WO2021199017A1

WO2021199017A1 - Automated pressure relief support system

Info

Publication number: WO2021199017A1
Application number: PCT/IL2020/051085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eve KRISPIN
Original assignee: Rmd Rose Medical Device Ltd
Current assignee: Rmd Rose Medical Device Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-02
Filing date: 2020-10-08
Publication date: 2021-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-02

Abstract

The present invention provides a pressure-relieving bed designed to reduce local pressure and reduce or even eliminate formation of pressure sores, said bed comprises: (a) a computerized system comprising a memory and a processor, the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: operate the different components of the bed, and optionally coordinate between independent beds; (b) at least one camera: (c) electric rails for moving said at least one camera according to predefined coordinates, wherein said movement is controlled by said computerized system and can reach the entire area of the bed; (d) a least 25 pistons; (e) a mattress that is divided into individual sections; (f) at least one air ventilator for blowing air onto desired regions of the patient's skin; and (g) at least ten pressure sensors.

Description

AUTOMATED PRESSURE RELIEF SUPPORT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to the field of pressure-relieving beds. Specifically, the present invention relates to bed-systems comprising controllable mechanical elevation devices/units embedded therein for relieving pressure at specific locations, e.g. for reducing or preventing bedsores in long-term care patients.

BACKGROUND

[002] Bedsores, also known as decubitus or pressure sores/ulcers, are a common problem encountered by long-term medical care patients, due to consistent pressure being applied on specific points of the patient's body laying on the bed. Patients that are immobile for a long period of time, e.g. coma patients or nursed patients, are in a condition in which their body weight creates constant pressure against the skin, which causes blood vessels in the pressured area to close, thus depriving that area nourishment and oxygen, and over an extended period of time, the tissue at that area dies, i.e. a bedsore is formed.

[003] Bedsores may form in any location on the body, but are most common at the spine, coccyx, hips, buttocks, heels and elbows, and scalp at the back of the head. Notably, bedsores start to form within two hours of immobility, which leads to the requirement of repositioning the patient every two hours or so. This requires the presence/assistance of a tight caretaker, which is both costly and time consuming.

[004] There is therefore a need for a pressure -relief bed system that is capable of automatic functioning without manual supervision to periodically alleviate pressure from different body parts of a needed patient.

[005] Several attempts were done to address these and other problems, such as: US 4,947,500 and US 5,073,999 provide beds aimed to prevent bedsores using specially designed therapeutic mattress with a plurality of air-cushion groups that adjust the laying patient's position; US 7,346,951 describes methods and devices for implementation into existing beds having a generally rectangular base plate; US 7,849,545 describes a mattress system that comprises a mattress with at least one inflatable bladder and a control unit for controlling the inflation thereof; US 7,296,314 and US 7,937,791 provide special support surfaces with a plurality of inflatable cells; and US 6,789,283 provides a fluid fill support with multiple chambers.

[006] However, none of the above designs seems to be satisfactory or eliminate the need of a tight caretaker. On the other hand, the presently invented pressure -relief bed overcomes all the disadvantages of the prior art beds and supports, provides novel capabilities, and is intended to help and satisfy an important long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a pressure-relieving bed designed to reduce local pressure and reduce or even eliminate formation of pressure sores, said bed comprises: (a) a computerized system comprising a memory and a processor, the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: operate the different components of the bed, and optionally coordinate between independent beds; (b) at least one camera; (c) electric rails for moving said at least one camera according to predefined coordinates, wherein said movement is controlled by said computerized system and can reach the entire area of the bed; (d) at least 25 pistons; (e) a mattress that is divided into individual sections, wherein said mattress comprises: * individual moving sections according to the number of pistons, each section connected to the upper section of a single piston of said at least 25 pistons, such that each piston can move each section up and down independently from other pistons/sections; and * permanent section(s) that are not connected to pistons and that do not move; (f) at least one air ventilator for blowing air onto desired regions of the patient's skin; and (g) at least ten pressure sensors.

