Wireless pressure ulcer alert methods and systems therefor
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12279884-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
Pressure monitoring methods and systems for warning a patient or caregiver that soft tissue pressure has exceeded some predetermined level that over time would necessitate moving the patient to prevent or at least reduce a risk of soft tissue damage. The methods and systems entail the use of a pressure sensing unit adapted to be applied to or near a surface of the patient's body, and a sensor associated with the sensing unit to generate electrical outputs corresponding to soft tissue pressure sensed at the surface. The electrical outputs are wirelessly monitored over a preselected time period to generate a cumulative output signal based on the electrical outputs and corresponding to whether or not the soft tissue pressure has exceeded a predetermined pressure level during the preselected time period. An alarm is generated if the cumulative output signal exceeds a predetermined cumulative threshold until the soft tissue pressure drops below the predetermined pressure level.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to wireless soft-tissue pressure monitoring for pressure ulcer prevention. A pressure sensing unit applies to a patient, and sensors produce electrical outputs that are monitored wirelessly over time, including generation of alarms when pressure monitoring criteria are met.
A counter algorithm is used in the wireless pressure monitoring, wherein the counter increases when pressure exceeds a threshold and decreases when pressure falls below the threshold at a slower rate. The monitoring generates an alarm when the cumulative counter value exceeds a set threshold until pressure is relieved, with alarm indication described as audible, visual, and/or vibration warnings.
In one aspect directed to a pressure sensing unit, a multi-layer carrier defines an aperture for sensor placement. The aperture is exposed by peeling back a releasable adhesive strip configured to overlie the aperture and to be reapplied over the aperture after peel back, with an additional layer overlying the listed components.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claim coverage includes three inventive features: a multi-layer carrier with an aperture and releasable adhesive strip, and a wireless pressure sensing unit with wireless electrical output signals.
Multi-layer carrier with embedded foam layers and aperture
A carrier comprising a plurality of layers comprising at least a first inner layer, at least a first interior layer, a first foam layer embedded between the first inner layer and the first interior layer, a second foam layer on the first interior layer such that the first interior layer is between the first and second foam layers, and a second interior layer on the second foam layer such that the second foam layer is between the first and second interior layers and the second interior layer is between the second foam layer and an adhesive strip; wherein the first inner layer and the first interior layer are formed of at least one dressing material; wherein an aperture within the carrier is defined by at least openings in the first foam layer, the first interior layer, and the second foam layer; and at least an additional layer overlying each of the first inner layer, the first interior layer, the first foam layer, the second foam layer, the second interior layer, and the adhesive strip.
Releasable adhesive strip over the aperture for peel back and reapplication
The adhesive strip is configured to releasably overlie the aperture, whereby the adhesive strip is configured and operable to peel back from over the aperture to expose the aperture and further allow for reapplication over the aperture.
Wireless pressure sensing unit with wireless electrical output from a pressure transducer secured via the releasable adhesive strip
A pressure-sensing unit that includes a carrier and an aperture-mounted wireless pressure sensor with pressure transducer(s), wherein an adhesive strip releasably secures the sensor over the aperture, can peel back to expose it, and can be reapplied to resecure it, and wherein the sensor wirelessly transmits an electrical output signal.
The inventive features center on a multi-layer dressing carrier with embedded foam layers forming an aperture, a releasable adhesive strip for peel back and reapplication over the aperture, and a wireless pressure sensing unit in which a wireless pressure sensor with pressure transducer(s) is secured over the aperture.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Wireless soft-tissue pressure monitoring for pressure ulcer prevention, including alarm generation based on pressure monitoring over time [procedural detail omitted for safety].
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