EP3337436A1 - System and process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers - Google Patents

System and process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers

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Publication number
EP3337436A1
EP3337436A1 EP15759692.5A EP15759692A EP3337436A1 EP 3337436 A1 EP3337436 A1 EP 3337436A1 EP 15759692 A EP15759692 A EP 15759692A EP 3337436 A1 EP3337436 A1 EP 3337436A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
stays
user
temperature
bioimpedance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15759692.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
José LAPARRA HERNÁNDEZ
Enrique Medina Ripoll
Mart SOODLA
Henrik GRAUSLUND
Juan GIMÉNEZ PLA
Ricard BARBERÁ GULLEM
Juan Vicente DURÁ GIL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qimova AS
Original Assignee
Qimova AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qimova AS filed Critical Qimova AS
Publication of EP3337436A1 publication Critical patent/EP3337436A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/01—Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A61B5/0531—Measuring skin impedance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A61B5/0537—Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/1036—Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
    • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
    • A61B5/447—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis specially adapted for aiding the prevention of ulcer or pressure sore development, i.e. before the ulcer or sore has developed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6892—Mats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6894—Wheel chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7271—Specific aspects of physiological measurement analysis
    • A61B5/7275—Determining trends in physiological measurement data; Predicting development of a medical condition based on physiological measurements, e.g. determining a risk factor
    • 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
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
    • 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
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
    • A61G5/1045—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs for the seat portion
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/30—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
    • 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
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
    • 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
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
    • A61G2203/34—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for pressure
    • 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
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
    • A61G2203/46—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for temperature
    • 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

Definitions

  • the object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers which comprises, in addition to pressure sensors distributed across the user' s bearing surface, respective sensing means that measure
  • Another object of the present application is to provide a process for controlling the risks of
  • patent document WO 2007106040 published on September 20, 2007, discloses a monitoring device for reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, which comprises a series of pressure sensors distributed across the user's seating surface, wherein the seating pressure, as well as its duration, are continuously monitored for each measurement point. If the pressure in any of the measurement points is sufficiently high to cause a decrease in the user' s blood flow, an alarm will be triggered before said lack of flow starts causing lesions to the user. Once the alarm is triggered, the user must change his seating position, relieving the overloaded area for enough time to allow the blood to flow again through the veins in said area, said relief time also being monitored by the device. Likewise, the alarm indicates where and when the pressure overload is about to take place and stops temporarily once the pressure is relieved. Not only is the user warned, but it is also possible to warn his caregivers e.g. if the user has not changed his position.
  • a control system for pressure ulcer prevention is known from patent document US 2011245732, published on June 6, 2011.
  • the system includes a number of force sensors positioned at different locations in relation to the contact surface, and a controller which receives the pressure values measured by each force sensor.
  • the controller is configured to compare one or more first values associated with a first subset of force sensors with one or more second values associated with a second subset of force sensors, and to determine, from the comparison, whether a threshold between said one or more first values and said one or more second values have been exceeded, and to control, on the basis of the determination, an indicator to provide the user with an indication.
  • electrostimulating lingual device for conveying the aforementioned motion instructions to the person; and actuators, which can be driven by the person in the seated or laid-down position, which regulate the motion of said person.
  • the previously discussed solutions have a drawback in that they only take into account the increase in pressure in the area at risk as an indicator for determining the presence of the risk of appearance of pressure ulcers, on the basis of the comparison of said experienced pressure increase with a threshold which is supposedly valid for all users.
  • the actual state of the tissue of the area at risk of the user' s body is not taken into consideration, which may mean that, for a given user, there might be risks of appearance of pressure ulcers before the preset
  • the present invention relates to a system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user.
  • the system comprises a number of pressure sensors which measure pressure values across a bearing surface of the user formed e.g. on top of a cushion.
  • the term "cushion” should be understood in its widest sense, and includes cushions, pillows, etc., e.g. those used as a seat in wheelchairs, bed mattresses, etc .
  • the system comprises a controller, which receives the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors, and means which act on the user, which can be driven by the controller.
  • the system comprises means for sensing the state of the skin tissue in a area at risk of the user' s body which is in contact with the bearing surface, said area at risk depending on the user's posture and being in general any part of the user which has a bone protrusion exerting pressure on the skin, e.g. if he is seated it would be the ischium or the coccyx, if he is laying down it would be the heels, the head, etc.
