Smart E – pants (all we need to know)
Cures – pressure ulcers
Problems with pressure ulcers - Pressure ulcers that affect the deep tissue may not be recognized until the wound is externally visible, by which time extensive injury may have occurred. Pressure ulcers are an adverse event that also increases the risk for further adverse events, including infection, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), sepsis, and death.
Due to the intensive treatments involved, pressure ulcers are costly. An Ontario study estimated that the net hospitalization costs of treating hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in patients older than 65 years ranged from $44,000 for stage II pressure ulcers to $90,000 for stage IV pressure ulcers.18 This study also determined that the treatment costs of pressure ulcers that developed before individuals were admitted to hospital ranged from $11,000 for a stage II pressure ulcer to $18,500 for a stage IV pressure ulcer.18 A small Canadian study (n = 12) of the cost of caring for community-dwelling individuals with pressure ulcers due to spinal cord injury found an average monthly cost per patient of $4,745 (ranging between $3,400 and $18,000).
About the product –
 The undergarment — a cotton and Lycra fabric, similar to biking shorts, with a front zipper to accommodate patients needing catheterization, markers on the thighs to guide alignment, and belt loops for the electrode leads * The surface electrodes — two for each buttock, contained in mesh panels on the back of the pants * A small, battery-operated stimulator — housed in a pocket at the waist.
How the product works –
When activated, the electrodes deliver 10 seconds of stimulation every 10 minutes, causing the gluteal muscles to contract and redistribute seating pressure.29 The stimulation achieves an effect similar to the subconscious fidgeting and shifts in body positioning that individuals without mobility issues make to relieve pressure.31 The longer period of no stimulation (measured in minutes) relative to the stimulation period (measured in seconds) minimizes muscle fatigue.31 In addition to redistributing pressure, the regular muscle activation improves tissue oxygenation, which also helps to prevent pressure ulcers.
Presence in market – Prev Biotech is trying to bring the product in the market by 2015
People affected - Elderly residents in nursing homes; individuals in long-term care; those with diabetes; and individuals confined to beds or wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or musculoskeletal disease are particularly at risk for developing pressure ulcers, but all patients are potentially at risk.5,15,24 In addition to the constant pressure, the muscle atrophy and poor tissue oxygenation associated with many of these conditions further increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers.With an aging population and rising rates of diabetes, the number of patients at risk for pressure ulcers is likely to increase.