Patent ID: 6646556
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A61B,A61G

Abstract:
An apparatus for reducing the risk of occurrence of decubitus ulcers in a patient at rest on a support surface, wherein is provided a predetermined patient turn interval, comprising:(a) a patient location sensor for determining at least approximately an â€œXâ€  and a â€œYâ€  location of the patient on the support surface; (b) a time circuit; (c) a CPU in electronic communication with said patient location sensor and said time circuit, said CPU at least for (c1) determining from said patient location sensor an initial â€œXâ€  and an initial â€œYâ€  location of the patient on the support surface, (c2) determining a start time associated with said determination of said initial â€œXâ€  location and said initial â€œYâ€  location, (c3) thereafter repeatedly determining from said patient location sensor a then-current â€œXâ€  location and a then-current â€œYâ€  location of the patient on the support surface, (c4) determining from said time circuit, said start time, said initial â€œXâ€  and â€œYâ€  locations, and a plurality of said then-current â€œXâ€  and â€œYâ€  locations, a time since the patient last significantly changed location, wherein a significant change of location is one which persists for at least a predetermined time interval, and, (c5) initiating a signal indicative of a state of the patient if said time since the patient last significantly changed location is greater than said patient turn interval; and, (d) an alarm in electronic communication with said CPU and responsive thereto, said alarm at least for responding to said signal indicative of a state of the patient to produce an alarm signal.