METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

摘要

Methods and apparatus for increasing cerebral blood flow for improving the flow of blood to the brain during and/or following an ischaemic stroke. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable cuffs to be positioned, in use, around a respective limb of a patient. Once inflated, the cuffs exert a pressure upon the limb to reduce blood flow to the limb below the point at which the cuff is positioned. Reducing blood flow to the limbs causes an increase in blood flow to the brain, and will therefore improve stroke outcomes. The apparatus includes a control module for controlling inflation and deflation of each cuff. The control module detects, measures and monitors cerebral blood flow 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.