Disposable band for a compression device

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for cyclically compressing the limb of a patient to improve blood flow in the limb. In one embodiment, a compression device includes a compressive section sized and shaped for extending around a portion of the limb for applying compressive pressure and a housing operatively connected to the compressive section. The housing includes first and second housing members movable relative to each other between contracted and expanded positions. A non-pneumatic mechanical actuator is provided in the housing for cyclically moving the first and second housing members from their contracted position to their expanded position.

1 . A disposable band for use in a compression therapy to improve blood flow in the limb of a patient, the band comprising:
 a band member adapted to extend circumferentially around a portion of said limb, said band member having opposite ends;   a fastening device on the band member for releasable attachment of said opposite ends to secure the band member around the limb portion; and   a pocket on the band member sized and shaped for receiving a module cyclically movable between a contracted condition in which the module has a first dimension for relaxing pressure on said limb portion and an expanded position in which the module has a second dimension greater than said first dimension for compressing the limb portion, said module being removable from the pocket whereby on termination of said compression therapy the band can be disposed of and the module re-used with a different disposable band.   
   
   
       2 . A disposable band as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said pocket is defined by a layer of material secured to the band member on an interior side of the band member. 
   
   
       3 . A disposable band as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said pocket is sized and shaped for receiving said module and a force-distributing device positioned between said module and said limb portion when the band member is secured to the limb. 
   
   
       4 . A disposable band as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a releasable closure for closing said pocket.