Apparatuses for and method of preventing decubitus ulcers

An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for preventing decubitus ulcers, and more particularly to apparatuses and methods of preventing decubitus ulcers before they form and/or preventing progression of already forming lesions likely to otherwise develop into decubitus ulcers.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

It is well known and very common that persons who are confined to a bed or other surface for long periods of time are at risk for developing decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsores, pressure sores, or pressure ulcers. Decubitus ulcers are areas of damaged skin that result from prolonged pressure on those areas of the skin. Pressure on the skin occurs when the skin is pressed between a bone and a hard surface, such as bed, thereby preventing blood from reaching tissues in a person's body. Lack of blood flow to body tissue causes cell death that forms decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers are most commonly found in persons who have impaired neurological function or vascular problems due to age, accident, or disease, and thus are confined to a bed or other area in a resting position and have difficulty changing position. Such confinement and impairment tends to restrain such persons in the same position putting pressure on the same area of skin for prolonged periods of time.

Various apparatuses and methods of treating decubitus ulcers have been developed, including apparatuses and methods of eliminating already formed decubitus ulcers and apparatuses and methods of preventing decubitus ulcers from forming. One method of treating already formed decubitus ulcers includes employing an apparatus that senses a position of a patient at various points in time. Thereafter, the position information is compared to previous position information to determine whether the patient has exhibited sufficient activity. If the patient has not exhibited sufficient activity, an alarm or other indicator is triggered to alert a nurse or other person that the patient must be moved. In another method, electrodes are attached to a patient's skin at two positions. A first electrode is placed on or immediately adjacent the wound and a second electrode is placed on healthy skin near the wound. Current is supplied to the electrodes such that the current runs through the wound and electrical stimulation of the wound occurs. In yet another method, ultrasound and electrical energy are simultaneously delivered to a selected locus of human tissue to preferably stimulate the production of collagen, thereby providing a rejuvenation of skin in an area wherein the ultrasound and electrical energy are applied.

The prevention of decubitus ulcers is preferred to treating the ulcers. It is best when the ulcers never form because infection and other complications may occur as a result of the formation of decubitus ulcers. One method of preventing decubitus ulcers is to turn a patient on a regular basis, such as every hour or two hours. In such a method, a patient lying on a bed may, for example, be periodically moved from one side to an opposite side. Patients confined to a wheelchair, chair, or other surface may also be moved in such a manner. Another method of preventing decubitus ulcers employs an air distribution device. The device includes a top sheet undercoated with a waterproof yet vapor permeable material, wherein the top sheet and undercoating include over 6000 tiny apertures. The apertures are provided to allow air circulation to keep wounds dry and regulate body temperature. The top sheet and undercoating also absorb vapor and moisture produced by the patient's skin. The device further includes a waterproof central sheet and an absorbent lower sheet attached to the top sheet to form a coverlet for disposal between the patient and a surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlap, wherein the stimulation segments are adapted to vibrate. The apparatus further includes a garment adapted to be worn by a patient, wherein the overlay is integrated within the garment.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for treating decubitus ulcers includes the steps of placing an overlay onto a surface and monitoring sensors that receive information from stimulation segments disposed within the overlay. The method further includes the step of activating the stimulation segments based upon information received from the sensors to prompt a patient to move from a first position to a second position.

Throughout the figures, like or corresponding reference numerals have been used for like or corresponding parts.

Other aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1,2A-2C, and3depict a first embodiment of an apparatus20for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers. The apparatus20includes an overlay22in the form of a blanket, a mat, a pad, a sheet, or other covering. The overlay22may be formed of a fabric material, a plastic material, or any other known material for an overlay22. The overlay22includes a plurality of stimulation segments24disposed throughout the overlay22. Although the stimulation segments24are shown inFIG. 2Aas being disposed atop the overlay22, the stimulation segments24may alternatively be disposed below the overlay22as seen inFIG. 2Bor between two layers26a,26bof the overlay22as seen inFIG. 2C. Referring toFIG. 2C, the stimulation segments24are shown as sandwiched between the layers26a,26b, but may alternatively be attached only to a bottom surface28of the layer26aor an upper surface30of the layer26b(FIG. 3). The stimulation segments24may be attached to the overlay22, the layer26a, or the layer26bby an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, sewing, or any other known method of attachment. Also, although the stimulation segments24are shown in a specific pattern, any pattern of stimulation segments24is possible.

