Patent Publication Number: US-2023148904-A1

Title: Apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, a device for measurement of a limb compliance comprising the same and a device used in the treatment of lymphedema comprising the same

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 16/516,408 filed Jul. 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The present application claims the priority of Taiwan Applications No. 107125791, filed Jul. 25, 2018, and No. 108125106, filed Jul. 16, 2019, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, more particularly, to an detection apparatus for continuously and thoroughly measuring the circumference of a limb and for measurement of a limb compliance and a device for treatment of lymphedema of a limb. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Fibrosis is caused by the lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapy during the treatment of cancer, such as breast cancer, gynecologic cancer or pelvic tumor. It may lead to a blockage of the lymphatic system resulting in a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling, which is called lymphedema which is commonly seen in limbs. 
     Lymphedema is caused by the unbalance of the lymph flowing through the lymphatic system. In many patients with cancer, this condition does not develop until months or even years after therapy has concluded. Lymphedema would have severely effect on the patients&#39; appearance, confidence, and their daily self-management. 
     Given the good therapeutic effect of lymphedema at early stage, an easy-to-use device for measuring the limb circumference is urgently needed by the patients after surgery ,chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to determine if lymphedema occurs or not. Besides, the medical personnel could modify the therapy according to the data of the patients&#39; limb circumference, which would be more suitable for the patients. 
     Moreover, according to clinical experience, it is necessary to measure the limb compliance which reflects the internal pressure in extremities and may be indices of the change of the stages of lymphedema and of the therapeutic effect. It is found that lymphedema could be relieved by manual lymph drainage (MLD). However, MLD has to be performed by trained professionals. Not only does it cost immense manpower, but the therapy can be conducted in registered medical institutions. It is in urgent need of developing a device to achieve the above desired therapeutic effect. That would save labor cost with no restriction to time and place. 
     Consequently, it is an issue to be overcome in the industry to develop a detection device for measurement of limb circumference and compliance and can be used in the treatment of lymphedema. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, comprising a pull string module, a first measurement module, and a second measurement module. The pull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual; the first measurement module is disposed at the pull string module, and wherein the first measurement module is used to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and meanwhile measure the length of the limb; and the second measurement module is disposed at the pull string module, and the second measurement module is used to measure the length of the encircling part simultaneously when the first measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pull string module further comprises a constant-force spring set; and a connecting wire having two ends, wherein one end of the connecting wire is connected to the constant-force spring set; and wherein the surrounding component is a bead chain, and the bead chain is connected to the other end of the connecting wire. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first measurement module comprises a roller connected to the bead chain and a first angle detector connected to the roller. The roller is used to roll alone the longitudinal axis of the limb; and the first angle detector is used to measure the rotation angle of the roller. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second measurement module comprises a ratchet disposed on the bead chain and a second angle detector connected to the ratchet. The ratchet is driven to rotate by the bead chain; and the second angle detector is used to measure the rotation angle of the ratchet. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first angle detector is further used to transmit the rotation angle of the roller to an outer computing device which converts the rotation angle of the roller to the length of the limb; and the second angle detector is further used to transmit the rotation angle of the ratchet to an outer computing device which converts the rotation angle of the ratchet to the circumference of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the computing device is a mobile device or a computer. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference further comprises a first connecting rod module. In the embodiment, the roller is disposed at the first connecting rod module, so as the roller is alongside the surface of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference further comprises a double pull string module. In the embodiment, the roller is disposed at the double pull string module, so as the roller is alongside the surface of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pull string module further comprises a constant-force spring set; and a connecting wire having two ends. One end of the connecting wire is connected to the constant-force spring set; and wherein the surrounding component is a measurement wire, and the measurement wire is connected to the other end of the connecting wire. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the measurement wire is a long, thin material which is made of at least one selected from the group consisted of plastic, metal and cotton thread, and the measurement wire is flexible and unstretchable. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first measurement module comprises a first optical motion sensor which is used to measure the length of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second measurement module comprises a second optical motion sensor which is used to measure the circumference of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first optical motion sensor is further used to transmit the length of the limb to an outer computing device; and the second optical motion sensor is further used to transmit the length of the encircling part to an outer computing device. In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the computing device is a mobile device or a computer. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference further comprises at least one guide block which is disposed on the measurement wire. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference further comprises a second connecting rod module. In the embodiment, the at least one guide block is disposed at the second connecting rod module, so as the at least one guide block is alongside the surface of the limb. