JP2002521137A - Medical device for applying periodic therapeutic actions to a human foot - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] A medical device for applying a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's foot when the subject's foot is accommodated in the medical device, the device comprising: A platform having at least one independently operable expandable bladder underneath, the expandable bladder facing a laterally extending neck portion having an elevated opening relative to the platform. And are arranged alternately.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention belongs to the field of medical devices for applying periodic therapeutic effects to the lower limbs of a subject, especially the legs of the subject.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many subjects suffering from a number of medical conditions, including peripheral arterial and venous disease, hypertension, diabetes and vascular thrombosis, in particular, have their venous blood flow controlled by their subject. A medical device comprising one or more inflatable bladders for applying periodic therapeutic effects to the lower limbs of the subject, particularly to the legs of the subject, for delivery from the legs and feet of the body to the heart Is treated with

[0003] Venous blood flow stimulates one or both of two physiological mechanisms: pumping the subject's gastrovenous muscle and emptying the subject's leg venous plexus. By doing so. Medical devices for stimulating one or both of these mechanisms are described, inter alia, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,531,074, 3,454,010, 3,683,897, U.S. Patent No. 3,
No. 789,836; U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,374; U.S. Pat.
No. 289, US Pat. No. 4,945,905, US Pat. No. 4,989,589, US Pat. No. 5,117,812, US Pat. No. 5,354,260, US Pat. 896, U.S. Patent No. 5,443,440, WO 88/09
653, DE 30 09 408, and SU 0 1452-523.

[0004] In particular, GB 2 213 784 comprises a platform having four twisted, non-overlapping, inflatable bladders positioned along a platform, the platform comprising a subject's heel, base artery, A medical device that is present alone under the midfoot and toes is illustrated and described. Each of the inflatable bladders is provided with a plastic tube for connection to a pressure source. These tubes are relatively rigid and extend under the subject's legs, so that they can be touched when the subject stands up, thus creating inconvenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical device for applying a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's leg, the device comprising, alone, the subject's leg. A platform having at least one independently operable, inflatable bladder for being under the leg, wherein the inflatable bladder is adapted to accommodate a patient's leg inside the medical device. Converge toward a laterally extending neck portion having an opening that is lifted with respect to the platform.

[0006] The medical device preferably has four inflatable bladders bent along its platform, in a non-overlapping manner, independently of each other beneath the heel, bottom arch, metatarsal and toes of the foot. So that the movement of the compression wave can be applied periodically to the underside of the foot. The inflatable bladders are dimensioned and spaced such that they extend substantially simultaneously on the underside of the foot. Further, the platform preferably has, at its bottom surface, an arched artery arch support for sustained support of the plantar arch of the foot and an arcuate toe support for sustained support of the toe of the foot. It is formed using. Two basic embodiments of the medical device are recognized: boot-like footwear that looks like conventional slippers worn indoors and is designed to be worn as slippers, which allows a person to carry out treatment procedures. And thus eliminates the need to change footwear), and, for example, if the subject is sleeping, usually a flat, one-piece foldable covering for a longer treatment period.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical device for applying a periodic therapeutic effect to a patient's foot, the device comprising a boot-like device for fitting the entire patient's foot. A footwear, and at least one inflatable bladder permanently disposed within the footwear, the bladder in fluid communication with a pressure source for selectively applying pressure to the underside of the foot; The footwear has an externally accessible connector member permanently and directly attached to its outer surface,
The connector member is characterized in that it is in continuous fluid communication with at least one inflatable bladder and is in selectively severable fluid communication with a pressure source.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical device for performing dorsiflexion of a subject's foot, the device comprising a platform for supporting a patient's foot,
And having an inflatable bladder for periodically lifting the front part of the foot alone with respect to the platform from its normal position on the top, thereby allowing the front part of the foot to rest on a foot placed on this platform. Flexed with respect to the rest, the inflatable bladder has a first section and a second section on the platform, the second section being inflatable oriented toward the subject's heel. Along the trailing edge of the bladder, hinged to the first compartment, and a limit for limiting the maximum height of the edge of the second compartment remote from the trailing edge when the inflatable bladder inflates. Means, whereby the inflatable bladder exhibits an inflated triangular structure that narrows towards the subject's heel.

