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Low Cost, High Resolution, Pressue Mapping System for the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Award Information
Agency: Department of Education
Branch: N/A
Contract: H133S040134
Agency Tracking Number: H133S040134
Amount: $0.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
51 E. Main Street Suite 203
Newark, DE 19711
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Behrmann
 (302) 456-9003
 behrmann@emphotonics
Business Contact
 Gregory Behrmann
Phone: (302) 456-9003
Email: behrmann@emphotonics.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a serious medical problem with annual treatment costs over $1 billion dollars. While the exact etiology involves a complex combination of factors, it is generally accepted that prolonged pressure to soft tissues results in discrete areas of acute ischemia. If the pressure is not relieved and the blood supply restored in a critical length of time, endothelial cell damage will result and eventually necrosis will occur. While it is a common and serious condition for individuals who are confined to beds or wheelchairs the occurrence of pressure sores can be drastically reduced by frequent changes in one's body position. As a result, a number of companies have developed pressure-mapping systems to provide caregivers, patients and researchers important feedback regarding physical position history. In this Phase H effort, we intend to build upon our successful Phase I work to develop a novel optically based pressure mapping system and compare its performance to existing systems in clinical settings. Our design, based on mature optical technology, will have the physical characteristics of a thin sheet of flexible plastic. Given its sensitivity to pressure we are confident that this technology can be adapted for medical device applications. If successful, these disposable sensor sheets can be inexpensively produced in large areas, unobtrusively conform to any surface with minimal alteration of the tissue interface, and provide high resolution pressure maps.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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