may further include an intake for hot fluid, an intake for cold fluid, and a mixing chamber located downstream from the intake for hot media capable of receiving cold fluid from the intake of cold fluid. The hot fluid dispensers and the cold fluid dispensers each may include at least one magnetic valve for controlling flow. 
   The retractable cover may slide across the horizontal housing section or open by a hinging means. Also, the apparatus may have a handlebar for the patient, for the operator, or both. In addition, the apparatus may include a dispenser of skin conditioner. 
   The preferred method for providing vascular treatment of the invention includes the steps of placing a patient in a vascular treatment apparatus, including chair means for supporting a vascular treatment patient, horizontal means for housing plumbing located below the chair means and a retractable means for covering a patient including a first means for treating a patient on the chair with alternating pulsing streams of hot fluid and cold fluid located above the body means. The next step is of treating the patient with alternating pulsing streams of hot fluid and cold fluid. 
   The means for housing may further include a second means for treating a patient on the chair with alternating pulsing streams of hot fluid and cold fluid. This second means may include a hot fluid manifold and a cold fluid manifold. 
   Preferably, the step of treating comprises alternating approximately 3 seconds of hot fluid with approximately 3 seconds of cold fluid. It is preferred that the fluid is water. The hot fluid is preferred to be approximately between 32 degrees centigrade and 41 degrees centigrade, and the duration of the step for treating is approximately 25 minutes. Before treatment, the temperature of the hot fluid is preferably gradually raised over a pre-determined period of time before the step of treating, to make the patient comfortable with the raised temperature of the hot fluid. 
   The pulsing streams of hot fluid and cold fluid is preferably controlled by a computer, and the computer is preferably in electronic communication with magnetic valves for controlling the flow of hot fluid and the flow of cold fluid. Alternatively, the treatment may be optimized for the depilatory effect on the patient. 
   In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of the apparatus with the cover retracted and the chair swiveled to accept a patient. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the invention with the cover closed. 
       FIG. 3  shows a rear elevation view of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective detail view of the invention with the cover retracted. 
       FIG. 5  shows an end view of a fluid distributor of the invention during operation. 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of the fluid distribution system and temperature and pulse controlling system of the invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows a schematic view of the bottom of the housing of the invention 
       FIG. 8  shows a detail view of the mounting plate of one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention with the cover closed. 
       FIG. 10  shows a detail perspective view of the rear of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating the movement of the cover. 
       FIG. 12  is a detail view of a wheel assembly of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   With reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-11  depict the preferred embodiments of the instant invention, which comprises a vascular treatment apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  generally comprises a chair  12 , a horizontal housing section  14  located below the chair  12  and a retractable cover  16 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the chair  12  is preferred to be in swiveling connection with the housing  14 , to ease the placement of a patient within the apparatus  10 . However, the chair  12  may be fixed in place on the housing  14 . It is also preferred, for the comfort of the patient, that the chair  12  has armrests  96  and a headrest  98 . It is also preferred that the seatback is adjustable. In use, for sanitary purposes, it is preferred that the chair  12  has disposable seat covers. Furthermore, a curtain  104  is preferably attached to the cover  16  to protect the patient from getting unduly wet from the treatment. The curtain is made of nylon or an equivalent material, and may also be disposable. Other means for supporting a patient, such as a contoured portion of the housing, are also contemplated and are known in the art. 
   The cover  16  may be retractable by being hinged to the housing section  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , by sliding across the housing  14  as shown in  FIG. 11 , or by other means known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the cover  16  and the housing  14  are in mechanical and electronic communication so that raising the cover  16  automatically stops the operation of the apparatus  10 . The retractable cover  16  is preferably transparent so that operation of the apparatus  10  can be monitored during operation; however, the cover  16  may be translucent or opaque. The cover  16  is preferably a chemical resistant plastic, although equivalent materials may be used. 
   The cover  16  includes one or more hot fluid dispensers  18  and one or more separate cold fluid dispensers  20 . The dispensers  18 , 20  are readily shown in FIG.  4 . Preferably, the dispensers  18 , 29  are tubular, as shown, however, other shapes, such as loops or ovals, may be desired. Furthermore, the cover  16  preferably includes one or more manifolds  22  for distributing each fluid through the dispensers  18 , 20 . Each dispenser has nozzles  24  along its length for dispensing the fluid inside, as shown in FIG.  5 . Although a hot fluid dispenser is shown in  FIG. 5 , the nozzles  24  are equally provided on cold fluid dispensers. Each tube has nozzles  24  on it for dispensing the carried fluid. It is through these nozzles  24  that dispensers  18 , 20  provide alternating and pulsating sprays of hot fluid and cold fluid to provide vascular treatment to a patient. 
   Also in the preferred embodiment, the housing section  14  further comprises one or more housing hot fluid dispensers  26  and one or more housing cold fluid dispensers  28 . These dispensers  26 , 28  provide improved treatment to the patient by dispensing fluid to the back of the legs of the patient being treated. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the housing fluid dispensers  26 , 28  also preferably have at least one hot fluid manifold  30  and at least one cold fluid manifold  32  for distributing fluid to the dispensers  26 , 28  located on the housing. 
