Adhesive Air-Bladder Elevation for Pressure Ulcer Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for pressure ulcers and bed sores, such as dressings and elevation devices, fail to effectively prevent or reduce their occurrence on bony prominences like the foot, heel, ankle, hip, and sacrum, and often lead to prolonged healing times and complications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a flexible member with a pre-filled or inflatable air bladder that adheres to the skin, elevating bony prominences to distribute pressure evenly and provide consistent relief, while also absorbing exudate and maintaining a moist wound environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pillows or cushions are placed under bony prominences to alleviate pressure, then pressure relief is provided, but the devices are easily dislodged by patient movement and fail to provide consistent relief
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple segments including a base portion, a bony prominence receiving portion, and an adhesive layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together as a unified system that remains stable during patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes a flexible adhesive layer and thin film structure that conforms to the body surface, providing secure attachment that prevents dislodgement during movement while maintaining the elevation function for pressure relief.
2Reliability
If conventional dressings are applied to pressure ulcers, then wound coverage is provided, but they do not address the underlying pressure point and fail to prevent recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single apparatus: pressure distribution through elevation, wound coverage through the foam portion, and secure attachment through the adhesive layer. This integration eliminates the need for separate pillows, dressings, and fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it elevates the bony prominence to distribute pressure, provides wound coverage and protection, maintains a moist healing environment, and secures itself to the body. This multi-functionality addresses both the ulcer and its cause in one device.
3Reliability
If patients remain in bed or wheelchair for extended periods, then medical treatment is received, but pressure ulcers develop on bony prominences due to immobility and constant pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is applied in advance to bony prominences before pressure ulcers develop, creating a preventive measure that is already in place when the patient lies in bed or sits in a wheelchair. The pre-applied adhesive ensures immediate protection without requiring intervention when symptoms appear.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus automatically provides pressure redistribution and ulcer prevention through its elevation mechanism, requiring no active participation from the patient. The self-adhering design also eliminates the need for complex application procedures by medical staff.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively prevents and treats pressure ulcers and bed sores by providing consistent elevation and pressure distribution, reducing healing times and complications, and improving patient comfort and quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-filled air bladder or an air bladder configured to be partially filled once adhered to the skin
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member adapted to adhere to the skin of an individual
Data Source
AI summary
An elevation apparatus to elevate a bony prominence of a user such as a heel, ankle, foot, metatarsal, elbow, hip, sacrum, shoulder blade or other bones. The elevation apparatus including a permeable skin-compatible adhesive layer, an absorbent layer, a protective layer and at least one inflatable or prefilled air bladder including at least one aperture configured for the selected bony prominence.