As seen inFIG. 1, the overlay22is disposed atop a surface32such as a bed, sofa, chair, wheelchair, or other support surface on which a person would reside. The overlay22may simply be placed upon the surface32or may be attached to the surface32by any attachment means, such as pins, hook and loop fasteners, elastic, adhesive, or the like. One or more of the stimulation segments24may include a sensor34disposed therein, one of which is shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively, the sensors34may be disposed adjacent the stimulation segments24or at any area of the overlay22where pressure might be applied. The one or more sensors34may be strategically placed within stimulation segments24so as to be located adjacent points where pressure on the overlay22may be greatest or the sensors34may be incorporated into all of the stimulation segments24. The sensors34can locate pressure points on a body of a patient and isolate areas of the overlay22where the stimulation segments24may need to be activated. Activation of the stimulation segments24is meant to stimulate or discomfort a patient enough that the patient repositions himself or herself. One or more of the sensors34may also measure the intensity and/or duration of the pressure applied by the patient in order to determine the timeframe in which the patient should be repositioned. The one or more sensors34may gather information such as patient movement, relative patient location, movement of certain areas of the body but not others, initial and final pressure exertion before first or last pressure on the sensors, etc. Pressure information may be used to determine whether a patient has repositioned oneself and whether the stimulation applied to certain areas of the body is working. The sensors34could also measure pulse and/or respiration. This information could be integrated with other patient information and processed according to an algorithm that determines whether and/or where to stimulate the patient.

Referring toFIG. 3, the sensors34may be connected by wires36to a controller38. The controller38continuously gathers data from the one or more sensors34, processes the data, and determines when the patient needs to be repositioned based on the data collected. Optionally, the wires36may be removed and the sensors34may be in wireless communication with the controller38. Some of such wireless communication devices that may be utilized with any of the embodiments herein are available from Cirronet of Duluth, Ga. or other associated businesses within the Zigbee® Alliance. Wireless communication may provide a more reliable system in damp and/or flexible environments. The controller38could include a display40for visually depicting the patient and the position of the patient. Any of the embodiments herein may incorporate similar sensors34and a controller38.

FIG. 4depicts a second embodiment of an apparatus similar to that ofFIGS. 1,2A-2C, and3. In such an embodiment, the entire overlay22may be adapted to vibrate or provide electrical current or thermal or acoustic stimulation. For example, the overlay22may include first and second layers50a,50bof material forming the overlay22and a vibrating mat52or the like may be disposed between the layers50a,50b. The entire vibrating mat52is capable of vibrating such that the entirety of the overlay22can be vibrated. As with the embodiment ofFIG. 3, this embodiment may employ one or more sensors34similar to those described in detail above for collecting information with respect to the patient. The sensors34may be disposed intermittently throughout one or both of the layers50a,50band or the vibrating mat52. The overlay22of this embodiment may be used for any size or shape of person with a higher degree of accuracy because the entire overlay22may be vibrated.

A further embodiment of an apparatus for treating and/or preventing decubitus ulcers is depicted inFIGS. 5A-5Cand6. Referring toFIGS. 5A-5C, an overlay122similar to any of the overlays22as discussed in detail above with respect toFIGS. 1,2A-2C,3, and4is incorporated into a garment124to be worn by a patient. The garment124can be any type of garment124worn by a person including, but not limited to, a shirt (FIG. 5A), a pair of shorts or pants (FIG. 5B), or a pair of socks (FIG. 5C). The overlays122within the garments124may be strategically placed based on common pressure points or personalized pressure points for the particular patient. As seen inFIG. 6, the overlay122is seamlessly integrated into the garment124such that only a slight difference in thickness may be seen between the garment124and the overlay122. The overlay122may be integrated into the garment124by any method discussed above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2C.FIG. 6depicts one implementation of an overlay122within a garment124. The overlay122includes a plurality of stimulation segments126disposed between fabric layers128a,128bthat are sewn or otherwise attached to the garment124. Sensors134, such as those described above, may be incorporated into the overlay122, such as within one or more of the stimulation segments126.

