Method and device for pressure offloading

Abstract

The present invention is a method and device for pressure offloading in order to alleviate or diminish pressure on an area of bony prominence, a blemish, wound, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface without directly contacting the affected area. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco / Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, water, gel, silicone, Styrofoam beads, a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a hollow member, and an additional removable and / or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial / anti-microbial fabric, encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means are attached to the cover to allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support as needed for each use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] We hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 230108 filed on Sep. 19, 2005 (hereinafter “Prior Application”). This application is a Continuation-in-Part of the Prior Application. The Prior Application is currently pending. The Prior Application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into this application.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to the treatment, healing and prevention of wounds, and more particularly' to a method and device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a bony prominence, wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Chronic wounds are a great burden to healthcare and account for billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually. [0004] Pressure sores are a localized area of damaged tissue. Pressure sores occur when soft ti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0034] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method to redistribute or offload pressure from a wound to allow increased air flow and blood circulation to aid in the treatment and prevention of wounds and pressure sores.

[0035] An object of the present invention is to keep critical pressure points above a surface, such as bedding.

[0036] An advantage of the disclosed invention is that it is proactive in the prevention of pressure ulcers and not merely reactive.

[0037] An object of the present invention is to provide a convenient, adjustable, malleable, portable, transportable and easy to use device and method in the treatment and prevention of wound care. The device of the present invention may be manipulated with greater ease and frequency, in order to prevent injury and promote healing.

[0038] Another object of the method of the present invention is to surround a critical area such as a wound or bony prominence without covering the critical area.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to elevate an affected area above a surface, thereby eliminating direct contact between the wound and the surface, diminishing pressure on the wound

Problems solved by technology

Chronic wounds are a great burden to healthcare and account for billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually.

Thus, a lesion or a pressure sore may develop on skin and underlying tissue due to unrelieved pressure over a bony prominence.

If pressure sores are left untreated, they can lead to severe health complications and even death.

However, it can also occur from friction, such as by rubbing against a bed sheet, cast, brace, or the like.

Although these devices and treatments are helpful, they remain ineffective in many respects.

Consequently, these devices apply pressure on the wound area.

This pressure results in a longer healing time and the affected areas are therefore more prone to the formation of decubitus ulcers.

Mattress pads and cushions also have considerable drawbacks.

The mattress pads and cushions available today have a definite geometrical shape and size which cannot be easily altered to adapt to individual needs.

These protectors often cannot be applied to bed sores or some surgical sites because of their limited design.

These cushioning means, however, are large and bulky and cannot be easily manipulated to alter their shape or size to accommodate individual needs.

These devices however, are of limited use, since their shape and size cannot be altered and manipulated with ease.

Hence its usefulness is limited.

Similarly, the “Waffle Extended Care Cushion” from EHOB, Inc., although compact, cannot be manipulated with ease to adopt a different shape or size.

However, as with the “donut” and “waffle” shaped cushions, the shape of this device is not capable of being easily altered and cannot be adapted to accommodate individual needs.

These devices, however have not been adapted for the treatment or prevention of pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, etc.

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