A DEVICE FOR PREVENTING PRESSURE SORES

Abstract: A device (1) for pressure sore prevention in a patient (P), comprising a flexible support surface (2) defined by a plurality of discrete support elements (3) which are spaced apart by means in the form of channels (4) for circulation of air adjacent the support surface (2). The device (1) comprises an integral foam plastic body having flame retardancy to B.S. 5852 Part 2 Ignition Source 5, the discrete support elements (3) being, where the device (1) is an elongate mattress-like device, substantially parallel elongate supports or slats each having a head (5) of approximately semi-elliptical cross-section as shown, the head (5) leading to a narrower stem or shank (6) which in turn merges with the body of foam. Each elongate support element (3) is separated from an adjacent one by an air channel (4) which is blind, the opening (7) of the channel to the surface (2) being narrower than a wider, blind part (8) of approximately elliptical cross-section and of narrower width than the adjacent shank (6) portions as shown, which blind part (8) extends laterally into the foam to undercut the heads (5) of the adjacent elements (3). All the corners are rounded to provide for smooth surfaces which flex readily without tending to destroy the foam.

Description: A DEVICE FOR PREVENTING PRESSURE SORES The invention relates to a device for pressure sore prevention in a patient. Pressure sores have a number of names, for example ischaemic ulcers, decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, or bed sores. Decubitus ulcers (or pressure sores) are caused by three main forces, namely pressure, friction and shear forces. A combination of one or more of these forces with other factors which predispose to the development of pressure sores greatly increases the risk of pressure sore development. Identification of those patients who are at risk, regular repo¬ sitioning of the patient, careful inspection and care of the skin, and the use of effective pressure re-distribution products has been shown to prevent between 75-80 percent of pressure sores from occurring. Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers generally develop when a mechan¬ ical pressure is exerted on tissues for prolonged periods. The local capillary systems are occluded, and the tissues are deprived of oxygen, minerals and nutrients. Therefore tissues which are already compromised in an ill patient, having pressures exerted at any of the numerous prominances or tuberosities, can very quickly necrose and develop into a decubitus ulcer, sometimes becoming so bad that they become life threatening. Statistics in the United Kingdom show that about 8% of patients in health care develop pressure sores. A further 8% admitted to Hospital care are at risk of developing pressure sores because of debilitating factors. The cost of treating a single patient with a single pressure sore has been shown to be around £27,000 at the present time. It is an object of the invention to seek to provide a device which is relatively inexpensive yet efficient in reducing the incidence of bed sores. According to the invention there is provided a device for pressure sore prevention in a patient, comprising a resilient main body portion with a plurality of substantially parallel elongated discrete support elements projecting from one side therefof, which support elements each comprise respective flat-topped head portions and respective shank portions of narrower width that the corresponding head portions and joining the head portions to the maind body portions, adjacent support elements being spaced apart by an elongate channel, each of which channels includes a relatively narrow part open between the head portions of the adjacent support members and a relatively wider blind part undercutting the head portions of the adjacent support elements and of smaller width than the shank portions thereof, the support elements defining and extending continuously over a substantially flat resilient support surface effective to maintain interface pressure between the surface and a patient resting thereon sufficiently low as to prevent capillary occlusion in the patient. Suitably the device may be integrally made from a plastic foam material. A device according to the invention thus comprises a body an upper (in use) part of which is formed by the discrete support elements which each comprise an elongate member having a head and a shank of less width than head. The head portion cf each support element may be of generally semi-elliptical cross-section. The relatively wider blind part of each channel may be of approx¬ imately elliptical cross-section. The discrete elements and channels may be formed by a knife. The body portion may be compressed before application of the knife. The device may be provided in combination with a cover. A device embodying the invention for pressure sore prevention in a patient is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevational view of part of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows schematically a view of a whole of a device in use; and Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of