1. A Novel Approach to Treating Pressure Ulcers
LTU Biomedical– Robert Karas & Corina Malone
UDM Mechanical Engineers– Frank McClosky, Jacob Dodman, & Bobby Lorenz
UDM Nurses – Lydia Jacob, Christina Osterhout, & Victoria Murad

2. Background of Pressure Ulcers
The 4 stages of pressure ulcers are caused due to unrelieved pressure, increased temperature and friction
Pressure ulcers are developed in 2.5 million people in the U.S. annually
According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) to prevent pressure ulcers it is important to reduce friction, reduce moisture, and redistribute pressure

3. Market Analysis 25% of Spinal Cord Injury patients
65,000 Wheelchair bound individuals
$43,180 average cost of a stage 1-3 pressure ulcer treatment
$2.8 billion dollar market available in pressure ulcer prevention

4. Stakeholder Analysis Hospitals Nursing Homes Patients
Medical equipment companies
Caregivers
Home healthcare agencies
Insurance Companies

5. CUSTOMER INTERACTION Based on customer interactions:
We have determined that patients would prefer to have a device that maximizes independence but provides environment that reduces risk of forming pressure ulcers.
90% of the patients suffered from Stage I-III
None of the patients were currently using other devices to manage or prevent pressure ulcers.
30% of the patients used other devices which failed to prevent and/or effectively manage pressure ulcer formation
Based on clinician interactions:
There is a need for a device that effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcer formation and provides a low cost.
Pressure Ulcers cant be healed but can be prevented by maintaining skin integrity

6. NEEDS STATEMENT
There is a need to provide a cost effective device which is more effective at lowering risk factors of pressure ulcer formation in patients confined to a wheelchair for an extended period of time.

7. Previous Treatment Devices
Mattress Adjustments Wheelchair Adjustments
Low Air Loss
Pressure Alternating
Pressure Reducing
Pressure Alternating
Patient Turning

8. DESIGN CONCEPT
Inflated
Deflated

9. How the Seat Will Inflate

10. Our Design

11. Budget

12. METHODS Testing Usability Testing After IRB Approval Materials Testing
Pressure Testing
Weight Limit Testing
Safety

13. UNTIL PROJECTS COMPLETION
TIMELINE
TASK
BEGIN DATE
COMPLETION DATE
MEET W/ ADVISOR
1st WEEK OF JANUARY
UNTIL PROJECTS COMPLETION
BUY MATERIALS
2ND WEEK OF JANUARY
NOT LATER THAN FEB. 1
BUILD PROTOTYPE
FEB. 1
NOT LATER THAN MAR. 1
TESTING
MAR. 15
MODIFICATIONS
MAR. 20
APRIL 1

14. TEAM STRUCTURE TEAM UNDER PRESSURE UDM NURSES
Disease State Fundamentals
Background Information
Design Parameters
LTU ENGINEERS
Methods
Design
Ergonomics
Market Research
UDM ENGINEERS
Fabrication
Manuafacturing
TEAM STRUCTURE

15. REFERENCES

16. QUESTIONS?