[008] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-based method of controlling individual mattress units movements of a bed according to any of the embodiments above, implemented by at least one processor having at least one memory storage on which is stored computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method comprising: (a) receiving multiple job profiles of jobs to be performed for multiple respective job offerors; (b) receiving multiple patient profiles; and (c) generating by a treatment generating engine, according to feedback regarding prior therapy treatment, an automatic recommendation, including a match of a selected patient and a selected treatment protocol, and including a recommended therapy and/or monitoring protocol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The invention will now be described in connection with certain embodiments with reference to the following, non-limiting, illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With specific reference to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only. The description, taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how different forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

[010] Fig. 1 is an illustration of the pistons at the base of the bed of the invention.

[011] Fig. 2 is an illustration of the upper sections of the pistons of the bed of the invention. [012] Fig. 3 is an illustration of the bed's mattress.

[013] Figs. 4A-B are illustrations of a bed of the invention with a patient laying thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[014] The present invention relates to a smart bed for the prevention and treating of pressure sores. The bed can be constructed in any size and shape, including rectangular standard sized bed similar to those used in hospitals.

[015] The bed of the invention is constructed in order to disperse and reduce pressure on specific areas of a patient laying thereon while providing body support. In order to achieve these, the bed of the invention comprises: (1) a computerized system comprising a memory and a processor, the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: operate the different components of the bed, and optionally coordinate between independent beds; (2) at least one 3-dimentional (3D) camera and electric rails designed to move said camera(s) according to predefined coordinates embedded in the system. The cameras' transport is controlled by the computerized system according to data obtained from sensors within the bed. The cameras can reach the entire area of the bed (head to toe); (3) pistons/actuators that cover at least 75, 80, 85, 88, 90, 95% of the bed structure, each piston is connected at it upper end to an individual mattress section constituting part of the bed's mattress, such that each piston can move said section up and down independently from other pistons/sections; (4) at least one air ventilator for ventilating the mattress and the contact areas between the mattress and the patient laying thereon; (5) a mattress divided into individual units, each attached to a separate piston; (6) pressure sensors; (7) temperature sensors; and (8) at least one electric lift that raise different areas of the bed.

[016] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a pressure- relieving bed designed to reduce local pressure and reduce or even eliminate formation of pressure sores, said bed comprises: (a) a computerized system comprising a memory and a processor, the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: operate the different components of the bed, and optionally coordinate between independent beds; (b) at least one camera; (c) electric rails for moving said at least one camera according to predefined coordinates, wherein said movement is controlled by said computerized system and can reach the entire area of the bed; (d) at least 25 pistons; (e) a mattress that is divided into individual sections, wherein said mattress comprises: * individual moving sections according to the number of pistons, each section connected to the upper section of a single piston of said at least 25 pistons, such that each piston can move each section up and down independently from other pistons/sections; and * permanent section(s) that are not connected to pistons and that do not move; (f) at least one air ventilator for blowing air onto desired regions of the patient's skin; and (g) at least ten pressure sensors. [017] In specific embodiments, the bed of the invention further comprises a dedicated control panel/unit, which is either connected to the bed via a wire or is wireless to provide more flexibility to the user(s). In certain embodiments, the bed exports data to any portable computer, such as a laptop or smartphone, using a dedicated software.

[018] The bed of the invention may comprise any number of pistons according to need and desire. For instance, it can include 25-100 pistons; 30-100; 35-100; 40-100; 45-100; 50-100; 55-100; 60-100; 65-100; 70-100; 25-90; 25-80; 25-70; 25-60; 25-50; 25-45; 25-40; or 30-40 pistons. In specific embodiments, the pistons are electric pistons. In other embodiments, said pistons are pneumatic pistons. In further alternative embodiments, the bed comprises a plurality of different pistons- some pneumatic and some electric. In further specific embodiments, each piston is associated with a motion sensor, thereby enabling the computerized system to identify the presence of a patient laying on the mattress section associated with said piston and/or to determine the location and movement speed and direction of each piston.

