EP0364249B1 - Unterstützungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Unterstützungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0364249B1
EP0364249B1 EP89310417A EP89310417A EP0364249B1 EP 0364249 B1 EP0364249 B1 EP 0364249B1 EP 89310417 A EP89310417 A EP 89310417A EP 89310417 A EP89310417 A EP 89310417A EP 0364249 B1 EP0364249 B1 EP 0364249B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cells
support system
layer
inflated
cell
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EP89310417A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0364249A2 (de
EP0364249A3 (en
Inventor
Richard Irwin Barnett
William Charles Knapp
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Micropulse Inc queen's University At Kingston
Original Assignee
DuPont Canada Inc
Queens University at Kingston
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Priority to AT89310417T priority Critical patent/ATE99157T1/de
Publication of EP0364249A2 publication Critical patent/EP0364249A2/de
Publication of EP0364249A3 publication Critical patent/EP0364249A3/en
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Publication of EP0364249B1 publication Critical patent/EP0364249B1/de
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/047—Beds for special sanitary purposes, e.g. for giving enemas, irrigations, flushings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
    • A61G7/05769—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers
    • A61G7/05776—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to support system and related devices particularly for use in the reduction of the breakdown of human skin, and especially to reduce the likelihood of formation of decubitus ulcers in persons who are confined to beds, wheelchairs or the like for periods of time or who otherwise are fully or partially immobilized.
  • support system includes mattresses, cushions, pads and other related support devices, including support systems that may be used for therapeutic or other purposes;
  • bottoming out refers to both collapse of a cell of a clinical support system such that the top portion of the cell comes into contact with the underlying or bottom portion of the cell under the influence of a weight e.g. the weight of a person, and to contact by a person with the underlying portion of the clinical support system between cells;
  • “human two point discrimination threshold” is measured on a person's back, being the minimum distance at which two objects may be distinguished by touch when the objects are placed on the skin, that distance being understood in the anatomy profession and being approximately 30 mm on a person's back.
  • Decubitus ulcers which are also referred to as pressure ulcers, pressure sores and bedsores, are a pervasive problem in the health care field, with high cost both in terms of individual human suffering and in the financial cost to society.
  • the incidence of decubitus ulcers in hospitalized patients ranges from about 3% to about 17% and may increase to the 20-30% range for hospitalized elderly patients (D. Norton et al, An Investigation of Geriatric Nursing Problems in Hospital, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh (1962)).
  • the incidence may be in the range of 30-60% of the patients (Richardson and Mayer, Gerontol. 19 235-247 (1981); Taylor, J. Gerontol. Nurs. 6 389-391 (1980)).
  • Decubitus ulcers are localized cellular necroses that tend to develop when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and a firm surface for prolonged periods of time. External pressure exerts its influence by occluding blood flow, leading to ischemic injury. With the interruption of blood flow and hence oxygen supply, a sequence of intracellular events occurs which proceeds to an irreversible stage if the blood flow is not restored. Ischemic injury results in cell death i.e. necrosis, and the accumulation of cell debris within the tissues.
  • decubitus ulcers The most crucial factors in the formation of decubitus ulcers are the intensity and duration of the pressure being applied, with the relationship between these factors generally believed to be a parabolic intensity-duration curve. If the patient remains immobile and in the same position for periods of time that are less than about two hours, the ischemia is reversible and generally no long term or irreversible damage is done to the soft tissues i.e skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscle, over bony prominences. However, if the period of immobility exceeds about two hours, decubitus ulcers begin to form, which is sometimes referred to as the formation of Stage 1 pressure sores. It is for this reason, in particular, that it is the policy of many hospitals and institutions to position patients about every two hours. However, this practice is not totally effective. In addition, there is a trend towards the care of patients in the home, rather than in a hospital, and in such circumstances nursing care may not be available for twenty four hours/day.
  • extrinsic and intrinsic factors are considered to act to reduce tissue tolerance to pressure.
  • Extrinsic factors that exert influence on soft tissue include shear friction, moisture and temperature.
  • Intrinsic factors that determine the susceptibility of tissue to breakdown include sensory loss, impaired mobility, advanced age, malnutrition, vascular disease, anemia, incontinence and infection.
  • GB-A-2149655 there are disclosed arrays of tubes of diameter 2-10cm i.e. a spacing of 4-20cm if alternate tubes were inflated and deflated.