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference comprises a plurality of guide blocks, and the second connecting rod module comprises a frame, a parallel connecting rod, a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The frame substantially surrounds the limb, and a slot is disposed on the frame. The parallel connecting rod has two ends, and one end of the parallel connecting rod is engaged in the slot. The first connecting rod may be located above the parallel connecting rod, and the first connecting rod has two ends one of which is engaged in the slot. The second connecting rod may be located above the parallel connecting rod, and the second connecting rod has two ends one of which is connected to the first connecting rod. Wherein the frame, the parallel connecting rod, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are connected to the corresponding guide blocks respectively. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference further comprises a third connecting rod module. The third connecting rod module comprises a handle used to be held by a user, and wherein the constant-force spring set is disposed on the handle; a third connecting rod, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third connecting rod is connected to the handle; and a fourth connecting rod, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth connecting rod is connected to the second end of the third connecting rod, and the second end of the fourth connecting rod is connected to the at least one guide block; and wherein the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod are substantially set around the limb and fasten the at least one guide block. 
     The present invention further provides a device for measurement of a limb compliance, comprising two pull string modules, at least one first measurement module, and two second measurement modules. Each of the pull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual, the two pull string modules are next to each other, and wherein the two pull string modules are pulled by different tensions; the at least one first measurement module is disposed at one of the two pull string modules, and wherein the first measurement module is used to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and measure the length of the limb meanwhile; and the two second measurement modules are disposed at the two pull string modules, respectively, and each of the second measurement module is used to measure the length of the corresponding encircling part simultaneously when the corresponding first measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference. 
     The present invention provides a device used in the treatment of lymphedema, comprising a plurality of pull string modules. Each of the pull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual, and the plurality of pull string modules are next to each other, and wherein each of the pull string modules is pulled by default tensions. 
     In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the device used in the treatment of lymphedema further comprises at least one first measurement module and at least one second measurement modules. The at least one first measurement module is disposed at one of the plurality of pull string modules, and wherein the first measurement module is used to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and measure the length of the limb simultaneously; and the at least one second measurement modules is disposed at the pull string module where the at least one first measurement module disposed, and the second measurement module is used to measure the length of the corresponding encircling part simultaneously when the corresponding first measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference. 
     Compared to the prior art, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present invention is able to measure the limb circumference simultaneously and continuously. The present invention further provides a device including two apparatuses of the present invention to measure the limb compliance while measuring the limb circumference and a device including a plurality of the apparatuses of the present invention to be used for treatment of lymphedema. The apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present invention is capable of building a whole data collection of the appearance of a limb during one-time measurement and being used in the treatment of lymphedema, which is practical assistive device in medication and rehabilitation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic view of the first connecting rod module in one exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a schematic view of the double pull string module in another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a schematic view of the second connecting rod module in another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the a device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the a device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the a device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept; and 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the a device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is described by the following specific embodiments. Those with ordinary skills in the arts can readily understand other advantages and functions of the present invention after reading the disclosure of this specification. Any changes or adjustments made to their relative relationships, without modifying the substantial technical contents, are also to be construed as within the range implementable by the present invention. 
     Please refer to  FIG.  1    which illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference according to the present inventive concept. The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, comprising a pull string module  1 , a first measurement module  2 , and a second measurement module  3 . The pull string module  1  may comprise a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component may comprise an encircling part disposed around a limb  100  of an individual. The first measurement module  2  and the second measurement module  3  may be disposed at the pull string module. The first measurement module  2  may move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  and meanwhile measure the length of the limb; and the second measurement module  3  may measure the length of the encircling part  12   a  simultaneously when the first measurement module  2  move alone the limb  100  to determine the limb circumference. In the present invention, the limb  100  may be upper limbs and/or lower limbs. The present invention is demonstrated by upper limbs in the following exemplary embodiments. However, a person having ordinary skills in the art realize the present invention can be used in lower limbs as well. 