a support surface of Fig. 3 taken in the direction "X" of Fig. 3. Referring to the drawings there is shown a device 1 for pressure sore prevention in a patient P, comprising a flexible support surface 2 defined by a plurality of discrete support elements 3 which are spaced apart by means in the form of channels 4 for circulation of air adjacent the support surface 2. The device 1 comprises an integral foam plastic body having flame retardancy to B.S. 5852 Part 2 Ignition Source 5, the discrete sup¬ port elements 3 being, where the device 1 is an elongate mattress -like device, substantially parallel elongate supports or slats each having a head 5 of approximately semi-elliptical cross-secton as shown the head 5 leading to a narrower stem or shank 6 which in turn merges with the body of foam. Each elongate support element 3 is separated from an adjacent one by an air channel 4 which is blind, the opening 7 of the channel to the surface 2 being narrower than a wider, blind part 8 of approx¬ imately elliptical cross-section and of narrower width than the adjacent shank portions as shown, which blind part extends laterally into the foam to undercut the heads 5 of the adjacent elements 3. All the corners are rounded to provide for smooth surfaces which flex readily without tending to destroy the foam. In use, the device 1 is laid on a support such as a bed, whether in hospital or at home, or on a stretcher. When a patient P lies down on the device 1 the support surface 2 deforms to conform to, and fill and envelop body contours of the patient. This results in the support elements 3 giving equal thrust on a maximum body surface area of the patient P and so reducing interface pressure below that required for capillary occlusion in the patient, and thus in turn prevents the formation of pressure sores. The deformation of the support surface 2 is effected by the support elements flexing about their shanks 6 to close the openings 7 of the air channels 4 or at least reduce their lateral dimension to accommodate the movement of the elements. At the same time the air channels 4 are maintained unobstructed over the length of the device 1 over most of the surface area 2 of the device 1, even if one or two are temporarily closed by the weight of the patient. As the patient moves, channels closed at the surface open and others close. This ensures that air always flows freely through the channels 4, and any patient movement increases this air exchange through the system, keeping the patient cool (by dispersing heat) and dry, eliminating skin tissue maceration, and obviating pathogenic growth and cross infection. The device 1 acts to reduce the interface pressure between the patient and the device by providing equal thrust over the maximum body surface area, the pressure applied being dissipated at the weakest point, which is shown at "Y" in Fig. 2, this being the narrowest point between two adjacent air channels. The device 1 may be in the form of a cushion or exercise mat, and may be enclosed in a suitable covering for example a waterproof, low friction, anti-static cover.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for pressure sore prevention in a patient, comprising a resilient main body portion with a plurality of substantially parallel elongated discrete support elements projecting from one side therefof, which support elements each com¬ prise respective flat-topped head portions and respective shank portions of narrower width that the corresponding head portions and joining the head portions to the maind body portions, adjacent support elements being spaced apart by an elongate channel, each of which channels includes a relatively narrow part open between the head portions of the adjacent support members and a relatively wider blind part undercutting the head portions of the adjacent support elements and of smaller width than the shank portions thereof, the support elements defining and extending continuously over a substantially flat resilient support surface effective to maintain interface pressure between the surface and a patient resting thereon sufficiently low as to prevent capillary occlusion in the patient. 2. A device according to Claim 1, integrally made from a plastic oam material. 3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, the head portion of each support element being of generally semi-elliptical cross-section. 4. A device according to Claim 3, the relatively wider blind part of each channel being of approximately elliptical cross- section. 5. A device according to any preceding Claim, the corners of the head portions and boundaries of the shanks being rounded. 6. A device according to any preceding Claim, the discrete elements and channels being formed by a knife. 7. A device according to Claim 6, the body portion being compressed before application of the knife. 58. A device according to any preceding Claim, in combination with a cover.

Inventors: MEDLEY ANTHONY MICHAEL, MEDLEY, ANTHONY, MICHAEL
Applicants: MEDLEY ANTHONY MICHAEL, MEDLEY, ANTHONY, MICHAEL
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A47C27
IPC codes: A47C27