The Technology
Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common health issue, particularly in physically limited, chair-bound or bedridden patients. For many patients, particularly the elderly, PUs may inexplicably become chronic and remain so for the remainder of the patient’s lifetime. PUs have recently been shown to be caused primarily by sustained cell and tissue deformations. Large sustained tissue deformations lead to initiation of cell necrosis, and later prevent proper healing. Pressure ulcer prevention (PUP) is the only strategy to reduce resulting morbidity and eventual mortality of patients. Currently, PUP strategies are all based on macro-scale interactions of the patient body with support surfaces. Traditionally, the focus was on mattresses and cushions. However, only focusing on better pressure-redistributing support surfaces (e.g. static or dynamic mattresses, prophylactic dressings) has not been sufficiently successful. The new technology suggests Pyruvates addition to cells, at susceptible PU sites, prior to application of damaging-level, sustained, mechanical loading (e.g. 12% stretching) which enable protection against cell damage. Specifically, pyruvates supplemented to a higher than physiological level, reduce permeation of the cell membrane following loading.
Advantages
- Relies on new science, based on understanding of the damage pathways at a cellular and sub-cellular level
- Process to prevent early micro-damage at the cell-scale
- Complementary to existing prevention technologies e.g. prophylactic dressings and low-friction garments
- Medical device based on release of substance known as food supplement: Simple, straight-forward regulatory process
- Direct delivery to susceptible sites i.e. soft tissues at body sites under supported bony prominences, just before the patient is positioned
- Tolerance and resistance enhancement of cells within the tissues to sustained deformations
- Medical device based on release of substance known as food supplement: Simple, straight-forward regulatory process
Applications and Opportunities
- Used as a pre-treatment to prevent or delay formation of pressure ulcers at susceptible sites and under planned, patient immobilization
- Vaccines administration as a preventative, prior to anesthesia and patient immobilization operation rooms at hospitals
- Protecting patients in delivery rooms, for women treated with epidural anesthesia, during imaging studies (e.g. CT, MRI) in pediatric (anesthetized) and geriatric/demented patients etc.
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