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Method and device for pressure offloadingRelated Patent Categories: Beds, Support Means For Discrete Portion Of User, Useable With Bed Or Surgical Support, Simultaneous Support For Multiple Body PortionsMethod and device for pressure offloading description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070163048, Method and device for pressure offloading. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] We hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/230108 filed on Sep. 19, 2005 (hereinafter "Prior Application"). This application is a Continuation-in-Part of the Prior Application. The Prior Application is currently pending. The Prior Application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into this application. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to the treatment, healing and prevention of wounds, and more particularly' to a method and device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a bony prominence, wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Chronic wounds are a great burden to healthcare and account for billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually. [0004] Pressure sores are a localized area of damaged tissue. Pressure sores occur when soft tissue between a bony prominence and an external surface is compressed for an extended amount of time. Pressure sores, also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers usually occur from confinement to a bed, chair or wheelchair. In many instances, pressure sores are a secondary result of another illness or condition that leaves a person immobile. [0005] Patients who are immobile tend to lie in one position for hours on end. This causes a decrease in blood circulation to certain pressure points on the body known as "bony prominences", such as, for example, ears, shoulders, hips, coccyx (tail bone), buttocks, elbows, ankles and heels, to name a few. These areas are typically the first to break down. The tissue closest to the bone is the most susceptible to pressure sores so a visible skin discoloration may indicate the beginning stages of a pressure sore. The tissue begins to decay from lack of blood circulation. This is the basic formation of decubitus ulcer development. Thus, a lesion or a pressure sore may develop on skin and underlying tissue due to unrelieved pressure over a bony prominence. [0006] The prevalence of pressure sores in the United States alone is estimated to be between 1.5 to 3.0 million people. Every year an estimated 60,000 people die from a IS bedsore complication. An aging population, an increase in diabetes and a nursing shortage have also contributed to an increase in pressure ulcers. [0007] Pressure sores will appear as a red area that can develop into an open wound if left without medical treatment. If pressure sores are left untreated, they can lead to severe health complications and even death. [0008] A decubitus ulcer or pressure sore can range from a very mild pink coloration of the skin, which disappears in a few hours after pressure is relieved on the area, to a very deep wound extending to and sometimes through a bone into an internal organ. These ulcers, as well as other wound types, are classified in stages according to the severity of the wound. [0009] The usual mechanism of forming a decubitus ulcer is from pressure. However, it can also occur from friction, such as by rubbing against a bed sheet, cast, brace, or the like. [0010] The pressure sore and the affected area must be kept clean and clear of any dead tissue. Because pressure sores can expose a patient to infection entering the blood stream, a potentially deadly condition called sepsis, medical care is a very necessary and worthwhile precaution. It has been reported in fact, that sepsis is the 11.sup.th leading cause of death, overall. [0011] The goal in the treatment, healing and prevention of pressure sores is to relieve the pressure on and around bony prominences. This can be accomplished by increasing air flow and blood flow to the affected area so that pressure sores do not continue to worsen. [0012] Thus, pressure management is a critical part of a successful treatment program. Redistributing pressure away from a wound or an area of bony prominence aids in the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers. [0013] Support devices can help relieve some of the pressure on the pressure sores. Wound care products comprise devices for open wound support, such as medicated dressings, wraps, protectors, mattress pads and cushions. [0014] Although these devices and treatments are helpful, they remain ineffective in many respects. Dressings and wraps, for example, are in direct physical contact with the wound surface. Consequently, these devices apply pressure on the wound area. This pressure results in a longer healing time and the affected areas are therefore more prone to the formation of decubitus ulcers. [0015] Mattress pads and cushions also have considerable drawbacks. The mattress pads and cushions available today have a definite geometrical shape and size which cannot be easily altered to adapt to individual needs. [0016] Wound protectors are typically used during the transportation of accident victims. These protectors often cannot be applied to bed sores or some surgical sites because of their limited design. [0017] Thus, there is clear and distinct need for a device which will effectively alleviate or diminish pressure on a wound while also avoiding direct physical contact with the wound, blemish, pressure ulcer or surgical site. [0018] It is known in the art to use a cushioning means for the purpose of elevating the body and increasing air flow to pressure points, thereby reducing the incidence of pressure or decubitus ulcers. [0019] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,260 (to Dinsmoor III et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,000 (to Mayer), U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,059 (to Eilender), U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,769 (to Garcia), U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,519 (to Carver) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,676 (to Crane), teach a mattress replacement or treatment overlay for the purpose of elevating the body and increasing air flow to certain pressure points, thereby reducing the incidence of pressure or decubitus ulcers. [0020] These cushioning means, however, are large and bulky and cannot be easily manipulated to alter their shape or size to accommodate individual needs. [0021] U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,297 (to Sturges), teaches a compact cushion support article for the purpose of elevating the body, increasing air flow to pressure points, and thereby reducing the incidence of pressure or decubitus ulcers. Continue reading about Method and device for pressure offloading... Full patent description for Method and device for pressure offloading Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and device for pressure offloading patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and device for pressure offloading or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Emergency worker rescue apparatus Next Patent Application: Compression head pillows and neck angle adjustment mechanism for refractive laser surgery and the like Industry Class: Beds ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and device for pressure offloading patent info. 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