SEM SCANNER SENSING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR EARLY DETECTION OF ULCERS

摘要

A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

主权项

1. An apparatus for sensing sub-epidermal moisture from a location external to a patient's skin, comprising:
a bipolar RF sensor embedded on a flexible substrate; a conformal pressure pad disposed adjacent and underneath the substrate; wherein the conformal pressure pad is configured to support the flexible substrate while allowing the flexible substrate to conform to a non-planar sensing surface of the patient's skin; and interface electronics coupled to the sensor; wherein said interface electronics are configured to control emission and reception of RF energy to interrogate the patient's skin.