  • Said means measure respective values of bioimpedance, temperature and moisture, which are useful indicators for diagnosing the current state of the skin tissue in said area at risk.
  • Bioimpedance means impedance spectroscopy, the set of impedance measurements (resistance, reactance and phase) inside a frequency range, usually the beta band ranging from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably from 10 kHz to 50 kHz.
  • the controller receives said values and assesses a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of the measured pressure,
  • the invention relates to a process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user comprising the following steps: a) setting initial pressure, bioimpedance,
  • step b) calculating the variation experienced, in a certain time, by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values measured in the area at risk in relation to the initial pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values set in step a) ,
  • step b) comparing the variations calculated in step b) with previously defined, healthy pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture thresholds ,
  • step d) assessing the level of risk of appearance of ulcers in the area at risk according to the results of the comparison made in step c) , and
  • step e) recommending driving means which act on the user according to the risk level assessed in step d) , the user' s preferences and the scenario.
  • the proposed invention allows the level of risk actually existing in the user' s skin of appearance of pressure ulcers to be assessed since, in order to do so, in addition to the increase in pressure, the particular state of the user's skin tissues in said area is taken into account through the variation of the bioimpedance, or bioelectrical
  • Figure 1 depicts an interaction diagram of the system for controlling risks of appearance of pressure ulcers .
  • Figure 2 depicts an example of a preferred embodiment of the system shown in Figure 1, as part of a wheelchair and a garment in the shape of short pants.
  • the present invention is a system for
  • the system comprises a number of pressure sensors (1) distributed across a bearing surface (2) of the user (not shown in the figures) , which measure the pressure values (P) .
  • the pressure sensors (1) are arranged forming a matrix covering the entire bearing surface (2) .
  • the bearing surface (2) is formed on a dynamic cushion (6) having independent
  • FIG. 1 shows that the dynamic cushion (6) is a seat (7.1) of a wheelchair (7); however, it could be the mattress (not shown in the figures) of an articulated hospital bed (not shown in the figures) .
  • the system comprises a controller which receives the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors (1), and means (4) which act on the user, which can be driven by the controller (3) .
  • the controller (3) can be configured from an interface, which comprises a user application, or "app", on a mobile device (9) belonging to any of the known types: mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, etc.
  • the system comprises tissue- state sensing means (5) , which measure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) in an area at risk (PU) of the user's body which is in contact with the bearing surface (2) .
  • tissue- state sensing means (5) which measure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) in an area at risk (PU) of the user's body which is in contact with the bearing surface (2) .
  • these values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) are received by the controller (3) , which assesses a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of said pressure,
  • the tissue-state sensing means (5) are arranged on the garment (8) that is attached to the user's body.
  • said garment (8) is shown in the shape of short pants in Figure 2.
  • both the tissue-state sensing means (5) and the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) present in the garment (8) preferably communicate with the controller (3) via cable or wirelessly.
  • the pressure sensors (1) and the tissue- state sensing means (5) start performing a continuous sampling with a frequency of e.g. at least 0.1 Hz.
  • the pressure thresholds considered to be healthy are calculated by adding a "safety" margin to the critical pressure values leading to the
  • Said thresholds are:
  • the pressure (P) does not increase between 187 mmHg (Prl) and 225 mmHg (Pr2) for more than two minutes, it being possible for it to stay the same for a time (t) of one hour, - the pressure (P) does not increase between
  • the healthy threshold preferably does not increase by 5 to 30% in relation to the set initial value (Zb) . It is considered that there might be risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in this range. In particular, damage to the tissue, or cellular death, starts from 30%.
  • the healthy thresholds are preferably the following:
  • the temperature (T) is between 27 and 36°C
  • the moisture (Hr) is below 80%.
  • the level of risk of appearance of ulcers in the area at risk is assessed according to the results of the comparison made before.
  • four risk levels are identified: “no risk”, “low risk”, “average risk” and “high risk”.
  • the risk level can be assessed as being zero if all the following conditions are fulfilled:
  • the bioimpedance (Z) increases by less than > o ,
  • the risk level can be assessed as being low if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
  • the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 5 to 10%, the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) ,
  • the temperature (T) stays between 27 and 29°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%, the temperature (T) stays between 29 and 34°C and the moisture (Hr) stays between 80 and 90%, or
  • the temperature (T) stays between 34 and 36°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%.
