METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

摘要

An apparatus for increasing cerebral blood flow comprises a plurality of inflatable cuffs 10, 11, 12, 13 to be positioned around a respective limb 14, 15, 16, 17 of a patient 21. The apparatus comprises a control module 20 for controlling inflation and deflation of each cuff. The control module detects, measures and monitors cerebral blood flow, particularly by transcranial Doppler imaging, and uses these measurements to control inflation and deflation of each cuff such that cerebral blood flow is maintained above a baseline level during treatment of the patient. Such a method may be used following an ischaemic stroke. The apparatus may also have blood flow sensors on the cuffs, and a heart rate monitor.