US20080026350A1 - Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) reduction system - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for reducing the incidents of DVT for use by a person while seated during an extended airline flight and other periods of prolonged immobility. The system comprises an interval timing device having a predetermined repeatable count-down vibrating alarm in combination with a set of instructions for properly performing certain exercises at each interval alarm during the flight or the period of prolonged immobility. The user is prompted to perform the set of exercises at each interval to thereby promote blood circulation in the legs and reduce the incidents of DVT.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates to a system for reducing deep venous thrombosis; particularly, to a system including an interval alert timing device in combination with a set of instructions including exercises for promoting blood circulation during extended airline flights and other periods of prolonged immobility.
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which blood clots form in the deep veins, particularly in the legs of a person. As blood returns from the venous system, these blood clots can break off and find their way to the persons heart and lungs, then referred to as a pulmonary embolus; or to the brain, possibly leading to a stroke. DVT can be fatal if associated with a pulmonary embolus and can otherwise cause persistent pain and swelling in the legs, lasting weeks. In addition to DVT, superficial blood clots of the legs known as thrombophlebitis can also cause persistent pain and swelling for weeks after formation of such blood clots.
• DVT is typically associated with periods of prolonged immobility i.e., extended airline travel, extended train travel, extended bus travel, and extended car travel. DVT is also associated with extended periods when confined to beds and chairs i.e., during hospital care, nursing home care, home care and other situations that limit the opportunity for movement and proper blood circulation, particularly in the lower legs.
• DVT has long been associated with extended airline flights and other periods of prolonged immobility caused primarily by reduced blood circulation in the legs. Air travel inherently includes environmental risk factors that tend to further contribute to DVT, namely: the seat tilt and distance between adjacent seats and between rows are closely spaced, particularly in the coach section, limiting room for natural body and leg movement; the airline seat also causes compression of the popliteal vein (behind the knee) at the edge of the seat; there is limited opportunity for water consumption; and dehydration naturally occurs during flight at high altitude, due to mass flow of dry, pressurized cabin air. Other specific risk factors for DVT are associated with passengers that have undergone surgery within three months preceding travel; especially lower limbs or abdomen surgery, and with women who are pregnant or that are taking contraceptives, those with a personal or family history of DVT, those with former or current malignant diseases, those with varicose veins and so forth, all of whom may be more vulnerable to blood clots. The lack of leg exercises, when compounded with the foregoing medical factors and the environmental risk factors, explains the high potential for DVT during long extended flights.
• The major airlines and the travel industry have long been aware of DVT related to air travel; and have taken steps to educate the flying public as to the cause and prevention of DVT. This is usually done through flight magazines, travel publications and pre-flight orientation.
• There is also an abundance of information available on the internet regarding DVT related to air travel. In certain situations, there is conflicting information, particularly regarding the recommended exercises, the time interval and the repetitions for performing such exercises. There is also some conflicting information regarding the effectiveness of various devices that are marketed to airlines and to passengers to prevent DVT during air travel.
• For those passengers that become aware of DVT and become aware that they should perform some exercises, they receive no alert or prompt as to the proper time intervals for performing the exercises. Even a passenger that may be wearing a wristwatch may be easily distracted, and may lose track of successive time intervals for performing the exercises. They must also have difficulty remembering the exercises that are to be performed. There is no system or method provided by the airline or otherwise readily available to the flying public to properly educate and motivate the passenger regarding DVT and to provide efficient DVT reduction exercises, and also to timely alert and prompt the passenger at regular time intervals to perform such proper exercises. Heretofore, no one has conceived of a system providing a set of DVT instructions in combination with a timing device that alerts and prompts the passenger at regular intervals to perform the proper exercises in the proper manner.
• Some foot pads and foot-pump devices have been developed and promoted for use during air travel to reduce the potential for DVT. One such device includes an elastic foot pad that can be pressed by each foot periodically during the flight to promote blood circulation. Another device includes a foot cushion having an inflated pad that can be pressed by each foot periodically during the flight to promote circulation. Another device includes a foot cushion having two air-compartments that are interconnected by a pressure valve, for pressing air from one compartment to the other compartment to promote blood circulation. Such devices seem to be very limited in the flexing of only a few of the muscles related to DVT. The user receives no timely prompt at regular intervals to perform movement of the device. Such devices may be expensive, somewhat cumbersome to store and use, and may not be very effective, particularly if not actually used at regular intervals. These floor devices may also become obstacles to egress, tripping other passengers that may be moving to the aisle, particularly during an emergency evacuation.