  • the risk level can be assessed as being average if at least one of the following conditions is
  • the risk level can be assessed as being high if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
  • the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 10 to 20%. Then, depending on the assessed risk level, it is advisable to drive the means (4) which act on the user according to a strategy for driving them. The user may follow the recommendation or ignore it, usually via the application of the interface of the mobile device (9) .
  • a series of strategies for driving the actuating means (4) are programmed according to the types of risks, the scenarios, i.e. the positions adopted by the user as a result of the action of the reclining means (7.2), e.g. a seated position,
  • the actuating means will follow the drive strategy until the risk level changes.
  • the variation experienced by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) is continuously calculated until the user exits the system; said variation is continuously compared with the healthy thresholds; and the real risk level existing in the area at risk (PU) is continuously assessed.
  • the actuating means (4) will move on to carry out another strategy according to the new risk level that has been reached.
  • control areas (6.1) of the dynamic cushion (6) those touching the user's right or left ischium can be programmed to
  • the maximum reclining positions with or without the presence of risks, and those harmful to or uncomfortable for the user, i.e. those which can affect the user's daily activities, are identified according to the type of scenario.
  • the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) can be programmed for different frequency levels, pulse durations, application times and rest intervals, as well as the current to be applied. The latter can also be adjusted by the professional in charge of each user.
  • the emission of sound and/or visual signals can also be programmed to take place at different moments of the process, e.g. when a high risk level has been reached and it has not been resolved in less than 15 minutes. These signals can be aimed at attracting the attention of either the user or the professional in charge of him. Thus, different strategies to be used depending on the different risk levels that are reached and the scenarios in which the user is positioned are
  • an automatic mode can be programmed, which will be
  • the dynamic cushion (6) and the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) which could be applied e.g. every 10 minutes during situations in which the risk level is assessed as being zero.
  • the specific order of the strategies for each risk level and scenario combination may be modified during their application according to the user's preferences.
  • the professional in charge may command the strategies so as to adapt them to the characteristics of each user. For example, the user in question may not tolerate the functional electrical stimulation due to his suffering spasm episodes, and the professional may adjust the pressure of the dynamic cushion (6) and the angles of the reclining means (7.2) of the wheelchair (7) based on his experience.

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Abstract

A system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user, comprising a number of pressure sensors distributed across a bearing surface of the user, which measure pressure values, a controller, which receives the pressure values, and means which act on the user, which are driven by the controller, wherein tissue-state sensing means measure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values in an area at risk of the user's body which is in contact with the bearing surface, the controller measuring said values and assessing a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of the measured pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values. Another object of the present application is to provide a process for controlling risks of appearance of pressure ulcers.

Description

SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING THE RISKS OF
APPEARANCE OF PRESSURE ULCERS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers which comprises, in addition to pressure sensors distributed across the user' s bearing surface, respective sensing means that measure
bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values in an area at risk of the user' s body which is in contact with the bearing surface. Another object of the present application is to provide a process for controlling the risks of
appearance of pressure ulcers, which uses the system which is the object of the present application, which assesses, with pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values, measured in the area at risk of the user' s body, the level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers. Thus, said risks are effectively assessed, personalized for each user, by taking into account the current state of his tissues in the area at risk, his preferences, and the context of use, i.e. according to the scenario - if it is an active, rest or relax
scenario .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The risks of appearance of pressure ulcers are typical in people who, for health reasons, remain immobile for long periods of time on top of a bearing surface formed e.g. on a wheelchair, a bed, etc. Hence, the pressures exerted from the inside of the person, by his bones, and from the outside, by the surface on top of which he is laying, cause the blood flow to decrease through the area of his body which is resting on the bearing surface, affecting the state of the skin tissues in said area and fomenting the formation of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or sores.
With a view to preventing the risks of pressure ulcer formation, multiple solutions have been designed which, from the moment they detect that an increase in pressure in the area at risk may exceed a healthy threshold, which has been set as the limit that foments the appearance of pressure ulcers, issue alarms and/or undertake actions on the body of the person using, e.g. a wheelchair, aimed at restoring blood flow through the area at risk.
For example, patent document WO 2007106040, published on September 20, 2007, discloses a monitoring device for reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, which comprises a series of pressure sensors distributed across the user's seating surface, wherein the seating pressure, as well as its duration, are continuously monitored for each measurement point. If the pressure in any of the measurement points is sufficiently high to cause a decrease in the user' s blood flow, an alarm will be triggered before said lack of flow starts causing lesions to the user. Once the alarm is triggered, the user must change his seating position, relieving the overloaded area for enough time to allow the blood to flow again through the veins in said area, said relief time also being monitored by the device. Likewise, the alarm indicates where and when the pressure overload is about to take place and stops temporarily once the pressure is relieved. Not only is the user warned, but it is also possible to warn his caregivers e.g. if the user has not changed his position.
