Violaris Ioannis G, Kalafatakis Konstantinos, Giannakeas Nikolaos, Tzallas Alexandros T, Tsipouras Markos
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50131 Kozani, Greece.
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (Malta Campus), Queen Mary University of London, VCT 2520 Victoria, Malta.
Methods Protoc. 2024 Aug 13;7(4):62. doi: 10.3390/mps7040062.
Pressure ulcers are a frequent issue involving localized damage to the skin and underlying tissues, commonly arising from prolonged hospitalization and immobilization. This paper introduces a mathematical model designed to elucidate the mechanics behind pressure ulcer formation, aiming to predict its occurrence and assist in its prevention. Utilizing differential geometry and elasticity theory, the model represents human skin and simulates its deformation under pressure. Additionally, a system of ordinary differential equations is employed to predict the outcomes of these deformations, estimating the cellular death rate in skin tissues and underlying layers. The model also incorporates changes in blood flow resulting from alterations in skin geometry. This comprehensive approach provides new insights into the optimal bed surfaces required to prevent pressure ulcers and offers a general predictive method to aid healthcare personnel in making informed decisions for at-risk patients. Compared to existing models in the literature, our model delivers a more thorough prediction method that aligns well with current data. It can forecast the time required for an immobilized individual to develop an ulcer in various body parts, considering different initial health conditions and treatment strategies.
压疮是一个常见问题，涉及皮肤和皮下组织的局部损伤，通常由长期住院和固定不动引起。本文介绍了一个数学模型，旨在阐明压疮形成背后的力学原理，以预测其发生并协助预防。该模型利用微分几何和弹性理论来表示人体皮肤并模拟其在压力下的变形。此外，采用常微分方程组来预测这些变形的结果，估计皮肤组织和下层的细胞死亡率。该模型还纳入了因皮肤几何形状变化而导致的血流变化。这种综合方法为预防压疮所需的最佳床面提供了新见解，并提供了一种通用的预测方法，以帮助医护人员为高危患者做出明智决策。与文献中的现有模型相比，我们的模型提供了一种更全面的预测方法，与当前数据非常吻合。它可以预测固定个体在不同身体部位出现溃疡所需的时间，同时考虑不同的初始健康状况和治疗策略。