   Twin tubing, or side-by-side tubing, is preferred, because it provides a more exact and distinctive temperature difference. Water is the preferred fluid for transport through the apparatus  10 . However, other fluids are contemplated for use of the inventive method and apparatus, such as cold and hot mist, or cryogen processing heating and cooling. Also, for certain body areas such as the arms or torso, cold or heated gel packs may be used with the apparatus. In addition, freon type heating and cooling may be used with the apparatus. 
   It is also preferred that the apparatus  10  includes footrests  34  located on the housing  14 . If desired, the footrests may be contoured and adjustable to conform to the length of the patient&#39;s legs. In the preferred embodiment, the footrests also include footrest nozzles  36  for added treatment to the tops of the feet of the patient. Fluid is brought to the footrest nozzles  36  via footrest feeds  38 ,  40 . 
   The strength and frequency of the pulsing of the sprays is preferably adjustable. The apparatus  10  preferably comprising an adjustor for the strength and frequency of the pulsing sprays. The preferred adjustment mechanism is illustrated in the schematics of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A hot fluid intake  42  and a cold fluid intake  44  are provided into the apparatus  10 . Hot fluid is brought to a mixing chamber  46  which is mixed by a motor  48  to adjust the temperature. The motor  48  is preferred to be on the housing, but may be on or off of the body of the housing  14 . By having the motor separate from the mixing chamber, noise and vibration are reduced, thereby making the treatment more relaxing for a patient. Also, the motor and apparatus  10  are subject to less wear, thereby making the apparatus more reliable. 
   Temperature and pulse rate and pulse strength of the fluids are preferably controlled by a central processing unit (CPU)  50 . The CPU  50  is in electronic communication with the motor  48 , a hot fluid valve  52  and a cold fluid valve  54 . It is preferred that the valves  52 , 54  are magnetic. However, equivalent valves known in the art may be used. The CPU  50  is also in electronic communication with a hot fluid thermistor  56 , and may also be in communication with a cold fluid thermistor  58 . In an alternative embodiment, the CPU  50  is in electronic communication with a remote control  60  or a connection to an area network  62 , or both. In addition, the CPU may be connected to a main database so that data for a patient may be compared with that of other patients on the same or other treatment programs. Other equivalent adjustor means for controlling the temperature and/or the pulse rate, such as manual controls, are contemplated and known in the prior art. 
   As the apparatus  10  is used, the temperature of the hot fluid is sensed by the hot fluid thermistor  56 . A valve (not shown) inside the mixing chamber  46  allows introduction of cold fluid in to the hot fluid stream as needed to achieve the desired temperature. The hot fluid valve  56  and the cold fluid valve  58  control pulsations of the hot fluid and the cold fluid. The cold fluid thermistor is used to keep a record of the cold fluid temperature in the memory of the CPU  50  or associated memory storage. In an alternative embodiment, one or more additives such as skin conditioner or topical cream may be added to a fluid via an additive dispenser  64  also controlled by the CPU  60 . In addition, a disinfectant and/or cleaning fluid may be added to a fluid via a disinfectant dispenser  66 . Although  FIGS. 6 and 7  show the additive dispenser  64  and the disinfectant dispenser  66  in fluid connection with the hot fluid stream, one or both of the dispensers  64 , 66  may be in connection with the cold fluid stream. Intake of materials for the additive dispenser  64  and the disinfectant dispenser  66  are shown in FIG.  10 . 
   The hot fluid and the cold fluid then are conducted to the patient via a hot fluid outlet  68  and a cold fluid outlet  70 , respectively. The extension of the hot fluid outlet  68  and the cold fluid outlet  70  away from the housing  14  is shown in FIG.  10 . 
   The CPU  50  may have a predetermined program of duration, temperature and strength of pulsation of one or both fluid streams. The program may be optimized for treatment of a particular condition or for the comfortable treatment of a particular patient. The program may be pre-programmed into the apparatus  10 , or transmitted by remote control or network connection. Also, control of the treatment as it is being performed may be manually input into the apparatus  10 , or transmitted by remote control or network connection. 
   Furthermore, as shown, the use of skin conditioner or other additive and disinfectant may be programmed into the apparatus  10 , or transmitted by remote control or network connection. Any operation that may be controlled from the apparatus is preferred to be accessible from a display  84  located behind the patient as shown in FIG.  3 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , in an alternative embodiment, the housing  14  includes a hot fluid manifold  72  and a cold fluid manifold  74 . These manifolds  72 , 74  are in fluid connection with housing outlets  76  that connect to the housing fluid distributors which spray the fluid on the patient. Also, shown in this diagram for completeness, these manifolds  72 , 74  are in fluid connection with the manifold  78  that is attached to the cover  16  and in fluid connection with the fluid distributors attached to the cover  16 . The schematic also reveals the preferred location of the drain  80  in the housing, and the mounting plate  82  for the chair  12 . An outlet  100  under the housing from the drain is shown in FIG.  10 . 