     In the exemplary embodiment in  FIG.  1   , the pull string module  1  may further comprise a connecting wire  11  having two ends, the surrounding component may be a bead chain  12  which is disposed to one end of the connecting wire  11 . The bead chain  12  may be flexible and unstretchable. The first measurement module  2  may comprise a roller  21  and a first angle detector  22  connected to the roller. The first angle detector  22  is used to measure the rotation angle of the roller  21 . The second measurement module may comprise a ratchet  31  and a second angle detector  32 . The ratchet  31  may be disposed on the bead chain  12 . The second angle detector  32  may be connected to the ratchet  31 . The second angle detector  32  is used to measure the rotation angle of the ratchet  31 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the surrounding component may be a bead chain  12 , and the bead chain  12  may comprise an encircling part  12   a  which may be a part of the bead chain  12  which is disposed around a limb  100  of an individual (e.g. arms). The bead chain  12  may be flexible and unstretchable. The roller  21  may be placed on the arm and may roll from the desired starting point. More specifically, the roller  21  may roll and move alone the longitudinal axis of the arm, meanwhile the first angle detector  22  would measure the rotation angle of the roller  21 . The first angle detector  22  may further transmit the rotation angle of the roller to an outer computing device  4 , such as a mobile device or a computer. The outer computing device  4  may convert the rotation angle of the roller to the distance which the first measurement module  2  moves. For example, if the roller  21  rolls from the starting point of the arm to the end of the arm, the distance which the first measurement module  2  moves would be the length of the arm. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, when the apparatus of the present invention move alone the longitudinal axis of the arm, the circumference of the arm may be varied because of the variation of the thickness through the whole arm. The encircling part  12   a  would be elongated or shortened by the tension from the connecting wire  11 . In one exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pull string module may further comprise a constant-force spring set  13  and a fixed axis  14 . In this embodiment, the constant-force spring set  13  may be a spring with a default elastic constant. One end of the bead chain  12  may be connected to the fixed axis  14  and the other end of the bead chain  12  may be connected to one end of the connecting wire  11 , and the other end of the connecting wire  11  may be connected to the constant-force spring set  13 . The constant-force spring set  13  may comprise spiral spring coil. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a bead chain pulley (not shown in the figures) located on the fixed axis  14 . In this embodiment, one end of the bead chain  12  may be connected to one end of the connecting wire  11 . The bead chain  12  may wrap the bead chain pulley, and the other end of the bead chain  12  may be connected back to the connecting wire  11 . By doing so , the move distance of the bead chain  12  and that of the connecting wire  11  may be reduced. The length of the encircling part  12   a  may vary with the circumference of the arm; spiral spring coil inside the constant-force spring set  13  may stretch and pull the connecting wire  11  and the bead chain  12  to maintain the fix tension on the connecting wire and the bead chain. The ratchet  31  may be engaged with the bead chain  12 , so the ratchet  31  is driven to rotate by the bead chain  12 . The second angle detector  32  may measure the rotation angle of the ratchet  31  at every position of the arm. The second angle detector  32  may further transmit the rotation angle of the ratchet  31  to an outer computing device  4 , such as a mobile device or a computer. The outer computing device  4  may convert the rotation angle of the ratchet to the length of the encircling part  12   a  of the bead chain  12  which is the circumference of the limb  100 . 