[0009] The particular design of the inflatable bladder is such that it allows for a relatively high maximum height for a relatively small volume, for example, when compared to a substantially isosceles of comparable inflatable size. Which allows for high circulation speeds, even with relatively small compressors.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical device for performing dorsiflexion of a subject's foot, the device comprising a platform for supporting a subject's foot, and A wedge-shaped support tapering towards the subject's heel for sustained support of the front part of the foot in a contracted position with respect to the rest of the foot on the platform; and the normal position of the crest thereof And has an inflatable bladder attached to a support for periodically lifting the front portion of the foot with respect to the platform.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical device for periodically applying a therapeutic effect to a subject's foot, the device comprising a platform for supporting the subject's foot. An arched bottom artery arch support for providing and sustaining the plantar arch of the foot; and an inflatable for periodically lifting the anterior portion of the foot with respect to the platform from its normal location on the top. A bladder whereby the subject's foot performs a rocking motion about the basilar arch support acting as a lever-like member.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for supporting a subject's feet on a wheelchair for mounting on a wheelchair having a pair of foot supports, the kit comprising a rechargeable battery. A possible battery-operated compressor; a pair of medical devices that can be in fluid communication with the compressor and attachable to a foot support, each medical device providing a periodic therapeutic effect on a subject's foot. Applicable medical device; and a controller for controlling the operation of the medical device.

The kit of the present invention allows a subject in a wheelchair to undergo therapeutic treatment of poor venous blood flow due to dorsiflexion of the subject's foot and / or to the subject's foot on the underside of the foot. While applying the moving compression wave, one can still perform daily normal activities.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical device for performing plantar flexion of a subject's foot, the device comprising an attachment for attaching the medical device to a subject's leg. Member, an elongated support member connected to the mounting member,
The support member, an inflatable bladder extending along the underside of the support member, depending on the support member, and depending on the at least proximal portion of the anterior surface of the foot, and the support member for encircling the plantar arch. A resilient flexible foot restraint member connected midway along the member.

To understand the invention and see how it may be implemented, a preferred embodiment will now be described, using only non-limiting examples, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a medical device 1 is used as a boot-type footwear 2 designed to be applied to the left foot of a donor, The footwear 2 is constituted by a frame leather 3 composed of a fabric-like sheet material and a sole 4. The frame leather 3 has a left half frame leather 6 and a right half frame leather 7, allowing those of the contributor to be easily inserted into the footwear 2 and pulled out therefrom. Except for the top front part 8, they are sewn together along their common edge. The heel portion 9 of the frame leather is reinforced by a heel patch 11, and a Velcro-type hook fastener 13 for fitting with the Velcro-type loop fastener 14 on the right half frame leather 7.
Are supplied and the footwear 2 is fastened to the foot of the donor when the foot is inserted into the footwear 2.

The flap 12 is attached to the left half framed leather 6 near the heel portion 9 of the footwear via a tab 19 that engages a buckle-like member 21 provided along one side of the connector member 18. A generally triangular pocket 16 is defined having an opening 17 adjacent to a fixed externally accessible connector member 18 (see FIG. 4). Connector member 18 is adapted for selective connection to a supplemental connector member 22 that is in continuous fluid communication with pressure source 23 under the control of controller 24. The connector members 18 and 22 are of the magnetic release type quick release self-aligning type and have a first set of magnets 26A and 26B at one end and a second set of magnets at the other end. 27A and 27B. This set of magnets 26A, 2
6B and 27A, 27B are polarized so that connector member 22 can only be attached to connector member 18 in a single, predetermined manner.

The pressure source 24 has four outlet ports 28A-28D, which are in fluid communication with the four ports 29A-29D upstream of the connector member 22 and the connector members 18 of the connector member 22. In the connection to the connector member 22,
In fluid communication with four ports 31A-31D downstream of the connector member 18, the connector member 18 provides inflatable bladders 32A-32D according to a predetermined heel-to-toe or toe-heel order. Inflate independently,
It is in fluid communication with the inflatable bladders 32A-32D in order to contract.