Likewise, a control system for pressure ulcer prevention is known from patent document US 2011245732, published on June 6, 2011. The system includes a number of force sensors positioned at different locations in relation to the contact surface, and a controller which receives the pressure values measured by each force sensor. The controller is configured to compare one or more first values associated with a first subset of force sensors with one or more second values associated with a second subset of force sensors, and to determine, from the comparison, whether a threshold between said one or more first values and said one or more second values have been exceeded, and to control, on the basis of the determination, an indicator to provide the user with an indication.
Another example is patent document US
2011288444, published on November 24, 2011, which refers to a device for preventing the formation of bedsores on a bearing area, i.e. the area where a person in a seated or laid-down position rests. The device comprises pressure sensors which are arranged under the
aforementioned bearing area; means for comparing each measurement provided by any of the sensors with at least one threshold value; storage means for storing all measurements provided by all sensors during a first time period from the moment the threshold value is exceeded by at least one measurement; means for processing the stored measurements which are used, once the first time period has elapsed, to determine motion instructions for the person in the seated or laid-down position, thus preventing the formation of bedsores; an
electrostimulating lingual device for conveying the aforementioned motion instructions to the person; and actuators, which can be driven by the person in the seated or laid-down position, which regulate the motion of said person. However, the previously discussed solutions have a drawback in that they only take into account the increase in pressure in the area at risk as an indicator for determining the presence of the risk of appearance of pressure ulcers, on the basis of the comparison of said experienced pressure increase with a threshold which is supposedly valid for all users. In other words, the actual state of the tissue of the area at risk of the user' s body is not taken into consideration, which may mean that, for a given user, there might be risks of appearance of pressure ulcers before the preset
threshold has been exceeded.
This is why there is a need for designing a system and process for controlling the risks of
appearance of pressure ulcers enabling the previously discussed drawbacks to be overcome. That is, that they take into account the actual state of the tissue of the area at risk of the user' s body in order to thus carry out different strategies based on his particular
characteristics.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is established and characterized in the independent claims, whereas the dependent claims describe other characteristics thereof.
The present invention relates to a system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user. The system comprises a number of pressure sensors which measure pressure values across a bearing surface of the user formed e.g. on top of a cushion.
The term "cushion" should be understood in its widest sense, and includes cushions, pillows, etc., e.g. those used as a seat in wheelchairs, bed mattresses, etc .
Likewise, the system comprises a controller, which receives the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors, and means which act on the user, which can be driven by the controller.
Additionally, the system comprises means for sensing the state of the skin tissue in a area at risk of the user' s body which is in contact with the bearing surface, said area at risk depending on the user's posture and being in general any part of the user which has a bone protrusion exerting pressure on the skin, e.g. if he is seated it would be the ischium or the coccyx, if he is laying down it would be the heels, the head, etc. Said means measure respective values of bioimpedance, temperature and moisture, which are useful indicators for diagnosing the current state of the skin tissue in said area at risk.
Bioimpedance means impedance spectroscopy, the set of impedance measurements (resistance, reactance and phase) inside a frequency range, usually the beta band ranging from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably from 10 kHz to 50 kHz. Thus, the controller receives said values and assesses a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of the measured pressure,
bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values. Likewise, the invention relates to a process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user comprising the following steps: a) setting initial pressure, bioimpedance,
temperature and moisture values measured in a area at risk on the user' s body which is in contact with a bearing surface,
b) calculating the variation experienced, in a certain time, by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values measured in the area at risk in relation to the initial pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values set in step a) ,
c) comparing the variations calculated in step b) with previously defined, healthy pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture thresholds ,
d) assessing the level of risk of appearance of ulcers in the area at risk according to the results of the comparison made in step c) , and
e) recommending driving means which act on the user according to the risk level assessed in step d) , the user' s preferences and the scenario.
As can be seen, the proposed invention allows the level of risk actually existing in the user' s skin of appearance of pressure ulcers to be assessed since, in order to do so, in addition to the increase in pressure, the particular state of the user's skin tissues in said area is taken into account through the variation of the bioimpedance, or bioelectrical
impedance, which reveals the state of said tissues according to the resistance they offer to the passage of current, as well as the variations of the temperature and moisture conditions which make it easy for pressure ulcers to appear in said area at risk.
