Evaluation of an Electro-Pneumatic Device for Artificial Capillary Pulse Generation used in a Prospective Study in Animals for Surgical Neck Wound Healing

Abstract

The paper examines the development and testing of an electro-pneumatic device for wound healing therapy after surgery in the neck area. The device generates air pressure values in a miniaturized cuff using electronic circuitry to drive an electro-valve and air compressor. The device works in two distinct modes: continuous pressure mode and pulsating pressure mode. The pressure value setting can vary from 3 to 11 mmHg, and the pulsating pressure mode’s operating frequency range is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 Hz. Laboratory measurements were conducted to evaluate the device’s correct functioning in both continuous and pulsating pressure modes. A four-day prospective study with animals ( n = 10) was also conducted to evaluate neck wound healing therapy using the electro-pneumatic device. Out of the twelve histological parameters analysed to reveal the differences between the experimental and control wounds, only one demonstrated a significant difference. Out of the ten animals treated with the device, three showed a significant difference in terms of benefit after therapy. We can therefore conclude that the device potentially improves the wound healing process in the neck area if the pre-set air pressure value does not exceed 8 mmHg.

Developing a Comprehensive Model for the Prevention of Tension Neck Syndrome: A Focus on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Strategies

“…12. The reason is that the operating pressure for the lab test was selected based on the reviewed literature on the range of pressure that can be applied to the neck by pneumatic neck support to deliver muscle relaxation [15] and [16]. So, the lab testing was not tested to the far end of the stress capacity of the prototype.…”