• There are numerous medical alert timing devices that are readily available for many general and for some particular purposes. Such medical timers typical can be adjusted or programmed to produce an alarm to alert the wearer to take specific medications at specific times of the day, or at specific days of the week, etc. Some examples of such medical alert timing devices include: U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,165; U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,165; U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,389; U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,755; U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,797; U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,780; U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,430; U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,640; U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,626 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,406. Some of the forgoing patents disclose timing devices having an LCD screen that can be programmed to show the name of the intended medication corresponding to the specific alert.
• However, there are no such medical alert timers dedicated or suggested for use to prompt a person at repeatable time interval to initiate exercises to reduce DVT. Heretofore, no one has conceived of a system providing a timing device that alerts and prompts a person at regular intervals, in combination with a set of DVT instructions including exercises to be performed at such intervals to promote blood circulation.
• In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system including a timing device for prompting a person at pre-determined repeatable time intervals, in combination with a set of instructions related to DVT, including certain exercises related to blood circulation to be performed at each such time interval, for reducing the incidents of DVT during extended flights and other periods of prolonged immobility.
• It is another object to provide a DVT reduction system that is very simple to use, that is very reliable, silent, and inexpensive to produce and distribute to users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The inventors of the present invention include board certified orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeons who have long cared for patients with DVT and its devastating implications. They have developed a unique interval timing device and a set of concise effective exercises for promoting blood flow in the legs. This system is currently marketed as the as the FlexAlert™ motion prompt system. The foregoing objects are thus accomplished by this improved system for reducing DVT including an interval timing device in combination with a set of instructions including a set of concise effective exercises to be performed when prompted at each interval during an extended airline flight.
• This present invention defines a system in tangible kit form for reducing the incidents of DVT for use by a person while seated during an extended flight and other periods of prolonged immobility. The kit comprises a timing device in combination with a set of instructions for performing certain exercises during the flight.
• The timing device is preferably in the form of a wristband having a repeatable count-down vibrating alarm for silently alerting the person at repeatable predetermined time intervals. The timing device has an on-off switch for activating and deactivating the device as desired by the user. The time interval can be fixed at any desired interval usually ranging from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, but is preferably fixed to be repeatable every 20 minutes.
• The set of instructions includes, at least, directions to turn on the timing device, and a description of a set of concise exercises and the proper way to perform the exercises at the alert and prompt of the repeated time interval. The instructions preferably further includes an explanation and directions for the proper use of the timing device, an explanation of DVT, and additional general recommendations for use by the person to reduce the incidents of DVT.
• The set of exercises include illustrations and instructions for a concise set of exercise preferably including one for the foot-ankle, one for the lower leg, and one for the upper leg. For example, toe points and ankle flexes, repeated 10 times; toe and ankle rotations, repeated about 10 times in each direction, and thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, repeated 10 times.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• While the novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims, the invention will be better understood along with other features thereof from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a tangible kit
• FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of an example of a wristband timing device of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of an example of a pendant timing device of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example of one side of a set of instructions of the present invention; and
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of an example of the other side of a set of instructions of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2 there is illustrated an example of the system in the form of akit10 of the present invention for reducing the incidents of DVT during extended airline flights. The kit is shown as anenclosure12 containing aninterval timing device14 and a set ofinstructions16.
• Theenclosure12 is shown as a transparent box or envelop so that the contents can be easily viewed for marketing of the kit and for ease in describing and discussing the contents within the enclosure. The container can suitably be in the form of a pouch so that a quantity of the kits can be compactly stored. The enclosure can be a variety of sizes and shapes, and formed of a variety of materials. The enclosure can be of a transparent or a non-transparent material, and can even have the set of instructions printed on the exterior of the enclosure for marketing and for easy reference during use of the system. In more compact forms, the wristband timing device14 can be packaged flat (withwrist strap18 unbuckled, or can be in the form of a pendent24) and the instructions can be formed or folded into the general shape of the elongated timing device for a very thin configuration
• Referring also toFIG. 3, the timing device is shown preferably as awristband timing device14 that is a dedicated count-down interval timer having amain body20 securable directly to the wrist by anadjustable wrist strap18. The wrist strap can be formed of two pieces that are secured with anadjustable buckle22 as shown, or be formed of an expandable elastic material.
