EPO published patent EP4493139A1 granting exclusive rights to Georgia Tech Research Corporation and Emory University for a pneumatic compression vest device designed for transthoracic manipulation to enhance oxygenation. The device falls under IPC classifications A61H (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy, thermotherapy, physiotherapy), A61B (measuring, diagnosing), and A61M (devices for introducing media into or onto the body). The patent application designates 32 European states including Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and other EU members.

Medical device manufacturers and healthcare technology companies developing or commercializing pneumatic compression or chest manipulation devices for respiratory support should review the patent claims to assess potential infringement concerns. No immediate compliance action is required for this patent publication, but entities with similar technology should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses before proceeding with product development in European markets.