  • the purpose of that invention is to provide for surface aeration by leakage from the tubes.
  • US-A-3394415 is taken to be the closest prior art, in that it shows a support system comprising a plurality of separate cells of selected size and shape in a monolayer; said cells being formed of flexible material which is sufficiently impermeable to a fluid in said cells so that each cell may alternately with respect to an adjacent cell be repeatedly inflated and deflated.
  • said cells are of a shape and size such that a weight of 2.5 kg and having a spherical surface with a diameter of 2.67 cm placed on the support system will not cause bottoming out of the support system.
  • the present invention also provides a support system as defined, together with means to inflate and deflate the cells.
  • the cells are capable of being inflated and deflated independently.
  • the means to inflate the cells is a compressor or is a liquid that is capable of being vaporized to inflate the cells, especially vaporized by use of electrical heating elements or thermoelectric means.
  • the liquid may be one or more fluorocarbons, or one or more liquids of the type being developed to replace fluorocarbons and liquids having a boiling point in the range of 10-40°C, especially 20-34°C.
  • each cell is of a geometry that precludes complete collapse of the cell when deflated.
  • the system of present invention may additionally have a layer of cushioning material; and a layer of material having a high coefficient of friction.
  • a fabric layer is located above the layer of cells, said fabric layer being between a moisture absorption layer and the layer of cells.
  • the moisture absorption layer is preferably a microporous film layer, preferably a disposable layer.
  • FIG. 1 a single row of cells 1 is shown; the outer surface of cells 1 and substrate 2 being of flexible material with the sheets forming the outer and base surfaces of the cells. Cells 1 are separated by spaces 3 that are substantially smaller than the distance, d, between the centres of the cells, as indicated by 4.
  • the cells 1 are shown as being elongated, but it is to be understood that the cells may be of any convenient shape; nonetheless the cells should be of a size and shape that precludes "bottoming out” i.e. precludes collapse of the cell such that the top portion of the cell comes into contact with the bottom portion of the cell under the influence of a weight e.g. the weight of a patient.
  • An example of a cell is shown as a computer simulated drawing in Figure 4.
  • the cells 1 would be associated with means to inflate and deflate the cells in a controlled manner.
  • the cells may be formed with single or multiple compartments including foams, provided always that they are inflatable and deflatable.
  • the cells 1 of Figure 1 are capable of being inflated and deflated separately, as is shown in Figure 2.
  • inflated cells 11 are separated by a deflated cell 12.
  • the distance between the centres of the inflated cells is less than the human two point discrimination threshold, and thus a person lying on the cells is unable to distinguish by touch that alternate cells are inflated and deflated.
  • the patient is generally unable to sense deflation of cells 11 and inflation of cells 12.
  • a mattress system shown generally as 20, is comprised of a closed cell layer 21 on top of a heating element layer 22, a fibre layer 23 and a high friction layer 24.
  • a fabric layer 25 On top of the closed cell layer 21 are a fabric layer 25 and an outer microporous layer 26.
  • the closed cell layer 21 has a plurality of cells 27 which may be of the type shown in Figure 1.
  • the cells 27 are shown as being elongated and being aligned in both the axial direction of the cells and in the transverse direction. However, the cells could be of alternate shapes and/or be in a more random pattern.
  • the cells are referred to herein as being “separate cells”; it is to be understood however that even though the cells have the physical appearance of being separate cells, any one cell may be interconnected with one or more other cells for purposes of inflation and deflation of the cells.
  • Cells 27 are capable of being inflated and deflated.
  • a variety of means may be used to inflate and deflate the cells.
  • the cells may be attached by means of tubing to a system that will alternately supply a compressed gas e.g. compressed air, at a pressure that is sufficient to inflate cells 27 when in use, and subsequently apply a vacuum to cells 27 to the extent necessary to deflate cells 27.
  • the amount of vacuum applied may be small i.e. just sufficient to deflate the cells 27 to the extent that cells 27 no longer would support a patient on the mattress system 20.
  • Compressors to supply the compressed air tend to be noisy and, alternatively, the supply of compressed gas could be from a source that is remote from the area of use of the mattress system e.g. from a compressor or other source of compressed gas at a remote location.
  • the alternating pressure in the cells could be applied by hydraulic means on a liquid in the cell. Examples of such liquids include water and silicone oils.
