Patent ID: 11944418
Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 11:
12. A method of determining skin perfusion pressure, comprising:
positioning a proximal end of a skin perfusion pressure determination device on a target area of patient, wherein the skin perfusion pressure determination device comprises a housing including a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the skin perfusion pressure determination device further comprises:
a plunger assembly at the proximal end of the housing configured to contact and exert force on the target area, the plunger assembly comprising a support structure and a sleeve surrounding the support structure, wherein the plunger assembly transitions from a first expanded configuration in which the plunger assembly extends proximally from the proximal end of the housing to a second retracted configuration in which the plunger assembly is retracted into the housing; applying a force to the skin perfusion pressure determination device against the target area and causing the plunger assembly to move in a proximal to distal direction relative to the housing from the first expanded configuration to the second retracted configuration;
measuring the force or a pressure applied to the target area by the skin perfusion pressure determination device using a first sensor within the device; and
measuring blood perfusion in the target area beneath the proximal end using a second sensor within the device;
wherein the device controls the application and/or withdrawal of force by the skin perfusion pressure determination device against the target area.