     Please refer to  FIG.  2    which illustrates a schematic view of the first connecting rod module in one exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. The apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference according to the present inventive concept may further comprise a first connecting rod module  5 . The first connecting rod module  5  is design by the geometry of midpoint of hypotenuse of right triangle being circumcenter. Roller  21  may be disposed at a parallel panel  51  under the first connecting rod module  5 . The parallel panel  51  may make the roller  21  vertical to the surface of the limb  100  needed to be measured. The first connecting rod module  5  may further be configured a tension spring (not illustrated). The parallel panel  51  may go down by the tension spring to press the roller  21  to roll alongside the surface of the limb  100 . The first connecting rod module  5  may further comprise a trench (not illustrated) disposed below the parallel panel  51 . The first connecting rod module  5  may pull the bead chain  12  through the trench, so as the bead chain  12  may move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  with the roller  21 . 
     Please refer to  FIG.  3    which illustrates a schematic view of the double pull string module in another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. The apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept may further comprise a double pull string module  6  whose function is similar with that of the first connecting rod module  5  in  FIG.  2   . In one exemplary of the present inventive concept, the roller  21  may be disposed on the parallel panel  61  of the double pull string module  6 . The parallel panel  61  may be pulled down by the double pull string module  6 . The parallel panel  61  may make the roller  21  vertical to the surface of the limb needed to be measured and press the roller  21  to roll alongside the surface of the limb  100 . The double pull string module  6  may further comprise a trench (not illustrated) disposed below the parallel panel  61 . The double pull string module  6  may pull the bead chain  12  through the trench, so as the bead chain  12  may move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  with the roller  21 . 
     A person having ordinary skills in the art understand that the first connecting rod module  5  in  FIG.  2    and the double pull string module  6  in  FIG.  3    have similar function. Therefore, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept may comprise either of them, or both of them. 
     Please refer to  FIG.  4    which illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. In the exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept, the pull string module  7  may further comprise a surrounding component, a constant-force spring set  71  and a connecting wire  72  having two ends. One end of the connecting wire  72  is connected to the constant-force spring set  71 . The surrounding component is a measurement wire  73 . The measurement wire  73  may be connected to the other end of the connecting wire  72 . In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the measurement wire  73  may comprise an encircling part  73   a  which may be a part of the measurement wire  73  which is disposed around a limb  100  of an individual (e.g. arms). The measurement wire  73  may be made of at least one selected from the group consisted of plastic, metal and cotton thread, and the measurement wire  73  may be flexible and unstretchable. 
     In the present inventive concept, the rotation angle detector may be replaced by the optical motion sensor. In this exemplary embodiment, The first measurement module  2  and the second measurement module  3  may comprise a first optical motion sensor  23  and a second optical motion sensor  33 , respectively. The first optical motion sensor  23  may be disposed at the position of the upper the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference where contacting the skin. When the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100 , the first measurement module  2  and the measurement wire  73  may move simultaneously. The first optical motion sensor  23  may sense the distance which the apparatus moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  to measure the length of the limb  100 . 
     The second optical motion sensor  33  may be disposed closely on the measurement wire  73  to measure the circumference of the limb  100 . The second optical motion sensor  33  may measure the circumference of the limb  100  by sensing the distance which the measurement wire  73  moves. Alternatively, the second optical motion sensor  33  may be disposed beside the sidewall of the pulley (not illustrated) which change the direction of the measurement wire  73  to sense the rotation angle of the pulley to measure the circumference of the limb  100 . In this embodiment, the movement of the connecting wire  72  and that of the measurement wire  73  are the same, so the second optical motion sensor  33  may be disposed closely on the connecting wire  72  to measure the circumference of the limb  100  by sensing the distance which the connecting wire  72  moves. Alternatively, the second optical motion sensor  33  may be disposed beside the sidewall of the pulley (not illustrated) which change the direction of the connecting wire  72  to sense the rotation angle of the pulley to convert to the distance which the connecting wire  72  moves. 
     The length of the limb  100  measured by the first optical motion sensor  23  from sensing the distance which the apparatus moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  and the circumference of the limb  100  measured by the second optical motion sensor  33  from sensing the distance which the measurement wire  73  (or the connecting wire  72 ) moves may be transmitted to an outer computing device  4 , such as a mobile device or a computer. Alternatively, the rotation angle sensed by the second optical motion sensor  33  may be transmitted to an outer computing device  4  to convert to the distance which the measurement wire  73  (or the connecting wire  72 ) moves, which represents the circumference of the limb  100 . 