  • a preferred method of inflating and deflating the cells 27 is to incorporate a liquid into the cells.
  • the liquid is heated, especially by thermoelectric means, to cause vapour to form and thereby inflate the cells 27; such heating may increase the temperature of the liquid above its boiling point but it may not be necessary to do so, provided that sufficient pressure is generated to inflate the cells 27.
  • the pressure in cells 27 decreases, and the cells deflate.
  • the liquid must be selected so that sufficient vapour may be generated to cause the cells to inflate while at the same time remaining at a desired or preselected temperature.
  • the liquid may have to be selected for a particular end-use location. For instance, in some locations the ambient temperature around the patient may be as low as about 18°C whereas in other locations the ambient temperature may reach as high as about 40°C.
  • the liquid placed in the cells 27 is preferably inert, non-toxic and non-flammable, and not of concern to health authorities with respect to both the patients and persons e.g. doctors and nurses, who tend the patients.
  • the cells 27 need to be constructed from a material that has adequate barrier properties to the liquid, so that a supply of liquid may be retained in the cells for at least the anticipated period of use of the mattress system; such material is referred to herein as being impermeable.
  • the material may be a multilayered structure, including a coated structure, in order to obtain an acceptable level of impermeability. It is to be understood that the anticipated periods of of a clinical support could be six months or as long as two years.
  • liquids incorporated into cells include fluorocarbons, especially mixtures of chlorofluorocarbons that exhibit changes of vapour pressure over the temperature range used in inflation and deflation of the cells 27, and fluids of the type being developed to replace chlorofluorocarbons for environmental reasons e.g hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
  • Fluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons are available from Du Pont Canada Inc. under the trademark Freon, examples of which are sold under the trade designations 114 (bp.3.8°C), 113 (bp.47.6°C), 22 (bp.41°C), 11 (bp.23.8°C), 123 and 141B.
  • the boiling point of the liquid should be in the range of 0-50°C, preferably 10-40°C. Liquids with the lower boiling points of that range could be used for cooling purposes e.g. of limbs or other parts of the body. In certain embodiments, the liquid has a boiling point in a comfortable range for a patient but below the normal human perspiration threshold, especially in the range of 20-34°C.
  • Heating and cooling layer (thermoelectric layer) 22 located underneath closed cell layer 21 has heating and cooling means 28 and 29 that may be used to vaporize or condense the liquid. While reference is made herein to a heating and cooling layer, it is to be understood that in some embodiments the layer may be singularly a heating or cooling layer.
  • Heating and cooling means 28 and 29 are separate electrical circuits and are associated with adjacent cells 27, heating and cooling means 28 being used to heat and cool one cell and heating and cooling means 29 being used to heat and cool the adjacent cell.
  • One of heating and cooling means 28 and 29 would normally be associated with each cell so that the inflating and deflating of the cell may be readily controlled. Only two heating and cooling means 28 and 29 might be used to control the entire mattress system or a variety of heating and coolng means could be used to control different parts of the mattress system in a different manner, for example using a microprocessor. It is preferred that the heating and cooling means operate on a low non-hazardous voltage i.e. a voltage substantially lower than that normally used for heating and cooling appliances.
  • the flexible material must be sufficiently impermeable to permit use of the clinical support system for the anticipated periods of use.
  • the nature of the flexible material to meet such impermeability requirements will depend, in particular, on the fluid contained in the cells of the clinical support system.
  • flexible materials suitable for use with an inert gaseous fluid e.g. a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, may not be suitable for use if water is used as the fluid, and vice versa, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
  • the flexible material is preferably a polymeric material and in particular will be a laminated, heat bonded or coated polymeric material.
  • the flexible material is a thermoplastic polymer that has been laminated or coated with a polymeric material that exhibits barrier properties to the liquid to be contained in the cells of the clinical support system.
  • the polymeric material is a linear low density polyethylene that has been coated with or laminated to polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).
  • PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • the flexible material may be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, polyamide, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymers, polyurethane, ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers. copolyetherester polymers, silicon rubber, butyl rubber and natural rubber, coated if necessary to obtain the required barrier properties.
  • the closed cell layer 21 and the thermoelectric layer 22 are shown in Figure 3 as being located on a layer of fibre 23.