The inflatable bladders 32A-32D are adhered to the upper surface of the platform 33 and are applied thereto in a non-overlapping manner to apply pressure to the lower surface of each of the toe, metatarsal region, sole region, and heel. Are staggered along. The inflatable bladders 32A-32D have laterally extending neck portions 34A-34D facing the left half framed leather 6. The neck portions 34A-34D are raised and the plastic tubes 36A-3
It has openings 35A-35D which are connected to the four ports 31A-31D via 6D, and the plastic tubes 36A-36D extend between the connection points between the left half frame leather 6 and the sole 4. And the connector member 18 through the pocket 16
Extend to. In such a manner, the tubes 36A-36D are normally hidden from view, and their presence is not actually felt by the consignee (otherwise, when walking, the person will have some Inconvenience).

The platform 33 is interposed between a relatively soft upper sole member 37 of the inner sole structure 39 and a more rigid lower sole member 38.
e) and the inner sole structure 39 is then placed between the frame leather 3 and the sole 4. The upper sole member 37 has its perimeter attached to the frame leather 3, and the lower sole member 38 has its perimeter attached to the lower surface of the upper sole member 37 and has a slit 39 extending in a longitudinal direction. , Through which the platform 33 is inserted into a receiving pocket 41 defined between the upper sole member 37 and the lower sole member 38 (see FIG. 3).

The footwear 2 is similar to a conventional boot-type slipper, except for a connector member 18 which is hidden on the innermost surface, and may be worn instead. The donor can simply attach the connector member 18 to the connector member 22 by simply bringing the connector member 22 near the connector member 18, where the set of magnets 26 and 27 are used to perform the procedure. Tightly and tightly between the connector members. After the procedure, the connector member 22 can be easily separated from the connector member 18 by pulling the donor's foot away from the connector member 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the medical device 50 has a generally flat surface 33 having a platform 33, left and right frame leather portions 53 and 54, and a central portion 52 supporting a heel restraint member 56. Similar to the medical device 1 except that the device 50 is intended as a single piece, the fixable cover 51. The medical device 50 has four inflatable bladders 32A positioned thereon.
Having the same platform 33 with the inflatable bladder 32
A-32D are gathered towards a neck portion 34A-34D having openings 35A-35D, which in this case cover 5 for application to the foot of the recipient.
Raised above platform 33 when 1 is wrapped around the foot of the donor. The openings 35 </ b> A to 35 </ b> D are connected to the connector member 1 for connection to the pressure source 23.
Tubes 36A-36D in fluid communication with 8 are mounted. Cover 51
Is typically employed for long treatment periods, for example, when the subject is sleeping, but thanks to the placement of the tubes 36A-36D, the subject's feet will conform within the shroud 51. The donated body can stand up without any discomfort.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the medical device 60 is similar to the medical device 10 and the platform 33 has a height h ₁ for sustaining the plantar arch of the foot. the arched plantar arch support 61, and at their base, to be formed at the toe arch support 62 of height h ₂ of the arched for continuously supporting the toes, different from that. The support 61 typically has a maximum height above the platform 33 of between about 0.7 cm and about 1.2 cm, preferably about 1.0 cm, however, the support 62 is typically On the platform 33, about 0.
It has a maximum height between 3 cm and 0.7 cm, preferably about 0.5 cm. The supports 61 and 62 include providing a more comfortable fit in a manner similar to an orthopedic inner sole, facilitating the need for a smaller pressure source 23, and their related features. It provides a number of advantages for allowing a more rapid attainment of the predetermined pressure in the inflatable bladders 32C and 32A.

Referring now to FIG. 8, this chart shows inflatable bladders 32A-3 in contrast to a conventional distal-to-proximal traveling compression wave for venous blood regression.
Figure 3 shows a heel-toe sequence for inflating and deflating 2D. The heel-to-toe sequence actually mimics the walking of the subject in order to naturally stimulate the venous muscle pump of the subject's calf and the venous plexus of the person's foot.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, a medical device 70 for effecting dorsiflexion of the donor's foot includes a platform 71 having a heel support 72, a foot strap 73.
And an inflatable bladder 74. This inflatable bladder 74 is positioned at one end of the platform 71 to lie below only the tip portion of the foot, and tapers from a substantially flat configuration (FIG. 11A) to the other end of the platform. It is connected to a pressure source 76 under the control of a controller 77 to inflate the platform periodically into a wedge-shaped configuration (FIG. 11B).