Thus, it is possible to assess different levels of risks of the appearance of pressure ulcers, which permits deciding which is the best combination of strategies for reducing said risks, according to
particular characteristics of the user' s condition, his preferences and the context of use or scenario, it being possible to choose when said strategies should be applied instead of their being automatically executed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present specification is complemented with a set of figures, which illustrate the preferred example of the invention and never limit the latter.
Figure 1 depicts an interaction diagram of the system for controlling risks of appearance of pressure ulcers .
Figure 2 depicts an example of a preferred embodiment of the system shown in Figure 1, as part of a wheelchair and a garment in the shape of short pants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a system for
controlling risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user, e.g. a person who, for health reasons, stays still for long periods of time.
As shown in Figure 1, the system comprises a number of pressure sensors (1) distributed across a bearing surface (2) of the user (not shown in the figures) , which measure the pressure values (P) .
Preferably, the pressure sensors (1) are arranged forming a matrix covering the entire bearing surface (2) .
Preferably, the bearing surface (2) is formed on a dynamic cushion (6) having independent
inflation/deflation control areas (6.1). Figure 2 shows that the dynamic cushion (6) is a seat (7.1) of a wheelchair (7); however, it could be the mattress (not shown in the figures) of an articulated hospital bed (not shown in the figures) .
Likewise, the system comprises a controller which receives the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors (1), and means (4) which act on the user, which can be driven by the controller (3) .
Preferably, the controller (3) can be configured from an interface, which comprises a user application, or "app", on a mobile device (9) belonging to any of the known types: mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, etc.
On the other hand, the means (4) which act on the user could be:
sirens and/or a screen (4.1) emitting sound and/or visual signals. the control areas (6.1) of the dynamic cushion ( 6) ,
reclining means (7.2) of the wheelchair (7) or, if appropriate, the bed, and/or - functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) arranged on a garment (8) which is attached to the user.
On the other hand, the system comprises tissue- state sensing means (5) , which measure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) in an area at risk (PU) of the user's body which is in contact with the bearing surface (2) . As in the case of the pressure values (P) , these values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) are received by the controller (3) , which assesses a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of said pressure,
bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) .
Preferably, the tissue-state sensing means (5) are arranged on the garment (8) that is attached to the user's body. For example, said garment (8) is shown in the shape of short pants in Figure 2.
Likewise, both the tissue-state sensing means (5) and the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) present in the garment (8) preferably communicate with the controller (3) via cable or wirelessly.
The process for controlling risks of appearance of ulcers starts any time the user uses the previously described system, setting initial pressure,
bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Pb) , (Zb) , (Tb) and (Hrb) , measured in the area at risk (PU) on the user' s body which is in contact with the bearing surface (2 ) . Thus, the pressure sensors (1) and the tissue- state sensing means (5) start performing a continuous sampling with a frequency of e.g. at least 0.1 Hz.
Next, the variation experienced, in a certain time (t) , from the moment the sampling starts, by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) measured in the area at risk (PU) in relation to the initial pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Pb) , (Zb) , (Tb) and (Hrb) which were set.
Then, the previously calculated variations compared with previously defined, healthy pressure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture thresholds
(Z) , (T) and (Hr) .
Preferably, the pressure thresholds considered to be healthy are calculated by adding a "safety" margin to the critical pressure values leading to the
appearance of pressure ulcers. Said thresholds are:
the pressure (P) does not increase between 187 mmHg (Prl) and 225 mmHg (Pr2) for more than two minutes, it being possible for it to stay the same for a time (t) of one hour, - the pressure (P) does not increase between
37.5 mmHg (Prl) and 75 mmHg (Pr2) for a time (t) greater than 2 hours, and
the pressure (P) stays, for a time (t) between 1 and 2 hours, below the values calculated by means of the following equations :
Prl (mmHg) < 225 - 150 * (t (min) -60)
60
Pr2 (mmHg) < 187 - 150 * (t (min) -60)
60
As far as the bioimpedance (Z) is concerned, the healthy threshold preferably does not increase by 5 to 30% in relation to the set initial value (Zb) . It is considered that there might be risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in this range. In particular, damage to the tissue, or cellular death, starts from 30%.