  • Layer 23 is intended to provide cushioning to and good pressure distribution on the mattress system and thereby provide greater comfort to the patient.
  • Layer 23 may be formed from a wide variety of fibres or foam materials, including synthetic fibres e.g. polyamide, polyester and/or polypropylene, natural fibres e.g. cotton, cellulosic or wool fibres including sheep skins and the like. In most instances, the fibre layer will be formed from synthetic fibre that has been sufficiently bulked to provide cushioning effects.
  • An example of a preferred fibre is Quallofil® polyester fibre that is used in the manufacture of pillows.
  • layer 23 may be an air mattress.
  • the fibre layer 23 is shown as being located on friction layer 24.
  • the friction layer is provided for stability and safety of the patient, especially to prevent the mattress system from sliding off the bed or other structure on which it may be used.
  • a variety of friction layer materials are known, including foamed thermoplastic polymers e.g. polystyrene, woven textile structures, Velcro® materials and the like.
  • the mattress system shown in Figure 3 has two layers superimposed on the closed cell layer.
  • the layer shown immediately adjacent to the closed cell layer is a fabric layer, 25, which is primarily intended as a cover sheet or a sheet enclosing the mattress system of the invention, to retain the integrity of the mattress system and for aesthetic reasons, as well as for reasons of cleanliness and sterility to prevent infections.
  • the outer layer shown is a microporous layer, 26, which is primarily intended for comfort of the patient. In particular, the microporous layer 26 permits perspiration or other moisture associated with the patient to be removed from the location of the patient, and improve the comfort of the patient.
  • the microporous layer is intended to be a disposable layer.
  • the fabric layer 25 and microporous layer 26 must be of a thickness and formed from materials such that the beneficial effects of the operation of the closed cell layer 22 are not negated.
  • the outer layer could be a non-stick layer, especially such a layer that would be used with burn patients or in some therapeutic end-uses.
  • a patient is placed on the mattress system, in contact with the microporous layer, or a sheet or similar layer over the microporous layer.
  • the mattress system be constructed such that the cells are aligned obliquely to the axis of the patient body, and in embodiments aligned transversely to the body.
  • the cells of the closed cell layer are then alternately inflated and deflated e.g. by applying heat using the heating element layer, and then allowing the liquid to cool or actively cooling the liquid.
  • the cycle of inflation and deflation may be varied, from one minute to in excess of one hour.
  • the cycle should however be more frequent than once every two hours. Different cycles could be used for different areas of the body e.g. those areas where the body exerts greater pressure could be on a shorter cycle than areas where less pressure is exerted, or different cycles could be used for therapeutic or other reasons; it is to be expected that there will be different optimal cycle times depending on the intended use of a mattress system or clinical support system.
  • cycle time for inflation and deflation of the cells actually includes the period of time required for transfer of fluid out of or into a cell in order to actually effect the deflation and inflation of the cell, or for condensation or vapourization of fluid wholly contained within a cell, as well as the period of time during which the cell is inflated or deflated.
  • a period for transfer of fluid is finite and may be minutes in length.
  • the beneficial effects of deflation of a cell especially restoration of normal microcirculation in the layers of the skin adjacent the deflated cell, are primarily limited to the period of time when the cell is not supporting a patient, which may be significantly shorter than the cycle time.
  • the period of time for transfer of fluid in relation to the cycle time becomes more important at short cycle times, and may need to be considered in the operation of systems of the invention.
  • the inflation and deflation of cells is generally described herein in the sense that as one cell is inflated, an adjacent cell is deflated. It is to be understood that such inflation and deflation may occur simultaneously or in sequence, the latter involving inflation of a cell followed by deflation of an adjacent cell.
  • the inflation and deflation may be carried out in the manner of a wave passing across the clinical support system, including according to a peristaltic cycle; in some instances a patient may have a sensation of such wave or peristaltic action but the action may have e.g. beneficial therapeutic effects and could be used for that or other reasons.
  • a cell that is inflated would be surrounded by cells that are deflated, and vice versa, or a row of cells may be inflated and the immediately adjacent row of cells deflated, or other configurations of inflated and deflated cells may be used provided that the arrangement of inflated and deflated cells is capable of supporting a patient, as described herein.