The inflatable bladder 74 has three sections 78A, 78B and 78C.
The two of the former include a cover 78 of two sections, the former two being formed as pouches 79 for receiving a single, substantially square inflatable cell 81, while the latter having a maximum height of an inflated wedge. It is a suppressing member for limiting. The inflatable cell 81 is divided into two equally sized compartments 81A and 81B by two seams 82A and 82B on the side of a central portion 83 that allows fluid communication between the compartments 81A and 81B. Each compartment 81A and 81B has a rigid member 84 overlying it, and compartment 81B is provided with an entry port 86 that also serves to inflate the other compartment 81A.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a medical device 90 is similar to the medical device 70 and also includes a donor foot combined with swaying motion about the plantar arch support 61. Includes arched plantar arch support 61 for periodic dorsiflexion.

Referring now to FIG. 13, medical device 100 is similar to medical device 90 and has a foot in a fixed position relative to the rest of the foot on platform 72. Also includes a narrowed wedge-shaped support 101 towards the heel of the foot for sustained support of the tip of the foot, so that a better dorsiflexion occurs at the softer position of the tip of the foot To facilitate. This support 101 is at an included angle α of about 30 degrees with respect to the platform 72 and implements a periodic dorsiflexion of the subject's foot combined with a swaying movement around the plantar arch support 61. Has a simple inflatable member 102 disposed thereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a medical device 110 includes a platform 111 having an arcuate plantar arch support 112, and a pressure source disposed beside the platform 111 under the control of a controller 117. A pair of inflatable bladders 113 and 114 in fluid communication with 116 are provided for effecting a swaying motion of the subject's foot about the plantar arch support 112, which may be inflatable bladders 113 and 114. , Which respectively raise the heel of the foot relative to the platform 111 while the anterior portion of the foot is over it, and while the heel of the foot is over it, To raise the anterior portion relative to the platform 111, thereby facilitating emptying of the venous plexus of the foot and his calf. Venous muscle pump effectively provides a back-plantar flexion of the subject's foot to operate to pump venous blood from the subject's foot and leg to his heart. The support 112 typically has about 1 cm and 3c on the platform 111.
between m, and preferably has a maximum height h ₃ of about 2 cm.

Here, referring to FIG. 15, a left foot support 121A and a right foot support pair 121B
A medical system 12 for performing dorsiflexion of a subject's foot tied to a wheelchair
Fits 22. The medical system 122 includes a rechargeable battery operated compressor 123, a controller 124 and two medical devices 126A and 12A.
6B. The compressor 123 and the controller 124
72, the medical devices 126A and 126B are attached to the wheelchair foot supports 121A and 121B, respectively, so that the medical system 122 is sufficiently portable so that the subject is Does not prevent you from continuing.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a medical device 130 for plantar flexion of a subject's foot includes an attachment member 131 for attaching the medical device 130 to a leg of the subject. The support member 132 is substantially tightly attached to a mounting member 131 for placement along a majority of the anterior surface of the subject's foot. The inflatable bladder 133 extends along the lower side of the support member 132 and
It is in fluid communication with a pressure source 134 under the control of 36. A resilient flexible foot restraint member 137, mounted centrally along the support member 132, surrounds the plantar arch of the subject's foot and over which the periodic expansion of the inflatable bladder 137 occurs. Inflation and contraction cause periodic plantar flexion of the subject's foot, thereby facilitating emptying of the venous plexus of the foot, and removing his calf venous muscle pump from the subject's foot and leg. Activated to pump venous blood to his heart.

