Systems and methods for controlling and monitoring inflatable perfusion enhancement apparatus for mitigating contact pressure
Inventors
Squitieri, Rafael Paolo • Deutsch, Robert Charles • Frazier, Steven Bruce • Loiacono, Robert • Seaman, Linda • Kelly, Erica
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12076952-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
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 disclosed invention relates to a pressure-mitigation apparatus disposed between a human body and a surface, where inflatable chambers are inflated to varying degrees to mitigate pressure. A controller includes a structural body with an egress interface fluidically coupled to the pressure-mitigation apparatus, a sensor arranged proximate to the egress interface, and a memory with instructions for regulating a flow of fluid provided by a pump to inflate the chambers in a controlled manner.
Based on an analysis of an output produced by the sensor, the controller determines that the pressure-mitigation apparatus is fluidically coupled to the egress interface. After determining fluidic coupling, the controller identifies a programmed pattern corresponding to the pressure-mitigation apparatus and causes the chambers to be inflated in accordance with the programmed pattern.
The programmed pattern is used to shift and relocate main contact pressure points across anatomical regions by varying inflation and deflation degrees among the selectively inflatable chambers. This operation is described as reducing sustained vascular compression and ischemia to reduce incidence of pressure injuries.
The disclosure further includes controller functions for sensing and identification based on characteristics of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, including detecting an RFID system electromagnetic field, detecting an electronic signature emitted by a beacon, and identifying a programmed pattern by counting magnets included in a connector.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim 1 covers a controller configured to identify a programmed pattern corresponding to a fluidically coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus and to inflate the chambers in accordance with that programmed pattern. The independent claim also establishes the core sensing and identification mechanism using a sensor output proximate to an egress interface, together with pump-based controlled inflation regulated by instructions stored in memory.
Fluidic-coupling identification proximate to the egress interface
Determine, based on an analysis of an output produced by the sensor, that the pressure-mitigation apparatus is fluidically coupled to the egress interface.
Programmed pattern identification corresponding to the pressure-mitigation apparatus
Identify a programmed pattern corresponding to the pressure-mitigation apparatus.
Inflation in varying degrees according to the programmed pattern
Cause the chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus to be inflated to varying degrees in accordance with the programmed pattern.
As provided, claim coverage is centered on the controller architecture that uses a sensor proximate to an egress interface to confirm fluidic coupling, identifies a programmed pattern corresponding to the coupled pressure-mitigation apparatus, and controls pump-driven inflation of the chambers to varying degrees according to that programmed pattern.
Stated Advantages
Reducing pressure-injury incidence by mitigating pressure and reducing sustained vascular compression and ischemia.
Documented Applications
Pressure-mitigation for a human body disposed between the pressure-mitigation apparatus and a surface, including shifting and relocating main contact pressure points across anatomical regions to avoid sustained vascular compression and ischemia and reduce pressure injuries.
Patient monitoring to infer patient movement and location from monitored chamber pressure data and to issue alerts and notifications or integrate data into an electronic health record.
Patient positioning and orientation using elevated side supports and regulated inflation cycles, with described embodiments for supine versus seated use.
Interested in licensing this patent?