Neuraltide
Inflatable trousers that apply very low, very uniform pressure to the legs, for a stroke-related medical device.
Patent filed
Apply 20 to 30 mmHg over the whole leg. No more, no less.
The client
Neuraltide develops a medical device that works through gentle compression of the legs. It aims to support cerebral revascularisation in stroke patients.
The request
Design the inflatable part of the device: compression trousers fitted on a lying patient, working with the manufacturer in charge of production.
The challenges
- Very low, very uniform pressure, around 20 to 30 mmHg, despite the body's contours: calf, back of the knee, thigh.
- Gravity: with the leg lying down, the weight of the limb crushes the inflatable pockets where it rests.
- Several sizes, very different body shapes, and a fitting procedure that stays simple for nursing staff.
- Medical device requirements: comfort, pressure-sore prevention, biocompatible materials.
Solutions and results
An inflatable cushion geometry that cancels out the effect of gravity, with a lifting system made of stacked cushions that works for every size.
Local relief zones under the calf and thigh, to even out the pressure.
Thin airtight textiles combined with soft, breathable medical textiles.
Iterative prototypes, validated by pressure measurements under the leg and physiological tests. A patent has been filed on the device.
Partner testimonial
“Beyond his undeniable competence in his field, it is his state of mind, his pragmatic analysis of a complex situation and his ability to come up with proposals that stand out.”Alain Delahaye, site director, industrial partner on the project (translated from French)