  • the mattress system of the present invention provides alternating support for a patient in a manner that the patient has little or no sensation of the alternating support being provided by the mattress system i.e. parts of the patients body are alternately being supported and not supported with the patient having little or no sensation of movement in the bed on which they are lying. Any such sensation could be very disconcerting to the patient.
  • the spacing, in at least one direction, of the inflated cells at distances that are less than the human two point discrimination threshold substantially eliminates or overcomes any sensation and permits the mattress system to perform its intended function.
  • the pressure exerted on the patient's body juxtaposed to a deflated cell is less than the human internal capillary threshold e.g.
  • Capillary pressure threshold e.g. the surface pressure above which capillaries can be expected to collapse, is about 20-32 mm Hg, depending on the patient and the area of the patient in contact with the mattress system.
  • the clinical support system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out either of or between the inflated cells.
  • the human body is simulated by a spherical surface.
  • the following procedure may be used to determine whether a clinical support system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out: the procedure uses a jig having a head with a spherical surface having a diameter of 2.67 cm, the head having an actual diameter of 7.5 cm.
  • the jig also has a rod axially attached to the head on the side opposite the spherical surface, the rod being adapted to receive weights.
  • the jig is placed on a surface of cells such that the jig is centrally located over a deflated cell and supported by two adjacent inflated cells. Weights having an axial hole are then added to the jig, using the rod, until the surface of the jig contacts the bottom surface of the deflated cell; at such time, the total weight of the jig should be at least 2.5 kg. Under such circumstances, the cells of the clinical support system would be of a shape and size such that a weight of 2.5 kg and having a spherical surface with a diameter of 2.67 cm placed on the clinical support system would not cause bottoming out of the clinical support system.
  • FIG 9A a portion of a human torso, generally indicated by 40, is shown on a mattress or cushion system 41 having large inflatable cells 42, only one of which is shown in cross-section.
  • the inflatable cell 42 is shown as having bottomed out at area 43, which is the region of the cell directly under the ischium 44 of the torso 45, with the gas in the inflated cell 42 being shown as having been forced away from the area 43 at which the cell has bottomed out, in the direction of the arrows 45.
  • FIG 9B the torso 40 is shown on a mattress system of the present invention.
  • the mattress system is comprised of a monocellular layer 46 of cells, which are shown as being alternately inflated cells 47 and deflated cells 48.
  • the layer of cells is attached to a flexible thermoelectric layer 49.
  • Flexible thermoelectric layer 49 has located therein a series of heating and cooling circuits 50, each circuit 50 being located under either an inflated cell 47 or a deflated cell 48; in the embodiment shown, the heating and cooling circuits 50 under an inflated cell 47 are heating the gas in the cell whereas the heating and cooling circuits 50 under a deflated cell 48 are cooling the vapour in the cell.
  • the flexible layer 49 is shown as being located on a fibre layer 51.
  • the torso is resting on the inflated cells 47 and is not bottoming out and touching the surface of the deflated cells 48.
  • the torso located above the deflated cells 48 has no pressure exerted on it.
  • Activation of the heating circuits below the deflated cells 48 and activation of the cooling circuits underneath the inflated cells 47 will cause a reversal, such that the portion of the torso now shown as in contact with the inflated cells will become out of contact with the cells, and vice versa.
  • the mattress systems of the present invention function below both the capillary pressure threshold and the two point discrimination threshold, thereby providing the patient with the benefits of enhanced circulation of blood and a reduced tendency for formation of decubitus ulcers and at the same time provide the patient with comfort.
  • the mattress system is easy to use, especially when a liquid capable of under going a phase change is used to provide inflation and deflation of the cells, may be readily cleaned and may be operated in a quiet manner.
  • the mattress system could be operated by a microprocessor and be portable i.e. it is adaptable to portable use e.g. on wheelchairs and other portable systems, including for limbs and other parts of the body, which offers the patient the possibility of being mobile.
  • the liquid in the cells could be cooled, to permit cooling all or part of a person's body e.g. as a cooling wrap for use in surgery or for therapeutic reasons.
  • support systems of the invention have been generally described herein with reference to medical uses i.e. as mattress systems, it is to be understood that the support systems may be used in a variety of forms and for a wide variety of end uses; in many such end uses, the systems would be more commonly referred to by other names, including support systems, seats, chairs and the like.
  • systems described herein may be used in the health care, transportation and recreation businesses, examples of which include aircraft, automobile, office, home, truck and other seating.