And as for the temperature (T) and the moisture (Hr) , a first good comfort area (Zl), a second neutral comfort area (Z2) and a third discomfort area (Z3) are considered. Hence, the healthy thresholds are preferably the following:
the temperature (T) is between 27 and 36°C, and
the moisture (Hr) is below 80%.
Next, the level of risk of appearance of ulcers in the area at risk (PU) is assessed according to the results of the comparison made before. Preferably, four risk levels are identified: "no risk", "low risk", "average risk" and "high risk".
Thus, the risk level can be assessed as being zero if all the following conditions are fulfilled:
the bioimpedance (Z) increases by less than > o ,
the pressure (P) stays below Prl in the time (t) ,
- the temperature (T) stays between 29 and 34°C, and
the moisture (Hr) stays below
The risk level can be assessed as being low if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 5 to 10%, the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) ,
the temperature (T) stays between 27 and 29°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%, the temperature (T) stays between 29 and 34°C and the moisture (Hr) stays between 80 and 90%, or
the temperature (T) stays between 34 and 36°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%.
The risk level can be assessed as being average if at least one of the following conditions is
fulfilled :
- the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) and the bioimpedance (Z)
increases by 5 to 10%,
the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) and the temperature (T) stays below 27°C or above 36°C, or
the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) , the temperature (T) stays between 27°C and 36°C and the moisture (Hr) stays above 90%.
The risk level can be assessed as being high if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
the pressure (P) stays above Pr2 in the time (t), or
- the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 10 to 20%. Then, depending on the assessed risk level, it is advisable to drive the means (4) which act on the user according to a strategy for driving them. The user may follow the recommendation or ignore it, usually via the application of the interface of the mobile device (9) .
Preferably, a series of strategies for driving the actuating means (4) are programmed according to the types of risks, the scenarios, i.e. the positions adopted by the user as a result of the action of the reclining means (7.2), e.g. a seated position,
considered to be an active scenario, an intermediate, more reclined position, or rest scenario, and an almost laid-down position, or relax scenario, and the user's preferences .
Then, the actuating means will follow the drive strategy until the risk level changes. To this end, the variation experienced by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) is continuously calculated until the user exits the system; said variation is continuously compared with the healthy thresholds; and the real risk level existing in the area at risk (PU) is continuously assessed. Once the risk level changes, the actuating means (4) will move on to carry out another strategy according to the new risk level that has been reached.
For example, regarding the control areas (6.1) of the dynamic cushion (6), those touching the user's right or left ischium can be programmed to
simultaneously deflate; or only one of them, the one corresponding to the ischium at risk of suffering the appearance of pressure ulcers; they can be programmed to alternately inflate and deflate; the one corresponding to the front of the seat can be programmed to inflate to cause the user to move backwards; combinations of the alternatives mentioned above or others that could be devised could be programmed.
With regard to the reclining means (7.2) of e.g. the wheelchair (7), the maximum reclining positions, with or without the presence of risks, and those harmful to or uncomfortable for the user, i.e. those which can affect the user's daily activities, are identified according to the type of scenario. Likewise, the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) can be programmed for different frequency levels, pulse durations, application times and rest intervals, as well as the current to be applied. The latter can also be adjusted by the professional in charge of each user.
The emission of sound and/or visual signals can also be programmed to take place at different moments of the process, e.g. when a high risk level has been reached and it has not been resolved in less than 15 minutes. These signals can be aimed at attracting the attention of either the user or the professional in charge of him. Thus, different strategies to be used depending on the different risk levels that are reached and the scenarios in which the user is positioned are
programmed . Preferably, in order to avoid reaching risk levels of any kind, i.e., low, average or high, an automatic mode can be programmed, which will be
triggered if the user wants it, and randomly alternated with strategies or actions carried out by the dynamic cushion (6) and the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1), which could be applied e.g. every 10 minutes during situations in which the risk level is assessed as being zero. Preferably, the specific order of the strategies for each risk level and scenario combination may be modified during their application according to the user's preferences. Likewise, the professional in charge may command the strategies so as to adapt them to the characteristics of each user. For example, the user in question may not tolerate the functional electrical stimulation due to his suffering spasm episodes, and the professional may adjust the pressure of the dynamic cushion (6) and the angles of the reclining means (7.2) of the wheelchair (7) based on his experience.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user, comprising:
a number of pressure sensors (1) distributed across a bearing surface (2) of the user, which measure pressure values (P) , a controller (3) which receives the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors (1), and
means (4) which act on the user and can be driven by the controller (3) ,
characterized in that tissue-state sensing means (5) can measure bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) in an area at risk (PU) of the user' s body which is in contact with the bearing surface (2), the controller (3) being capable of receiving the values (Z) , (T) and (Hr) and assessing a level of risk of appearance of pressure ulcers on the basis of the measured pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and
moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) .