• Referring also toFIG. 4, the interval timing device can alternatively be in the form of apendant24 having amain body26 having anupper eyelet28 securable around the neck by a suitable lanyard ornecklace30. The pendant is worn inside of the clothing and directly against the chest of the user.
• As a further universal alternative, thetiming device24 in the form of themain body26 having theupper eyelet28 for receiving the necklace30 (forming a pendant timing device24); can optionally further include slottedopenings32 on each side (or other means for alternatively receiving a wrist strap), and including a wrist strap34 (shown in phantom lines) that is attachable to the body forming thewristband timing device14. The user would have the option of wearing a wristband or pendant interval timing device.
• Thestrap18 or34 can alternatively be utilized to attach thetiming device14,24 to the leg of the user, as an ankle strap, knee strap or thigh strap. The strap could further be incorporated into an article of clothing such as the band of a stocking as a further alternative for securing the timing device to the body of the user.
• The primary feature of thetiming device14,24 is to function as a count-down interval timer that transmits an alarm at repeatable certain time intervals. There are sources that suggest that a suitable repeatable time interval for performing certain exercises to promote blood circulation is about 60 minutes. There are other sources that recommend about 30 minute intervals for performing the exercises. The inventors of the present invention have found that the most effective time interval for performing their recommended exercises is about 20 minutes. Thetiming device14,24 can be designed to be adjustable for a range of intervals from about 60 minutes to about 10 minutes. However, for simplicity for the user, the timing device is preferably not adjustable, but rather is designed for a fixed, pre-determined repeatable time interval. The repeatable time interval can be designed to be at any specific interval in a range from about 60 minutes to about 10 minutes, but preferably is designed for a repeatable interval of about 20 minutes.
• The alarm of thetiming device14,24 can be in the form of an audio (chime or buzzer) signal, a visual (steady or blinking light emitting diode “led”) signal, or a tactile vibrating signal on the underside thereof to alert and prompt the person to perform the exercises. Since an audio signal may disturb other passengers (or conflict with the audio alerts from other sources and other passengers); and the visual signal may not be noticed; the alarm is preferably a vibration that effectively and reliably alerts the passenger of the time for performing the next set of exercises. The vibrations can be suitably transmitted for about 3 to 10 seconds to alert and prompt the passenger of the respective time interval. A preferable vibration pattern has been found to include a short vibration of about 0.33 seconds, followed by a one second pause, then a vibration of about one second, followed by a one second pause, and this pattern is repeated three times for a total of about 10 seconds.
• Thetiming device14,24 preferably includes an on-off switch36 for turning off the alarm when the timing device is not in use, or when the passenger desires not to be alerted to the repeated time interval. The on-off switch is shown to be a slide able finger switch, but can be any variety of on-off switches to activate and deactivate the device. Once the switch is turned off, the alarm is not transmitted; when the timing device is turned on, it resets to a new 20 minute interval, and repeats the alert of successive intervals until it is turned off. The timing device may include an optional led38 that lights up (i.e., red) to indicate that the device is on, and does not light to indicate that the device is off or that the device has insufficient battery power. The timing device is preferably provided as a dedicated repeated count down timer for alerting and prompting the passenger to exercise, and is designed for a single flight having a design life of about 20 -40 hours, and is then disposable. A simple timing device having single chip circuitry, a vibrator, a tiny integral battery, no display and a simple on-off switch, in a flexible plastic case can be mass produced at minimal expense and would not require any adjustment or setting by the flight crew or by the user.
• Such an inexpensive timing device and instruction sheet system could be efficiently and conveniently disposable by the user for the convenience of the airlines, or otherwise given away for health, safety or promotional purposes. The used system would not need to be collected, re-inspected, and stored or commingled with new systems.
• Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the system includes a set of instructions discussing DVT, and particularly illustrating and describing the use of thetiming device14,24 and particularly illustrating and describing certain exercises to be periodically performed to promote blood circulation. As previously discussed, the set of instructions can be integral with the packaging for the timing device, or can be provided on a separate sheet or multiple sheets. The purpose of the set of instructions is to fully inform, motivate and instruct the passenger. The size of the set of instructions is based upon the amount of instructions provided, the size of the illustrations and the size of the font of the printed information.
• A preferred set of instructions is printed on a sheet about the size and weight of a 5×7 index card having afront side40 and aback side42, and is bi-foldable forming 3 columns on each side for convenient packaging and use. The instructions are preferably discussed in three categories: READ, WEAR and PERFORM.
• The READ category (seeFIG. 5) includes asection44 illustrating and explaining theinterval timer device14,24, and a section46 headlined “A Potential Problem—Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)” and includes the discussion of DVT, flight risks, and Other DVT Risk Factors; as similarly discussed in the preceding BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION. Section46 is intended to educate the user to the potential danger of DVT. This category also includes asection48 headlined “Our Solution” with sub-headings “The motion prompt wrist band”, “Specifically designed exercises”, “Complies with World Health Organization Recommendations” and “How it works”.Section48 informs the user of the general information and expectation related to the timing device, and the theory and purpose of the exercises, and is intended to motivate the passenger to immediately use and benefit from the DVT reduction system.