  • Holes of circular cross-section and differing in diameter were cut in a series of metal plates of different thicknesses.
  • the diameters of the holes were as follows: 31.5 mm, 39.0 mm, 45.0 mm and 51.3mm.
  • the plates were of thicknesses of 4.2 mm, 5.4 mm, 6.6 mm and 7.8 mm.
  • the ischial prominence of a human was placed, in turn, over each of the holes; the human was a healthy male aged 46, height 173 cm, weighing approximately 84 kg and of average build.
  • a pressure sensing device was placed in or on the opposite side of the hole, such that the desired excursion was obtained.
  • the sensing device was on a wooden surface so that the pressure, if any, exerted by the human on the device i.e. at the plane of the opposite side of the hole, could be measured.
  • cell dimensions that would support a human body in a variety of positions were determined e.g. ischium in the sitting position, greater trochanter lying in the side position, and the sacrum and scapula in the supine position.
  • Example II was repeated, using the holes aligned in the transverse direction. The results obtained are shown in Figure 7.
  • Example II show that where the long axis of the holes was aligned in the anterior/posterior direction, only short cell lengths of 20-36 mm at widths of 18-34 mm gave pressures of less than the capillary pressure threshold. In contrast, the results of Example III show that much longer cells could be tolerated.
  • the pressure exerted by a male lying in the supine position on a mattress of the type used in hospitals and on a synthetic fibre layer that was on the mattress was measured at a plurality of positions on both the mattress and the layer in order to illustrate the pressure profile of a patient.
  • thermographic camera The recovery to the normal (pretest) skin temperature of a person's buttocks following various periods of time in a sitting position was monitored using a thermographic camera.
  • the person was a healthy male aged 46, height 173 cm, weighing approximately 84 kg and of average build.
  • results show that the recovery time increased exponentially with the length of the period of sitting. Moreover, the results show that recovery from sitting on a mattress system of the present invention for 30 minutes is almost as rapid as from sitting on the soft cushion for 5 minutes and significantly better than from sitting on the cushion for 7 minutes; it will be noted that the regression lines through the data for cushions at 3 and 5 minutes and for the mattress system of the invention tend to converge at about six minutes, whereas the regression lines for data with cushions at longer periods of time indicate a substantially longer period for recovery.
  • the time of recovery to normal blood circulation in the pressure relief phase over deflated cells in a mattress system of the present invention should be matched with the pressure duration phase over inflated cells.
  • the results show that a suitable cycle frequency of a mattress system of the present invention for use by the person described above in the sitting position would be approximately 10 minutes.
  • the recovery of skin temperature of a person's sacral region following two hours in the supine position was monitored with infra red thermography.
  • the person was a healthy male aged 46, height 173 cm, weight approximately 84 kg and of average build.
  • the person was placed in the supine position on a standard hospital bed or on a mattress system of the present invention operating on a ten minute cycle time. Following a period of two hours on the bed or mattress, the person was repositioned on his right side for immediate monitoring of the sacral region using the thermographic camera of Example V.
  • the average temperature change with time relative to control temperature for the person was measured. The results obtained are shown in Figure 11.
  • the thermal response following the two hour period on the hospital bed indicates an erythema paratrimma, as shown by the persistent elevation in temperature relative to the control.
  • Erythema paratrimma is characterized by an immediate skin reddening and temperature elevation following a period of stasis over a pressure point.
  • the thermal response approached normal temperature after 15 minutes without inducing erythema paratrimma.

Claims (22)

  1. Stützsystem, das eine Vielzahl von getrennten Zellen mit ausgewählter Größe und Gestalt in einer Monolage umfaßt, wobei die genannten Zellen aus einem flexiblen Material gebildet sind,
    wobei das genannte Material ausreichend undurchlässig für ein Fluid ist, das in den genannten Zellen enthalten ist, sodaß jede Zelle (27) abwechselnd bezogen auf eine benachbarte Zelle wiederholt im Volumen vergrößert und verringert werden kann (11,12), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß (i) die genannten Zellen eine Größe und Gestalt haben und einen solchen Abstand (d) zwischen den Zellen aufweisen, daß zumindest in entweder der Breite oder der Länge des genannten Stützsystems der Abstand zwischen Mittelpunkten benachbarter volumsvergrößerter Zellen geringer als die menschliche Zweipunktunterscheidungsschwelle ist,
    (ii) eine volumsverringerte Zelle, wenn das genannte Stützsystem einen menschlichen Körper abstützt, einen Druck auf den Körper ausübt, der geringer als die menschliche innere Kapillarschwelle ist und
    (iii) das genannte Stützsystem fähig ist, einen menschlichen Körper abzustützen, ohne entweder an oder zwischen den genannten volumsvergrößerten Zellen flachgedrückt zu werden.
