Impedance sensing device enables early detection of pressure ulcers in vivo

Sarah L. Swisher (), Monica C. Lin, Amy Liao, Elisabeth J. Leeflang, Yasser Khan, Felippe J. Pavinatto, Kaylee Mann, Agne Naujokas, David Young, Shuvo Roy, Michael R. Harrison, Ana Claudia Arias, Vivek Subramanian and Michel M. Maharbiz ()
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Sarah L. Swisher: University of California
Monica C. Lin: Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California
Amy Liao: Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California
Elisabeth J. Leeflang: University of California
Yasser Khan: University of California
Felippe J. Pavinatto: University of California
Kaylee Mann: University of California
Agne Naujokas: University of California
David Young: University of California
Shuvo Roy: University of California
Michael R. Harrison: University of California
Ana Claudia Arias: University of California
Vivek Subramanian: University of California
Michel M. Maharbiz: University of California

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract When pressure is applied to a localized area of the body for an extended time, the resulting loss of blood flow and subsequent reperfusion to the tissue causes cell death and a pressure ulcer develops. Preventing pressure ulcers is challenging because the combination of pressure and time that results in tissue damage varies widely between patients, and the underlying damage is often severe by the time a surface wound becomes visible. Currently, no method exists to detect early tissue damage and enable intervention. Here we demonstrate a flexible, electronic device that non-invasively maps pressure-induced tissue damage, even when such damage cannot be visually observed. Using impedance spectroscopy across flexible electrode arrays in vivo on a rat model, we find that impedance is robustly correlated with tissue health across multiple animals and wound types. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of an automated, non-invasive ‘smart bandage’ for early detection of pressure ulcers.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7575

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