Sanasense

About

Overview Motivated by the high number of pressure ulcers, the associated treatment costs and the discomfort for the patient , this project developed a direct non invasive measurement method to inform pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention. Problem There is a causative link between the extent of interface pressure and tissue perfusion status. High levels of interface pressure results in decreased or ceased tissue perfusion. Interface pressure is thus a prime factor in the formation of pressure ulcers. There is currently no system or method on the market which measures or quantifies the effect of interface pressure on tissue perfusion. Most closely related are state of the art methods for measuring blood flow: • Doppler Ultrasound • Venous Occlusion Plethysmography • Electromagnetic flowmeter These existing methods are unable to measure tissue perfusion without disturbing the measurement site, they are mostly invasive , non-mobile (large dimensions), cumbersome to use, require expert knowledge to make diagnosis, can be time consuming, complex or uncomfortable for the patient and can be very expensive. Solution Sanasense is a novel non-contact, non-invasive measurement method. Sanasense enables the quantification of the effect of interface pressure on tissue blood perfusion, utilizing the sensor signal of a commercial available low cost movement monitoring system in an innovative way. Sanasense provides a much more patient friendly solution, which is: • Completely non-invasive, and non-contact • Mobile • Suitable for use in private and hospital settings • Low cost technology Possible Applications This method can be used in any situation, in which a knowledge of changes in blood flow caused by externally applied pressure is desired. In prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers) on its own or to inform pressure relief systems to provide accurate personalized times for pressure relief while recumbent During sitting (tasks), for example airplane, office, car, wheelchair to prevent pressure ulcers in risk populations or to prevent thrombosis during long term sitting. Technology and Patent Status Sanasense is a non invasive system and method to detect changes in tissue perfusion associated with increases in interface pressure and can be used to inform a system which will provide adequate pressure relief to prevent pressure ulcers or to provide an alarm system for manual intervention techniques. It does so by using existing sensor technology, an impact sensor, in a novel application. Patent pending. (TCD Ref: RR01-301-01) The Opportunity This method is currently in prototype stage, and is available for implementation into a product, which aims to prevent or predict the risk of pressure ulcers. Further the method may be used to develop a monitoring system, which informs status of tissue perfusion during seating, and recumbent tasks, such as airline, car seating systems, wheelchair cushion systems and any type of bedding [license to a company who is keen to increase their exports with this cutting edge technology]