Various modifications and changes can be made in the above structures in conjunction with the spirit of the invention. The present invention includes certain changes and modifications as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
For example, an inflatable bladder located on the plantar arch of the foot may be divided into two inflatable bladders located on the middle and side portions of the plantar arch, respectively. The medical device 90, 100, 110 includes a heel support 72, and a foot strap 73.
Can be provided with Wheelchair 120 may be provided with a medical system for applying any suitable periodic motion to a subject's foot by one of the medical devices described herein.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a medical device implemented as boot-like footwear.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the boot-like footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear of FIG. 1 along line III-III of FIG. 1 with the inflatable bladder inflated to apply pressure to the metatarsal region of the foot. It is.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the boot-like footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a medical device, typically implemented as a flat, one-piece, foldable shroud, for conforming to a subject's foot.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the foldable wrap of FIG. 5 adapted to a subject's foot.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the medical device of FIG. 5 showing FIG. 1 and modifications thereof.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the order of inflation from the heel to the toe of the inflatable bladder of the medical device of FIGS. 1 and 5;

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a medical device for dorsiflexion of a subject's foot.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inflatable bladder of the medical device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 9 in operation.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 9 in operation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an alternative medical device for dorsiflexing a subject's bare feet.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another alternative medical device for performing dorsiflexion of a bare foot of a subject.

FIG. 14A is a schematic side view of a medical device for performing a swing motion of a subject's foot about a plantar arch.

FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of a medical device for performing a swing motion of a subject's foot around a plantar arch of the plantar artery.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of a wheelchair adapted to a kit for performing dorsiflexion of a foot of a subject on a wheelchair.

FIG. 16A is a side view of a medical device for performing plantar flexion of a subject's foot.

FIG. 16B is a side view of a medical device for performing plantar flexion of a subject's foot.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] September 21, 2000 (2000.9.21)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0004] In particular, GB 2 313 784 comprises a platform having four torsional, non-overlapping, inflatable bladders disposed along a platform, the platform comprising a subject's heel, base artery arch, A medical device that is present alone under the midfoot and toes is illustrated and described. Each of the inflatable bladders is provided with a plastic tube for connection to a pressure source. These tubes are relatively rigid and extend under the subject's legs, so that they can be touched when the subject stands up, thus creating inconvenience.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The platform 33 is interposed between a relatively soft upper sole member 37 of the inner sole structure 39 and a more rigid lower sole member 38.
e) and the inner sole structure 39 is then placed between the frame leather 3 and the sole 4. The upper sole member 37 has its perimeter attached to the frame leather 3, and the lower sole member 38 has its perimeter attached to the lower surface of the upper sole member 37 and a slit 39 extending in the longitudinal direction. , Through which the platform 33 is inserted into a receiving pocket 41 defined between the upper sole member 37 and the lower sole member 38 (see FIG. 3).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 128328 (32) Priority date February 2, 1999 (1999.2.2) (33) Priority claim country Israel (IL) (31) Priority Claim No. 130000 (32) Priority Date May 18, 1999 (May 18, 1999) (33) Priority Claimed Country Israel (IL) (81) Designated State EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, M), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, G E, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU , ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Bibi, Roni Israel Herzlia 46795, Hacharts Street 18 (72) Inventor Levy, Eli Israel Ranaana 43262, Akiba Street 8 (72) Inventor Schmulwitz, Asher Israel Tel A Breakfast 69081, Joab Street 20 F-term (reference) 4C074 AA03 BB05 CC13 EE05 GG11 4C100 AD01 BB05 CA08 CA12 DA11 EA09 4C101 BA01 BB01 BC03 BC09 BC25 BE08 BE09

Claims (45)