  2. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 1, bei dem die Zellen eine solche Gestalt und Größe haben, daß ein auf das Stützsystem gelegtes Gewicht von 2,5 kg mit einer kugelförmigen Oberfläche mit einem Durchmesser von 2,67 cm kein Flachdrücken des Stützsystems bewirkt.
  3. Stützsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, bei dem Zellen (11,12) unabhängig voneinander im Volumen vergrößert und verringert werden können.
  4. Stützsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, bei dem das Fluid ein Fluorkohlenstoff oder eine Mischung aus Fluorkohlenstoffen ist.
  5. Stützsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, bei dem das Fluid ein umweltverträglicher Ersatz für einen Fluorkohlenstoff ist.
  6. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, worin das Fluid einen Siedepunkt im Bereich von 10-40°C aufweist.
  7. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das weiters Mittel zur Volumserhöhung und Volumsverringerung der Zellen umfaßt.
  8. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 7, bei dem die Mittel zur Volumserhöhung und Volumsverringerung der Zellen Erwärmungs- und Abkühlungsmittel sind.
  9. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem das Fluid ein Gas ist.
  10. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 8, bei dem das Mittel zur Volumserhöhung der Zellen ein Kompressor ist.
  11. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 9, bei dem das Mittel zur Volumserhöhung und Volumsverringerung der Zellen eine hydraulische Einrichtung ist.
  12. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 5, das elektrische Heizmittel oder thermoelektrische Mittel umfaßt und bei dem das Fluid eine Flüssigkeit ist, die so angepaßt ist, daß sie durch solche elektrischen Heizmittel oder thermoelektrischen Mittel verdampft wird.
  13. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem jede Zelle eine Geometrie aufweist, die das völlige Zusammenfallen der Zellen im volumsverringerten Zustand verhindert.
  14. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Zellen so ausgebildet sind, daß sie über eine Zykluszeit von weniger als zwei Stunden volumserhöht und volumsverringert werden.
  15. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Zellen in einer simulierten Wellenbewegung über das Stützsystem hinweg im Volumen vergrößert und verringert werden.
  16. Stützsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, bei dem die Zellen in einer simulierten peristaltischen Bewegung über das Stützsystem hinweg im Volumen vergrößert und verringert werden.
  17. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Abstand zwischen benachbarten volumsvergrößerten Zellen geringer als 30 mm ist.
  18. Stützsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das weiters eine Schicht aus Polstermaterial umfaßt; sowie eine Schicht aus Material mit hohem Reibungskoeffizienten.
  19. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 18, bei dem eine Gewebeschicht über der Zellenschicht angeordnet ist, wobei sich die genannte Gewebeschicht zwischen letzterer und einer Feuchtigkeitsabsorptionsschicht befindet.
  20. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 19, bei dem die Gewebeschicht eine abnehmbare Gewebeschicht ist.
  21. Stützsystem nach Anspruch 19 oder 20, bei dem die Feuchtigkeitsabsorptionsschicht eine Schicht aus mikroporösem Film ist.
