Apparatuses for and method of preventing decubitus ulcers
AssigneeStryker Corporation
InventorsDavid Neustaedter, Doug Harris, Ron Lancaster, Martin W. Stryker, Michael J. Hayes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.
Claims19
An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers in a patient contacting the apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
- an overlay for placing on a patient support surface;
- a plurality of stimulation segments disposed at the overlay, said stimulation segments comprising discrete elements each configured to apply electrical energy to a patient's body of sufficient magnitude to cause the patient to reposition themselves;
- at least one sensor in the overlay for monitoring information about the patient;
- and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, and the controller actuating at least one of the stimulation segments upon the occurrence of a condition or event associated with the patient based on the information monitored by the sensor.
A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient, said apparatus comprising:
- a patient support surface;
- an overlay on said patient support surface;
- a plurality of stimulation segments disposed at the overlay, said stimulation segments comprising discrete elements each configured to provide electrical energy to a portion of the patient's body to cause the patient to reposition themselves;
- at least one sensor in the overlay for monitoring information about the patient;
- and
- a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, and the controller actuating at least one of the stimulation segments upon the occurrence of a condition or event associated with the patient based on the information monitored by the sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.