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the bearing surface (2) is formed on a dynamic cushion (6) having independent inflation/deflation control areas (6.1) .
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the dynamic cushion (6) is a seat (7.1) of a wheelchair (7) .
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the tissue-state sensing means (5) are arranged on a garment (8) attached to the user's body.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the garment (8) comprises functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) .
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the tissue-state sensing means (5) and the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) can communicate with the controller (3) via cable or wirelessly.
7. A system according to claims 2, 3 and 5, wherein the means (4) which act on the user are:
emitted sound and/or visual signals,
the control areas (6.1) of the dynamic cushion ( 6) ,
reclining means (7.2) of the wheelchair (7), and/or
the functional electrical stimulation means (8.1) of the garment (8) .
8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (3) can be configured from a user interface on a mobile device (9) .
9. A process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers in a user, characterized by the following steps:
a) setting initial pressure, bioimpedance,
temperature and moisture values (Pb) , (Zb) , (Tb) and (Hrb) measured in a area at risk (PU) on the user's body which is in contact with a bearing surface (2),
b) calculating the variation experienced, in a certain time (t) , by the pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) measured in the area at risk (PU) in relation to the initial pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture values (Pb) , (Zb) , (Tb) and (Hrb) set in step a) ,
c) comparing the variations calculated in step b) with previously defined, healthy pressure, bioimpedance, temperature and moisture thresholds (P) , (Z) , (T) and (Hr) , d) assessing the level of risk of appearance of ulcers in the area at risk (PU) according to the results of the comparison made in step c) , and
e) recommending driving means which act on the user according to the risk level assessed in step d) , the user' s preferences and the scenario.
10. A process according to claim 9, wherein in step c) , the thresholds considered to be healthy are:
the pressure (P) does not increase between 187 mmHg (Prl) and 225 mmHg (Pr2) for more than two minutes, it being possible for it to stay the same for a time (t) of one hour, the pressure (P) does not increase between 37.5 mmHg (Prl) and 75 mmHg (Pr2) for a time (t) greater than 2 hours, and
the pressure (P) stays, for a time (t) between 1 and 2 hours, below the values calculated by means of the following
equations :
Prl (mmHg) < 225 - 150 * (t (min) -60)
60
Pr2 (mmHg) < 187 - 150 * (t (min) -60),
60
- the bioimpedance (Z) does not increases by 5 to 30%,
the temperature (T) is between 27 and 36°C, and
the moisture (Hr) is below 80%.
11. A process according to claims 9 and 10, wherein in step d) , the risk level is assessed as being zero if:
the bioimpedance (Z) increases by less than > o ,
- the pressure (P) stays below Prl in the time
(t) ,
the temperature (T) stays between 29 and 34°C, and
the moisture (Hr) stays below 80%.
12. A process according to claims 9 and 10, wherein in step d) , the risk level is assessed as being low if:
the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 5 to 10%, the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) ,
the temperature (T) stays between 27 and 29°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%, the temperature (T) stays between 29 and 34°C and the moisture (Hr) stays between 80 and 90%, or
the temperature (T) stays between 34 and 36°C and the moisture (Hr) stays below 90%.
13. A process according to claims 9 and 10, wherein in step d) , the risk level is assessed as being average if:
the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) and the bioimpedance (Z)
increases by 5 to 10%,
- the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) and the temperature (T) stays below 27°C or above 36°C, or
the pressure (P) stays between Prl and Pr2 in the time (t) , the temperature (T) stays between 27°C and 36°C and the moisture (Hr) stays above 90%.
14. A process according to claims 9 and 10, wherein in step d) , the risk level is assessed as being high if:
- the pressure (P) stays above Pr2 in the time
(t), or
the bioimpedance (Z) increases by 10 to 20%.
15. A process according to claims 9, wherein steps b) to e) are repeated on a continuous basis.
EP15759692.5A 2015-08-21 2015-08-21 System and process for controlling the risks of appearance of pressure ulcers Withdrawn EP3337436A1 (en)

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