  22. Stützsytem nach Anspruch 19, 20 oder 21, bei dem die Feuchtigkeitsabsorptionsschicht eine Wegwerfschicht ist.
EP89310417A 1988-10-14 1989-10-11 Unterstützungsvorrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP0364249B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89310417T ATE99157T1 (de) 1988-10-14 1989-10-11 Unterstuetzungsvorrichtung.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8824174 1988-10-14
GB888824174A GB8824174D0 (en) 1988-10-14 1988-10-14 Support system for reducing formation of decubitus ulcers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0364249A2 EP0364249A2 (de) 1990-04-18
EP0364249A3 EP0364249A3 (en) 1990-09-26
EP0364249B1 true EP0364249B1 (de) 1993-12-29

Family

ID=10645234

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89310417A Expired - Lifetime EP0364249B1 (de) 1988-10-14 1989-10-11 Unterstützungsvorrichtung

Country Status (13)

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EP (1) EP0364249B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2806992B2 (de)
KR (1) KR0145083B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE99157T1 (de)
AU (1) AU618847B2 (de)
DE (1) DE68911840T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2049825T3 (de)
FI (1) FI89868C (de)
GB (1) GB8824174D0 (de)
HK (1) HK1006409A1 (de)
MX (1) MX172570B (de)
NO (1) NO174872C (de)
NZ (1) NZ230995A (de)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010078039A3 (en) * 2008-12-17 2010-09-30 Stryker Corporation Patient support

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ATE305287T1 (de) 2001-08-07 2005-10-15 Marinko Lovrinovic Kissen zur lagerung von patienten
DE10210652B4 (de) * 2002-03-11 2005-02-10 Lozano-Saavedra, Jeremias, Dr.med. Universell anatomische Lagerungskissen
KR100844587B1 (ko) * 2007-06-01 2008-07-10 주식회사 영원메디칼 히터부를 구비한 에어매트리스
DE102007049841A1 (de) 2007-10-18 2009-04-23 Peter Trost Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Lufkammersystems, insbesondere einer Liegeunterlage für die Dekubitus-Prophylaxe, und Luftkammersystem
US9820904B2 (en) 2011-07-13 2017-11-21 Stryker Corporation Patient/invalid handling support
KR101326289B1 (ko) * 2011-12-13 2013-11-11 주식회사 영원메디칼 욕창방지용 매트리스
KR102156516B1 (ko) * 2020-05-20 2020-09-15 주식회사 월드케어 복합소재가 내장된 욕창 방지 패드
IT202100009203A1 (it) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-13 Humanfactorx S R L Start Up Costituita A Norma Dellart 4C Legge 24 Gennaio 15 Imbottito

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US3394415A (en) * 1966-04-06 1968-07-30 Buster A. Parker Pressure pad with independent cells
US3674019A (en) * 1970-10-23 1972-07-04 Grant Airmass Corp Dual layer cellular inflatable pad
JPS6040296B2 (ja) * 1980-08-01 1985-09-10 アメリカン・ホスピタル・サプライ・コ−ポレ−シヨン パツド組体
JPS6080452A (ja) * 1983-10-11 1985-05-08 株式会社精研 空気マツト装置
JPS6136624U (ja) * 1984-08-03 1986-03-06 株式会社クラレ 治療用マツト
JPS61276557A (ja) * 1985-05-30 1986-12-06 株式会社　新素材総合研究所 床ずれ防止用マツト
IT1203852B (it) * 1987-04-03 1989-02-23 Claudio Zarotti Struttura di poltrona, divano e simili
DE3716263A1 (de) * 1987-05-15 1988-11-24 Edgar Dipl Ing Zahoransky Antidekubitusunterlage
US4803744A (en) * 1987-05-19 1989-02-14 Hill-Rom Company, Inc. Inflatable bed

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010078039A3 (en) * 2008-12-17 2010-09-30 Stryker Corporation Patient support
WO2010078047A3 (en) * 2008-12-17 2010-11-11 Stryker Corporation Patient support
US8910334B2 (en) 2008-12-17 2014-12-16 Stryker Corporation Patient support

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX172570B (es) 1994-01-03
KR0145083B1 (ko) 1998-07-01
EP0364249A2 (de) 1990-04-18
AU618847B2 (en) 1992-01-09
NO894087D0 (no) 1989-10-12
DE68911840T2 (de) 1994-05-26
HK1006409A1 (en) 1999-02-26
KR900005946A (ko) 1990-05-07
FI89868C (fi) 1993-12-10
JPH02198553A (ja) 1990-08-07
JP2806992B2 (ja) 1998-09-30
EP0364249A3 (en) 1990-09-26
ES2049825T3 (es) 1994-05-01
NO174872B (no) 1994-04-18
AU4282789A (en) 1990-04-26
FI894857A0 (fi) 1989-10-13
NO894087L (no) 1990-04-17
FI89868B (fi) 1993-08-31
NO174872C (no) 1994-08-17
ATE99157T1 (de) 1994-01-15
NZ230995A (en) 1992-01-29
GB8824174D0 (en) 1988-11-23
DE68911840D1 (de) 1994-02-10

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