Systems and methods to promote tissue health via electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation systems and methods for preventing and treating pressure ulcers is provided. The system includes a washable sheet with one or more conductive signal pathways and integral or removable electrodes and a connectable controller that cooperates with the sheet and electrodes to provide periodic electrical stimulation to a patient's skin. Various sensors may provide feedback and optional closed-loop control. The electrical stimulation patterns may help maintain tissue health, prevent development or worsening of pressure ulcers, or manage pain.
1 . A system, comprising:
a washable non-conductive sheet;
a plurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of electrodes being machine-washable, reusable, and conductive;
a controller configured to provide stimulation signals to each of the plurality of electrodes; and
a signal pathway connecting each of the plurality of electrodes to the controller,
wherein the signal pathway further comprises a controller connector;
wherein the sheet is sized and configured for a bed,
wherein the plurality of electrodes are each sized and positioned to deliver the stimulation signals to a user on the bed,
wherein the plurality of electrodes,
comprises
a first electrode comprising a substantially U-shaped outline and positioned to correspond to a location of a scapula of the user,
a second electrode, larger than the first electrode, comprising a substantially W-shaped outline, and positioned to correspond to a location of a sacrum and left and right trochanters of the user, and
a third electrode, smaller than the first electrode, comprising a substantially U-shaped outline, and positioned to correspond to a location of an ischial tuberosity of the user.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes are configured to absorb moisture.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes include an anti-microbial agent.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal pathway comprises conductive wire, conductive thread, conductive ink, or combinations thereof.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is removably connected to the signal pathway with the controller connector.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sheet further comprises a pocket for the controller.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the controller connector is a first controller connector on a first side of the sheet, and the sheet further comprises and a second controller connector on a second side of the sheet; and
the controller is removably connectable to both the first controller connector and the second controller connector.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a calibration module configured to perform a calibration.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a calibration module configured to perform a calibration when the controller is removably connected to controller connector.
10 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the controller further comprises a calibration module configured to perform a calibration when the controller is removably connected to the signal pathway with either of the first controller connector or the second controller connector.
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sheet is rectangular.
12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sheet has a width in the range of 99-185.5 cm (39-73 inches) and a length in the range of 193-216 cm (76-85 inches).