Numerical study to investigate the pressure propagation patterns by a compression sleeve with miniaturised air-bladders

Abstract

Chronic venous disease (CVD), the most prevalent vascular disease affecting to the lower extremities, is regarded as any functional or morphological abnormalities of the venous system. Compression therapy, either active or passive is currently regarded as the cornerstone of treatment for all CVD related complications. However, most of the existing textile solutions have major limitations of applying uniform pressure around the lower limb circumference which was overcome by applying a radial force in response to the pressure exerted by an air volume trapped inside a miniature bladder. Hence, this article used numerical simulations to investigate the propagation of pressure on the skin, fat and muscle layers applied by hexagonal shaped mini-bladders. The results of this study revealed that 40% of internal pressure of the bladders successfully transmitted through the skin layer, and a slight increase of pressure was recorded along the thickness of skin layer while it was decreased in fat and muscle layers. Moreover, the highest percentage of pressure drop was recorded along the muscle layer.