     Please refer to  FIGS.  4  and  5   .  FIG.  5    illustrates a schematic view of the second connecting rod module in another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. The apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept may further comprise at least one guide block  80  and a second connecting rod module  81 . In this embodiment, the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept comprises a plurality of guide blocks  80 . The plurality of guide blocks  80  may be disposed on the encircling part  73   a  of the measurement wire  73  evenly or unevenly and surround the limb  100 . The second connecting rod module  81  may be disposed at both side and bottom of the apparatus or measurement of a limb circumference. Each of the plurality of guide blocks  80  may be further disposed at the second connecting rod module  81  to make the plurality of guide blocks alongside the surface of the limb  100 . By doing so, the measurement wire  73  may be alongside the surface of the limb  100  when the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept moves. 
     More specifically, the second connecting rod module  81  may comprise a frame  810 , a first connecting rod  811 , a second connecting rod  812  and a parallel connecting rod  813 . The frame  810  may substantially surround the limb, and a slot  8101  may be disposed on the frame, wherein the slot  8101  may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb. The parallel connecting rod  813  has two ends, and one end of the parallel connecting rod  813  may be slidably engaged in the slot  8101  and substantially perpendicular to the slot  8101 . The first connecting rod  811  has two ends and one end of the first connecting rod  811  may be slidably engaged in the slot  8101 . The second connecting rod  812  has two ends and one end of the second connecting rod  812  may be pivotably connected to the first connecting rod  811 . The frame  810 , the parallel connecting rod  813 , the first connecting rod  811  and the second connecting rod  812  may be connected to the corresponding guide blocks  80  respectively. The parallel connecting rod  813  may be disposed near the bottom of the apparatus or measurement of a limb circumference and under the limb and the first connecting rod  811  and the second connecting rod  812  may be located above the parallel rod  813  to guide the measurement wire  73  alongside the surface of the limb  100 . The parallel connecting rod  813  may be designed as the first connecting rod module  5  shown in  FIG.  5    or the double pull string module  6  in  FIG.  3   . 
     Please refer to  FIG.  6    which illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the a device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept. The device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept may comprise two pull string modules  7 , each of which includes a constant-force spring set  71 , a connecting wire  72  and a measurement wire  73 ; at least one first measurement module  2  including a first optical motion sensor  23 ; and two second measurement modules  3 , each of which includes a second optical motion sensor  33 . The two pull string modules  7  may comprise a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component may comprise an encircling part disposed around a limb  100  of an individual; the two pull string modules  7  may be next to each other, and wherein the two pull string modules  7  may be pulled by different tensions to determine the variation of the compliance (limb stiffness). The first optical motion sensor  23  may be disposed at one or both of the pull string modules  7  to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  and sense the length of the limb meanwhile. Each of the two second optical motion sensor  33  may be disposed at the corresponding pull string modules  7  to sense the length of the corresponding encircle part  73   a  of each of the pull string module to determine the limb circumference simultaneously when the first optical motion sensor  23  moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100 . 
     The device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept may comprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept combined with at least one pull string module  7 . Preferably, the pull string modules may be aligned. More preferably, each of the pull string modules may be optionally conducted by same or different tensions and yet move simultaneously alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100 , which means, the device for measurement of a limb compliance is able to collect the data of the limb circumferences measured by different tensions (i.e. tightness of the measurement wire) at the same position, wherein the difference between the values of the two limb circumferences may be converted to the stiffness of the limb. In other words, the tightness of the measurement wires caused by the different tension results in different measured values of the limb circumference. The difference between the two measured values of the limb circumference reflects the limb compliance, so the change of the limb compliance may be monitored. 
