| abstract |
(57) [Summary] The present invention relates to a device (1, 3, 37) for applying an external pressure to a part of a human body. The device has components (15, 19, 28) formed of a shape memory material, such as a shape memory metal, configured to surround the body part. By heating the components, e.g., by passing an electrical current through the components, they assume different shapes, e.g., shrinking in length, and the device causes the device to "clamp" parts of the body by shrinking. Can be adapted. Thereafter, when the components are cooled, they return to their original shape and shrinkage ceases. The device is intended, inter alia, to prevent blood from accumulating in parts of the body circumscribed by the device and to improve blood circulation by repeated contractions. |