   Other equivalent means for adjusting the temperature and the pulse of the fluids are contemplated and known in the art, For example, an alternative means for adjusting the fluid temperature and pulse rate is the inclusion and incorporation of the fluid distribution system described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,996 to G. T. Lofgren. 
   In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes a patient handlebar  86 . The apparatus  10  may also include an operator handlebar  88 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the operator handlebar  88  may be intrinsic with a guard for the attached CPU  50  and display  84 . The handlebar  88  is located behind the patient to optimize leverage, in case the position of the apparatus  10  needs to be adjusted. Also, in one embodiment the housing stands upon a plurality of legs  90 . However, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , in an alternative embodiment one or more wheels  92  may support a portion of the housing  14 . In this embodiment it may be preferred to have a brake on the wheels  92  set by a foot pedal  94 , as shown in FIG.  12 . Other braking means known in the art may also be used, such as a brake set by hand. 
   In another alternative embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the cover  16  slides across the horizontal housing section  14 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the cover  16  moves from position A to position B. 
   In yet another embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes means for keeping the housing level on an uneven surface. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the chair mounting plate  82  is connected to the legs  90 , by a leveling mechanism  102 . The leveling mechanism allows the housing  14  to remain level even when the legs are uneven. In still another embodiment, the legs  90  themselves are adjustable. 
   In the preferred embodiment for vascular treatment, the apparatus  10  is connected to cold and hot fluid lines with a minimum pressure of 35 PSI (2.46 kg/cm 2 ), a low voltage (such as 24 Volt) alternating current power supply, and an adequate drain for the volume of fluid to be used. The patient is comfortably seated on the chair  12 , and the chair  12  is swiveled so that the patient&#39;s body is in the housing  14  of the apparatus  10 . The cover  16  is then closed. An ignition key is preferably used to start the apparatus  10 . The key is then inserted and the treatment will then commence. 
   Next, it is preferred that a ready signal is displayed on the display  84  of the apparatus  10 . A specific treatment program may then be selected. For example, one preferred program for vascular treatment allocates 27 minutes of operating time. 
   The CPU  50  of the apparatus  10  preferably records and stores complete individualized records of each patient and corresponding treatment program to assist in the evaluation process of the treatment. Furthermore, the CPU  50  can provide all information regarding leasing arrangements and for remote diagnostic evaluation. 
   The display panel  84  is preferably capable of illustrating any changes, such as actual temperature, pulse rate for one or both fluid streams and interval changes, during the treatment program. The display panel  84  also preferably incorporates colored optics to indicate fluid temperature and current program status. Other means for providing this information to the operator are also known in the art and may be used. 
   The apparatus  10  then uses a predetermined amount of time (preferably 30 seconds) to formulate a comfortable hot fluid temperature of 32 degrees centigrade. Immediately after this time, the computer begins to produce 1 second impulses of cold fluid while simultaneously rising the hot fluid temperature a few degrees within the 30 second interval. 
   The gradual warm-up puts the patient in a comfortable state with the fluid temperature so that the patient will not notice the constant changing of temperature or the amount of heat from the hot fluid. After the warm-up, the patient is prepared for the treatment. 
   The CPU  50  increases the duration of warm and cold impulses (preferably 3 seconds) to the patient over a predetermined time (preferably approximately 41 seconds). Simultaneously, the CPU  50  raises the temperature of the hot fluid and controlling the temperature in general, preferably so that the fluid does not exceed 41 degree centigrade. The treatment of hot and cold impulses then continues for approximately 25 minutes. Optionally, in the last 3 minutes of the treatment, a skin conditioner dispenser  64  may be activated if desired by the operator or patient. The inventive vascular treatment, as described, also has a depilatory effect on a patient, and may be used simply for that purpose. However, the treatment parameters may be optimized for the depilatory effect. 
   The full 26 minutes of this protocol (the 3 second warm and 3 second cold intervals) makes the use of the apparatus  10  to be an effective and unique treatment approach to various vascular disorders. Utilizing this unique program, the treatment (optimized hot and cold fluid intervals) has the same effectiveness on the lower extremities as any part of the human body. 
   For optimal results, treatments should be repeated daily for six weeks for expedient vascular treatment. Follow-up treatments are preferred to be a minimum of 4 times a year. 
   It is also preferred that the apparatus  10  have a self cleaning button, so that the apparatus  10  can clean and disinfect itself after the patient is taken from the apparatus  10 . As stated above, it is preferred that the disinfectant dispenser  66  is located on the housing. 
   The operator will only need to change the seat cover and/or the curtain on the apparatus  10  for the next patient. The apparatus  10  is then ready for the next patient. 
   Optionally, the apparatus  10  can have a security system, requiring an ID number or a fingerprint scan, or other equivalent security measures known in the art. For repeat treatments, all or some of the security provisions may be forgone. In another embodiment, the apparatus  10 , verbally greets the patient or operator, provides safety instructions, the time of day and/or counts down the commencement of the treatment. 
   The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.