     Please refer to  FIG.  7    which illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the a device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept. The device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept combined with a plurality of pull string modules  7 , each of which includes a constant-force spring set  71 , a connecting wire  72  and a measurement wire  73 . Each of the pull string module  7  may comprise a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component may comprise an encircling part  73   a  disposed around a limb  100  of an individual, and the plurality of pull string modules  7  may be next to each other, and wherein each of the pull string modules  7  is pulled by default tensions. More specifically, each of the tensions on the constant-force spring set  71  of the pull string modules may be differed due to the treatments. In one exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the device used in the treatment of lymphedema may comprise at least one first measurement module  2  including a first optical motion sensor  23 ; and at least one second measurement modules  3 , each of which includes a second optical motion sensor  33 . The at least one first measurement module  23  may be disposed at one of the plurality of pull string modules  7 , and the first measurement module moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100  and meanwhile measure the length of the limb  100 . The at least one second measurement modules  33  may be disposed at the same pull string module  7  where the at least one first measurement module  23  disposed. The second measurement module  33  is used to measure the length of the corresponding encircling part  73   a  simultaneously when the corresponding first measurement module  23  moves alone the limb  100 , so as to determine the limb circumference. 
     In some embodiments, the spacing between every pull string modules  7  may be adjusted by the condition of the patients or by the design of the device. Preferably, the spacing may be 10˜100 mm, but not limited. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept combined with a plurality of pull string module. Each of the constant-force spring set of the plurality of pull string modules is pulled by different tensions. Preferably, the device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept and 2 to 9 pull string modules, but not limited. According to this exemplary embodiment, the elastic constants of each of the constant-force spring set  71  are different. When the device used in the treatment of lymphedema is pulled alone the limb  100 , forces would be applied on the surface of the limb  100  by each of the measurement wires  73  at the same time to relieve lymphedema. The therapeutic effect is caused by appropriate pressure being applied on the lesion which would excite the contraction of the smooth muscle around the lymphatic vessels. The lymph fluid in the tissues may be further guided to the superficial circulation by drainage and through any anastomoses in the superficial circulation to a normal lymph node and back the vascular system. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. As shown in  FIG.  8   , the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept may further comprise a third connecting rod module  82  and at least one guide block  80 . The third connecting rod module  82  may comprise a handle  820 ; two third connecting rods  821 , each of which has a first end  8211  and a second end  8212 , and two fourth connecting rods  822 , each of which has a first end  8221  and a second end  8222 . The handle  820  may be used to be held by a user, and wherein the constant-force spring set  71  may be disposed on the handle  820 . The first end  8211  of the third connecting rod  821  may be connected to the handle  820 . The second end  8212  of the third connecting rod  821  may be connected to the first end  8221  of the fourth connecting rod  822 . The second end  8222  of the fourth connecting rod  822  may be connected to the guide block  80 . The two third connecting rod  821  and the two fourth connecting rod  822  may be substantially set around the limb  100  and fasten the guide block  80 . The guide block  80  may make the encircling part  73   a  of the measurement wire  73  alongside the surface of the limb  100  and guide the measurement wire  73  to slide alone the longitudinal axis of the limb  100 . The third connecting rod module  82  and the guide block  80  may be driven by the constant-force spring set  71  connected to the other end of the measurement wire  73 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventive concept may comprise two apparatuses for measurement of a limb circumference comprising the third connecting rod  82 . Likewise, the device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise a plurality of apparatuses for measurement of a limb circumference comprising the third connecting rod  82 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . The device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise 3 to 10 apparatuses for measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept, but not limited. 
     In summary, the present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and meanwhile continuously measure the limb circumference in situ and transmit the value to a mobile device or a computer via Bluetooth or any other connection way for recordation and further analysis used for the evaluation of the circumference and volume of a limb. Besides, the present invention further provides a device including one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the present invention combined with at least one pull string module to measure the limb compliance and to be used in the treatment of lymphedema. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the detailed embodiments are only illustrated to disclose the features and functions of the present invention and not restrictive of the scope of the present invention. It should be understood to those in the art that all modifications and variations according to the spirit and principle in the disclosure of the present invention should fall within the scope of the appended claims.