Garment Detection Method and System for Delivering Compression Treatment

Abstract

A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

1 . A method for detecting the presence of a garment connected to a port comprising the steps of: (a) selecting and opening at least one valve from a plurality of valves; (b) providing air through at least one valve to a bladder operably connected to said selected valve; (c) measuring a value of pressure at said selected valve; (d) identifying at least one garment connected to said port based upon the measured value of pressure at said selected valve; (e) closing the selected valve to deflate the bladder connected to the selected valve; (f) confirming the identification of said at least one identified garment by manually activating a switch located at a control panel; (g) activating a compression cycle for the detected and confirmed at least one garment; (h) actuating an alarm, if the at least one garment is not confirmed and inhibiting an inflation cycle in said garment.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein in step (f), the confirming of the identification of said at least one garment is determined by: flashing a light on said control panel.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein in step (c), the measured pressure is at least 10 mm HG.