FIGS. 7 and 8depicts another embodiment of an apparatus for preventing initiation and/or progression of decubitus ulcers or skin lesions that could otherwise develop into decubitus ulcers. A plurality of stimulation segments160may be incorporated directly into a mattress162or other surface such as a chair or a wheelchair seat. For example, the stimulation segments160may be attached to a lower side164of a top surface166of the mattress162. Sensors168may also be utilized as with any of the previous embodiments.

The stimulation segments24,124,160as disclosed herein are discrete or continuous elements that provide stimulation to a portion of a patient's body upon occurrence of a particular condition or event. The stimulation segments24,124,160may function through vibration, heat, cooling, chemicals, electrical signals, acoustic signals, or shockwave signals to stimulate and/or alert the patient to move to another position. If the stimulation segments24,124,160provide electrical signals, each of the segments may include an electrode or an array of electrodes. As discussed above, the electrodes may be distributed through the entire overlay or may be localized to areas of concern, such as the buttocks, side, or heels.

FIGS. 9 and 10depict devices for providing vibrational energy to the stimulation segments24,124,160. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, a single stimulation segment224is shown connected to devices for vibrating same, wherein each stimulation segment224in a particular overlay would include a similar device to impart vibrational energy thereto. InFIG. 9, a miniature electric motor226is connected via arms227or the like to the stimulation segment224. An eccentric weight228is connected via a shaft230to the motor226. When the motor226spins the weight228at a high speed such as between about 100 and about 150 rotations per minute, the asymmetric nature of the weight228causes a strong vibration, thus causing the stimulation segment224to vibrate. In an alternative arrangement, a gear is connected to the motor such that the motor causes the gear to rotate. A weight is mounted off-center on the gear such that rotation of the gear with the off-center weight thereon causes a strong vibration.

Referring toFIG. 10, a solenoid-type electric apparatus240is connected to the stimulation segment224by arms227or the like. A shaft242extending from the solenoid-type apparatus240mounts the apparatus240to the stimulation segment224. Quickly turning the electricity provided to a wire coil of the apparatus240on and off creates an electromagnetic field that causes the shaft242to oscillate, thereby causing vibrations in the stimulation segment224.

Although a single vibrational element is shown as vibrating a single stimulation segment inFIGS. 9 and 10, any number of vibrational elements may be utilized for a single stimulation segment or a single vibrational element may be utilized to vibrate multiple stimulation segments.

FIGS. 9 and 10depict just two devices that could be used for vibrating stimulation segments, while any known device or method for vibrating a small member may be utilized.

In a method of preventing decubitus ulcers, an overlay is placed onto a surface where a patient will reside if there is an increased chance that the patient will not be moving much or will be in one position for a long period of time. Sensors in the overlay monitor the patient's position and determine when the patient needs to be repositioned. When it is determined that the patient needs to be repositioned, one or more stimulation segments are activated to cause the patient to move themselves. Alternatively, one or more stimulation segments may be preprogrammed to be activated at intervals to ensure the patient moves at regular intervals. Any of the stimulation segments as disclosed herein may be utilized in such a method. In an alternative but similar method, the overlay is instead incorporated into a garment that the patient will wear.

In a method of treating or eliminating decubitus ulcers, an overlay is placed onto a surface where a patient has been residing and has developed decubitus ulcers. Thereafter, sensors in the overlay monitor the patient's position and determine when the patient needs to be repositioned. When the patient needs to be repositioned, one or more stimulation segments are activated to cause the patient to move themselves. Alternatively, one or more stimulation segments may be preprogrammed to be activated at intervals to ensure the patient moves at regular intervals or that the ulcers are stimulated at regular intervals. The stimulation might be applied specifically to the area of the patient's skin that is of concern, or more broadly, at another location that is targeted by the device but likely to cause the patient to re-position themselves. Any of the stimulation segments as disclosed herein may be utilized in such a method. In an alternative but similar method, the overlay is instead incorporated into a garment that the patient will wear.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The apparatuses and methods as described in detail herein may be used before or after decubitus ulcers have formed. In addition, although the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are described as being appropriate for the prevention and/or treatment of decubitus ulcers, such apparatuses and methods may also be employed for pain relief, healing of skin wounds, or other skin conditions.

Numerous modifications to the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments of the present application and to teach the best mode of carrying out same.