Methods for controlling and monitoring inflatable perfusion enhancement apparatuses and associated systems
Inventors
Squitieri, Rafael Paolo • Deutsch, Robert Charles • Frazier, Steven Bruce • Loiacono, Robert • Seaman, Linda • Kelly, Erica
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11981099-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Introduced here are methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigating the contact pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object, such as a chair, bed, or table. A pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied. When placed between a patient and a contact surface, a controller can vary the contact pressure on the human body by controllably inflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof. By monitoring the pressure in each chamber over time, the controller can also gain an enhanced understanding of movement(s) performed by the human body when positioned on the pressure-mitigation apparatus.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to controlling an inflatable pressure-mitigation apparatus disposed between a human body and a surface to inhibit ischemia and pressure injuries. A controller selectively inflates and deflates multiple chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus to varying degrees over time, so that a point of contact pressure applied by the surface to the human body is shifted across time. The chamber pressure shifting is implemented through controlled operation of a plurality of valves that regulate fluid flow into different chambers.
To enable correct operation with different pressure-mitigation apparatus configurations, the controller determines that the pressure-mitigation apparatus is fluidically coupled to an egress interface based on an analysis of an output produced by a sensor proximate to the egress interface. The controller identifies, from among a plurality of programmable patterns, the programmable pattern associated with the coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus, and then inflates each chamber in accordance with the identified pattern. The controller can adjust the programmable pattern when connected apparatus has fewer chambers than a predetermined number and can include pressure offsets based on patient or support parameters.
The invention also includes monitoring and control architecture in which transducers generate signals based on pressure of corresponding chambers, and the controller generates signals for controlling piezoelectric valves that deliver air to discrete flow paths for corresponding chambers. The system forwards at least some sensed data to another processor within the controller for further examination. In addition, chamber pressure data can be used to infer or estimate movement conditions and patient characteristics, with alerting and remote reporting and electronic health record integration described.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three inventive features: sensor-based identification of a coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus, programmable pattern inflation that shifts contact pressure over time, and transducer-based piezoelectric valve control with data forwarding.
Sensor-based identification of coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus
Determining that the pressure-mitigation apparatus is fluidically coupled to an egress interface of the controller based on an analysis of an output produced by a sensor proximate to the egress interface, and identifying from among a plurality of programmable patterns a programmable pattern associated with the pressure-mitigation apparatus.
Programmable pattern inflation shifting contact pressure over time
Inflating each chamber of a plurality of chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus to varying degrees in accordance with the programmable pattern through controlled operation of a plurality of valves, each regulating fluid flow into a different chamber, thereby shifting a point of contact pressure applied by the surface to the human body over time.
Transducer-based piezoelectric valve control with data forwarding
Obtaining data representative of signals generated by a plurality of transducers based on pressure of corresponding chambers, generating signals for controlling a plurality of piezoelectric valves that deliver air to discrete flow paths for corresponding chambers, transmitting the signals to the piezoelectric valves to inflate the chambers to varying degrees, and forwarding at least some of the data to a second processor within the controller for further examination.
The claims are directed to identifying a fluidically coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus using proximate sensor output, selecting and applying an associated programmable pattern, and inflating multiple chambers via valve control so that contact pressure is shifted across a human body surface. The processor-based embodiment further includes transducer-based pressure sensing, piezoelectric valve control, and forwarding sensed data for further examination.
Stated Advantages
Inhibit ischemia and pressure injuries by shifting contact pressure through inflatable chamber control.
Documented Applications
Pressure-mitigation apparatus disposed between a human body and a surface, with programmable inflation to mitigate ischemia and pressure injuries.
Remote pressure monitoring and alerting/alarms based on chamber pressure data and inferred movement or patient conditions, including electronic health record integration.
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