Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use

International Conference on Wound Care and Tissue Regeneration

August 02, 2021 | Webinar

Gary Baker

Plymouth Marjon University, United Kingdom

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JSCRT

Abstract:

The role of an effective support surface is to facilitate the natural flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. This is achieved through dissipating interface pressures between the skin and the support surface. Blood flow can also be stimulated through an active massage, one that applies and relieves pressure exerted on tissues. For this reason, active mattresses (AM) that mimic the natural repositioning regime of sleeping humans while in bed are widely used to aid in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PU). Despite evidence that an active mattress can stimulate localised blood flow during short-term use minutes no studies have explored the long-term use on vascular endothelial function. This function is essential for multiple processes such as angiogenesis, repair of damaged tissues, regulation of vascular tone and permeability and prevention of inappropriate clotting intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are used to stimulate blood flow by sequentially inflating and deflating pneumatic air chambers. In addition to the pressure exerted on deeper tissues to simulate the natural ‘venous pump,’ IPC alters the interface pressures exerted on the skin tissues improving active mattress endothelial function hypertension post occlusive reactive hyperaemia pressure ulcers support surface vascular endothelial function through increased haemodynamic shear IPC devices have been used to treat fractures and soft tissue injuries, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), venous leg ulcers (VLU), lymphedema deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Improvements in blood lactate skin blood perfusion and TcpO2 have also been observed. While IPC is considered to be clinically effective, the device, which is prescribed for minute’s daily use, encompasses entire limbs and impedes physical activity.

Biography :

Gary Baker is clinical director with Dreemflow Ltd and coinventor of the Vestims mattress. Dr Rodney Gush is an employee of Moor Instruments, the company that manufactured the blood flow monitoring equipment.