Method and devices for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers

摘要

Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

主权项

1. A support assembly, comprising:
one or more pods, which are fluid filled and positioned adjacent to one another, wherein the pods are in contact with one another such that fluid pressure is transferable therebetween by a wall of one pod directly contacting a wall of an adjacent pod; an inner pad enclosing the one or more pods such that displacement of the pods is controlled by the inner pad; an outer pad in communication with the inner pad; and, a first and a second support attached to the outer pad, wherein the first and second supports are laterally movable on opposite sides of a central portion and where the first and second supports are relatively stiffer than the one or more pods, the inner pad, or the outer pad and is sufficiently flexible to be conformed to the portion of the subject's body.