[Claims] A medical device (1,5) for use with a pressure source to apply a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's foot when the subject's foot is contained within the device.
0) wherein the device comprises a platform (33) having at least three independently operable inflatable bladders (32), wherein the bladders are alternately arranged along the platform, and Under each of the heel of the body's foot, the plantar arch, and the anterior portion including the subject's metatarsal artery and toe, each of the inflatable bladders substantially imparts a traveling compression wave to the subject. An aperture (35) connectable to the pressure source for periodic application to a sole of a foot, wherein each of the inflatable bladders has a laterally disposed neck (ending in the aperture); 34
) Wherein each of the necks is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform, in the direction of the dorsal side of the subject's foot, upon receipt of the subject's foot in the device. Device. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to accommodate either the left foot or the right foot of a subject, and wherein the device accommodates each of the subject's feet when accommodating the subject's foot. A neck portion is positioned toward a central portion of the subject's foot;
device. 3. The device comprises a single externally accessible connector member (18), which is permanently and directly attached to its external surface, wherein the connector member comprises In continuous fluid communication with the three inflatable bladders, adapted to sealingly mate with the complementary connector member (22);
Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector members (18) and (22) are of the quick release self-adjusting magnetic latch type. 4. When the connector member (18) is housed in the device,
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the device is positioned toward a heel of the subject's foot. 5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the connection between the connector member (18) and the at least three inflatable bladders is hidden from appearance. 6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the inflatable bladder is connected to its associated aperture through a separate tube (36). 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is formed as a boot-like footwear comprising a substantially non-collapsible frame leather (3) together with a heel (9). A device whereby the device comfortably accepts all the feet of the subject during the accommodation of the subject's feet therein. 8. The boot-like footwear comprising upper and lower sole members (37,
38) with the platform located between them, with the internal sole configuration (40
The device of claim 7, comprising: 9. A slit, wherein the upper sole member is peripherally attached to the frame leather, and the lower sole member is peripherally attached to a lower side of the upper sole member, and initially extends in a longitudinal direction. 39) through which the platform defines a pocket (4) defined between the upper sole member and the lower sole member.
9. Device according to claim 8, which is inserted into 1). 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is formed as a generally flat, one-piece foldable covering. 11. The inflatable bladder underneath the subject's plantar arch upon accommodation of the subject's foot in the device includes a center of the subject's foot plantar arch. 1 1. The device of claim 1, comprising a first inflatable bladder below the portion and a second inflatable bladder below a lateral portion of the plantar arch of the subject's foot. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising the step of sustaining the plantar arch of the subject's foot upon accommodating the subject's foot in the device. A device comprising an arcuate plantar arch support for supporting the device. 13. The method according to claim 13, wherein the plantar arch support is located above the platform.
. 13. The device of claim 12, having a maximum height between 7cm and 1.2cm. 14. The device of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a base of the toe of the subject's foot when the device accommodates the foot of the subject. Further comprising an arcuate toe support for supporting the device. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein the toe support is positioned above the platform.
15. The device of claim 14, having a maximum height between cm and 0.5 cm. 16. A medical device (1,5) for use with a pressure source to apply a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's foot when the subject's foot is contained within the device.
0) wherein the device comprises a platform (33) having at least three inflatable bladders (32) operable independently, wherein the bladders are alternately arranged along the platform, and Each of the at least three inflatable bladders under each of the heel of the body foot, the plantar arch, and the anterior portion including the subject's metatarsal artery and toe, substantially each of the subject's Connectable with the pressure source to periodically apply a traveling compression wave to the sole of the body, the device is furthermore permanently and directly attached to its outer surface, with a single externally accessible A connector member (18), which is in permanent liquid communication with the at least three inflatable bladders, and is adapted to seal and mate with a complementary connector member (22). Is adapted to The device wherein the nectar members (18) and (22) have a magnetic latch type quick release self-alignment. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the connector member (18) is positioned on a heel of the subject's foot upon adapting the connector member to the device. 18. The device according to claim 16, wherein a connection between the connector member (18) and the at least three inflatable bladders is hidden from view. 19. Each of the inflatable bladders has a laterally disposed neck portion (34) terminating in an opening (35) and, when accommodating the subject's foot in the device. 17. Each of the neck portions is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform in a direction toward a dorsal portion of the subject's foot.
