A programmable and self-adaptive dynamic pressure delivery and feedback system for efficient intermittent pneumatic compression therapy

Abstract

Controlled dynamic pressure delivery is essential for efficiently promoting hemodynamics of the lower extremities in pneumatic compression therapy. Pressure dosage control is challenging because of diverse influencing factors, such as irregular interface contact geometries, different stiffnesses of body tissues and pressure materials, and customized pressure recipes and individual patient demands. To address these challenges, a programmable and self-adaptive dynamic pressure delivery and feedback system for enhanced compression therapy were developed in this study. This system comprised a soft pneumatic actuator (SPA) unit in a stocking laminated with multi-bladder, a programmable pressure control unit for pneumatic and interface pressure control, matrix soft sensors for real-time interface pressure detection, and differential pressure sensors for pneumatic pressure monitoring as well as connective accessories (air tubes and valves). A fluid–structure interaction model was developed to analyse the interaction between the bladder and lower limb by considering essential factors (bladder and soft tissue stiffness, contact area, and bladder-lower limb interface characteristics). An improved proportional–integral–derivative controller was designed to regulate dynamic interface pressure and personalized pneumatic compression treatment. Dedicated software was developed to monitor, process, and display the tested pressure data. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the developed system. This study integrated theoretical and experimental approaches to a novel solution for customized dynamic pressure therapy. The findings enhanced our understanding of the working mechanisms and characteristics of the SPA–lower limb system. Moreover, the results serve as a foundation for the design and innovation of advanced programmable units for efficient compression treatment in various applications in healthcare, medicine, and rehabilitation.