• The WEAR category50 (seeFIG. 6) instructs to user to wear the timer device, i.e.: “To use the interval timing device, fasten the wristband snugly to your wrist (or other location against the body) and turn the switch ON. The device will give you a three to ten second (or other specific pattern) vibration to alert you to perform the exercises as also illustrated and described. Turn the switch OFF only when you do not desire to be alerted of the time intervals.” This WEAR category of instructions will vary depending on whether the timing device is intended to be worn as a wrist band, leg band or neck pendant.
• ThePERFORM category52, includes a set of illustrations and descriptions of some recommended exercises to be performed. There are numerous generally accepted exercises that are generally understood to promote blood circulation, and many combinations of such exercises are generally recommended during extended flights. Some of these well known exercises include the following:
• Foot lifts: Place your heels on the floor and bring your toes up as high as you can. Then put both feet back flat on the floor. Then pull your heels up while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor.
• Knee lifts: While keeping your knee bent, raise your leg while tensing your thigh muscle.
• Shoulder rolls: Raise your shoulders and then move them forward, downward and then backward in a smooth circular movement.
• Arm bends: Start with your elbows on the armrests and your hands pointed forward so that your lower and upper arms make a 90-degree angle. Take turns moving your left and then your right hand toward your chest and back, and continue for 30 seconds.
• Knee to chest: Bend slightly forward. Fold your hands together around your left knee and pull it toward your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds and let your knee drop slowly. Change legs and repeat.
• Forward bends: Place both feet on the floor and pull your abdomen in. Bend slowly forward and “walk” your fingers along your shins to your ankles. Hold for 15 seconds and sit up slowly.
• Upper-body stretch: Stretch both arms over your head. With your right hand, grab your left wrist and pull it slowly to the right. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms.
• Shoulder stretch: With your right hand, grab your left elbow and pull your outstretched left arm slowly toward your right shoulder. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms.
• Neck roll: Relax your shoulders, let your head drop to your right shoulder and roll your head slowly to the front and then to -Your left side. Repeat five times.
• It would be helpful (and optimistic) for a passenger to perform all, or a combination of many of the foregoing exercises; and any such combination of exercises is considered to fall within the scope of the set of instructions provided in the present system. However, most passengers will not take the time or effort to perform numerous exercises, numerous repetitions. The present system has focused on a set of exercises considered to be the fewest, but most effective exercises, and the most effective number of repetitions, at the most effective interval to promote sufficient blood flow for most passengers.
• In the preferred system, it has been determined that the following three exercises, performed about ten times each (with each foot or leg) at 20 minute intervals will promote sufficient blood flow to reduce DVT during extended flights.
• Step 1: Toe and Ankle Raises54 (toe points and ankle flexes). Upward motion ankles and toes, downward motion ankles and toes, and pump ankles and toes up and down. (10 times, each foot).
• Step 2: Toe andAnkle Rotations56. Clockwise and counter-clockwise (10 times, each foot, each direction).
• Step 3: Thighs Raises58. Raise one knee and contract hamstrings (rear thigh muscles), flex the knee; then contract the quadriceps (front thigh muscles), and extend the knee. (10 times each side)
• All of the foregoing exercises can be easily completed in about 30 seconds at each regular time interval. The 30 seconds does not burden or interfere with other activities that the passenger may otherwise be engaged (reading, chatting, etc.) Perhaps more importantly, it has been found that, when timely alerted, passengers are willing to actually perform such minimal three exercises, for this minimal number of repetitions, at repeated 20 minutes intervals, with very favorable results.
• The set of instructions includes the foregoing exercises, and are preferably introduced with some additional sound advice as follows:
• • “Once the FlexAlert motion prompt is turned on, you will feel a gentle vibration sequence every twenty minutes. This gentle vibration is your prompt to initiate performance of the following set of toe, ankle and thigh exercises, every twenty minutes. Please perform each exercise set ten times.”
    “More important tips:
  • Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic).
  • Exercises are easy to do while seated.
  • You should avoid setting with your legs crossed for prolonged periods of time.
  • Stand and walk at least once every 90-180 minutes.
  • REMEMBER, 10 times each, every 20 minutes, takes only 30 seconds.”
• The system can alternatively be provided for extended flights to include the distribution of thetiming devices14,24 to passengers, in combination with the set ofinstructions16 being placed in the cabin i.e., on the backs of the seats or tray tables, or placed in the in-flight magazine readily viewable by each passenger.
• The present invention provides a system including a timing device for alerting and prompting a person at repeatable predetermined time intervals, in combination with a set of instructions related to DVT, including certain exercises related to blood circulation to be performed at each such time interval, for reducing the incidents of DVT during extended flights and other periods of prolonged immobility. The system is very simple to use, very reliable and inexpensive to produce and distribute to users.
• While specific embodiments and examples of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is realized that modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. A system for reducing the incidents of deep venous thrombosis for a person while seated during long flights and other periods of prolonged immobility, comprising:

