Wearable compression and vibration sleeve for lymphedema
This technology is a wearable device that simultaneously squeezes and vibrates a body part — such as an arm or leg — to treat swelling conditions like lymphedema. The device uses a flexible substrate that wraps around the tissue to apply compression, while an array of small, independently controllable vibrating motors embedded in that substrate deliver targeted vibratory stimulation to specific zones. Because each actuator can be controlled separately, the device can create customized, moving patterns of vibration across the treatment area rather than a single uniform buzz. This programmable approach is designed to improve lymphatic drainage and fluid movement more effectively than static compression garments alone.
What you could build
A wearable, app-controlled compression sleeve or wrap with embedded vibration actuators, sold to lymphedema patients and physical therapy clinics as a home-use or in-clinic therapeutic device; buyers would include durable medical equipment distributors, physical therapy chains, and direct-to-consumer chronic care platforms.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based health systems, rehabilitation clinics, and medtech startups — particularly those serving the large federal employee and military veteran population with post-surgical or post-cancer lymphedema needs.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Tara Newberry, Leah Thomas, Laura Wenger, Seth Jarvis, Christopher Arena, Andre Muelenaer
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed January 17, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20240366469A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.