Design and construction of an optical system for monitoring the blood supply to tissues under pressure

In most cases, reduced blood flow due to obstruction is considered as a primary factor in pressure ulcer formation and occurrence of bedsore. The aim of this study was to design and manufacture a care system for tissues under pressure based on variation in blood flow at different depths of the tissue. In manufacture of system, two infrared light transmitter were located 5 and 10 mm away from receivers to measure the blood flow at two different depths of the heel tissue under pressure. Also, blood flow was measured in unload condition and after loading with 30 and 60 mmHg. The study was performed on 15 participants, the mean age was 54 years, 60% were men and 40% were women. The primary results showed differences in blood flow in different depths of the tissue under pressure. Also, there was significant changes in signal amplitude during loading both pressures 30 and 60 mmHg compared to unloading condition. Development of this system would be possible with increased flexibility in terms of probes and using potent optical receiver and transmitter to access more depth.