a timing device having an alarm for alerting the person of a repeatable certain time interval; and

a set of instructions describing certain exercises to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, for performance by the person at the repeatable certain time interval.

2. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a wristband having an alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.

3. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a leg band having a repeatable count-down alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.

4. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a pendant having an alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.

5. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 60 minutes.

6. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 30 minutes.

7. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 20 minutes.

8. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the alarm of said timing device is in the form of a tactile vibration for silently alerting the person of the repeatable certain time interval.

9. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said timing device further includes an on-off switch for activating and deactivating the alarm of the timing device.

10. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said set of instructions further include an explanation and directions for the proper use of said timing device.

11. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said set of instructions further include an explanation of deep venous thrombosis and additional preventive recommendations for use by the person to further reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis.

12. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises.

13. The system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, including:

toe points and ankle flexes, about 10 times each foot;

toe and ankle rotations, about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and

thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, about 10 times, each leg.

14. A kit for reducing the incidents of deep venous thrombosis for a person while seated during long flights and other periods of prolonged immobility, comprising:

a timing device in the form of a wristband having a repeatable count-down vibrating alarm for silently prompting the person at repeatable certain time intervals; and having an on-off switch for activating and deactivating said timing device; and

a set of instructions include an explanation and directions for the proper use of said timing device, an explanation of deep venous thrombosis, additional recommendations for use by the person to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, and describing certain exercises to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, for performance by the person at the repeatable certain time interval.

15. The kit as defined inclaim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 60 minutes.

16. The kit as defined inclaim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 30 minutes.

17. The kit as defined inclaim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 20 minutes.

18. The kit as defined inclaim 14, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, further including:

toe points and ankle flexes, repeated about 10 times, each foot;

toe and ankle rotations, repeated about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and

thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, repeated about 10 times, each leg.

19. The kit as defined inclaim 17, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, further including:

toe points and ankle flexes, repeated about 10 times, each foot;

toe and ankle rotations, repeated about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and

thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, repeated about 10 times, each leg.

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