Active Compression Brace: Human tests

Disorders associated with excessive swelling of the lower extremities are common. They can be associated with pain, varicose veins, reduced blood pressure when standing and may cause syncope or fainting. The common physical remedy to these disorders is the use of compression stockings and pneumatic compression leg massagers, which both attempt to limit blood pooling and capillary filtration in the lower limbs. However, compression stockings provide a constant pressure, and their efficiency has been challenged according to some recent studies. Air compression leg massagers on the other hand, restricts patient mobility. In this work we therefore present an innovative active compression brace based on the use of a smart materials technology that could produce intermittent active pressure to mitigate the symptoms of lower extremity disorders.

Keywords: Shape memory alloys, Compression therapy, Active compression brace, Orthostatic intolerance, Syncope.

Figure. Very first prototype of the active compression brace wrapped around the calf.

#Prototype #Humantests #Compressiondevice #smartmaterials