The device according to any one of claims 18 to 18. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the inflatable bladder is connected to the opening associated with the bladder via a discrete tube (36). 21. The device of claim 18 or 19, adapted to accommodate either the left or right foot of the subject, wherein the device accommodates the subject's foot in the device. Wherein each of the neck portions is positioned toward the medial side of the subject's foot. 22. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, formed as boot-like footwear, said device having a substantially non-crushable frame leather having a heel portion (9). A device comprising (3), thereby comfortably receiving the subject's entire foot when accommodating the subject's foot in the device. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the boot-like footwear comprises an inner sole configuration (40) having the platform disposed between an upper sole member and a lower sole member (37, 38). . 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the upper sole member is peripherally attached to the frame leather, and the lower sole member is peripherally attached to a lower surface of the upper sole member, and A device, wherein a longitudinally extending slit (39) is first provided, through which the platform is inserted into a pocket (41) defined between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. 25. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the device is formed as a normally flat one-piece foldable covering. 26. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the device contains the subject's foot below the plantar arch of the subject's foot when the device houses the foot. A first inflatable bladder having an inflatable bladder below a central portion of the plantar arch of the subject's foot and a second inflatable bladder below a lateral portion of the plantar arch of the subject's foot A device comprising a formula bladder. 27. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the plantar arch of the subject's foot is sustained upon receiving the subject's foot in the device. The device further comprising an arched plantar arch support for support. 28. The method according to claim 28, wherein the plantar arch support is located above the platform above the platform.
28. The device of claim 27, having a maximum height between 7 cm and 1.2 cm. 29. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the base of the toe of the subject's toe is continuously held when the subject's foot is accommodated in the device. The device further comprising an arcuate toe support for support. 30. The toe support is 0.3 cm above the platform.
30. The device of claim 29, having a maximum height of between 0.5 and 0.5 cm. 31. A medical device (1) for use with a pressure source to apply a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's foot when the subject's foot is contained within the device. Comprises a platform (33) having at least one inflatable bladder (32), wherein the bladder is attached to the platform so as to be under a portion of a sole of the subject's foot and the subject Selectively connectable to a pressure source for selectively applying pressure to a sole of the foot of the subject, the device being formed as boot-like footwear and having a substantially non-collapsible frame having a heel portion (9). A device comprising leather (3), thereby comfortably receiving the subject's entire foot when accommodating the subject's foot in the device. 32. The boot-like footwear comprises an inner sole configuration (40) having the platform (40) interposed between an upper sole member and a lower sole member (37, 38). A device as described in. 33. The device of claim 32, wherein the upper sole member is peripherally attached to the frame leather, and the lower sole member is peripherally attached to a lower surface of the upper sole member, and A device, initially provided with a longitudinally extending slit (39), through which the platform is inserted into a pocket (41) defined between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. 34. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 33, further comprising a single externally accessible connector member (18) permanently and directly attached to an outer surface thereof. ) Wherein said connector member is in permanent liquid communication with said at least one inflatable bladder and is adapted to sealingly mate with a complementary connector member (22). Connector member (18
) And (22) wherein the device has a magnetic latch type quick release self-alignment. 35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the connector member (18) is located on a heel portion. 36. The device according to claim 34, wherein a connection between the connector member (18) and the at least three inflatable bladders is hidden from view. 37. Each of said at least one inflatable bladder has a laterally disposed neck portion terminating in an opening (35) connected to said connector member (35).
34), and each of the neck portions is substantially perpendicular to the platform in a direction toward a dorsal portion of the subject's foot when receiving the subject's foot in the device. 37. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the device is arranged on a device. 38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the inflatable bladder is connected to the opening associated with the bladder via a discrete tube (36). 39. The device of claim 37 or 38, adapted to accommodate a subject's left or right foot, wherein the device accommodates the subject's foot. The device wherein each of the neck portions is positioned toward a medial side of the subject's foot. 40. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the connector members are at least three independently operable inflatables arranged alternately along the platform. The inflatable member is in continuous fluid communication with the member, and the inflatable member, when receiving the subject's foot in the device, includes the subject's foot heel, the subject's plantar arch, and the interior of the subject. A device under each of the anterior portion of the subject's foot, including the foot artery and the toe of the subject. 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the inflatable bladder underneath the plantar arch of the subject's foot when receiving the subject's foot in the device comprises the inflatable bladder. A device comprising a first inflatable bladder below a central portion of a plantar arch of a subject's foot and a second inflatable bladder laterally below the plantar arch of the subject's foot. 42. The device of claim 40 or 41, wherein the plantar arch of the subject's foot is sustained upon receiving the subject's foot in the device. The device further comprising an arched plantar arch support for support. 43. The method according to claim 43, wherein the plantar arch support is located above the platform.
43. The device of claim 42, having a maximum height between 7cm and 1.2cm. 44. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the base of the toe of the subject's foot is continuously held when the subject's foot is accommodated in the device. The device further comprising an arcuate toe support for support. 45. The toe support is 0.3 cm above the platform.
45. The device of claim 44, having a maximum height between and 0.5 cm.