[019] The bed of the invention can be constructed in any shape and size.

[020] The shape and size of each of the mattress’s sections may be the same or different. In specific embodiments, all the sections are evenly-shaped rectangulars or squares. In other specific embodiments, all the sections are evenly-shaped hexagons. In yet other specific embodiments, all the sections are evenly-shaped triangles. In alternative specific embodiments, the sections have the same shape, e.g. hexagon, but are non-evenly-shaped, e.g. a larger hexagon may be used for supporting the head or other areas that are usually not occupied by a patient's body laying on the bed (e.g. the bed's corners). In certain embodiments, the different sections of the bed’s mattress are of different shape, and optionally of different size. Fig. 3 illustrates that the mattress sections at the perimeter of the bed are pentagon- or trapeze-shaped, whereas the rest of the sections are hexagon-shaped. Fig. 2 illustrate that only the hexagon-shaped mattress sections are connected to piston and can be moved up and down according to need to relief pressure.

[021] In specific embodiments, the bed’s mattress comprises at least 25 individual units, each attached to a separate piston. In specific embodiments thereof the individual units are of even size and shape. In other specific embodiments, the individual units are of different size and/or shape. In yet other specific embodiments, 2-10% of the individual units are of different size and/or shape, whereas the rest are of even size and shape. In further or alternative specific embodiments, the bed’s mattress comprises 2-25%, 2-20%, 2-15%, 2- 10%, 2-5%, 5-25%; 10-25%, 15-25%, 10-20%, 15-20%, or about 7% stationary area(s)/units that do not move (and not connected to pistons).

[022] The pistons are activated by the computerized system that determines which piston to elevate or lower, and to which extent; how often to lower/lift, and how fast to lower/lift, all in order to regulate and minimize pressure on the skin and tissue of the patient laying on the bed at any given moment. The pistons and mattress sections associated therewith are independent from one another, meaning that each piston and its associated mattress section can move individually from other pistons and sections. [023] Notably, each mattress section can be associated to two or more pistons, e.g., in order to reduce pressure on such pistons, e.g. when the mattress section is positioned underneath a large or heavy body part of the patient.

[024] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention further comprises one or more lifts for raising different areas of the bed, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 lifts. Each lift can lift and lower a different area of the bed, each area comprising one or more mattress sections. These lifts further enable to adjust the patient laying/sitting angle/position. The adjusting of the patient’s body position is carried out in a continuous manner by smoothly changing the height and angle of both the pistons and/or the lifts.

[025] The pressure-relief effect is performed by lowering and lifting of pistons in an order built according to software's recommendations or manually by a healthcare personal according to observations and need. The lifting and lowering of the pistons assist in pressure- sores prevention and treatment in that they rise and lower the patient's legs and arms at a required rate and height that do not exceed doctor's instructions. This function may also assist in physiotherapy. The lifting and lowering of the pistons further assist in pressure-sores prevention and treatment in that they lower a mattress portion so that it detaches from the patient's body, thereby preventing creation of pressure at that point.

[026] The pistons further enable to: (i) create uniformity by lifting and lowering together, similar to regular electric bed that raises the patient's back / legs up and down; and/or (ii) control the areas in the bed to be lifted / lowered.

[027] In specific embodiments, the lifting and lowering of the pistons acts as physiotherapy and assist in preventing / treating muscle weakness due to any syndrome and neurological diseases, motor, muscle and tissue injuries. In such specific embodiments, the bed is designed to maintain the movement of the upper and lower limbs of paralyzed or immobilized patients that have the potential to develop muscle dystrophy or pressure sores/ulcers. If the patient does not have any diseases or syndromes that might increase the risk of such muscle weakness, the bed will only prevent pressure sores by lowering and lifting pistons in a required order and locations.

[028] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention further comprises an electrical axial translation, rotation and/or vibration mechanism, which allows moving the laying patient in different directions and/or agitate the patient’s body, for, e.g., reducing/ eliminating pressure and/or assist in physiotherapy.

[029] Accordingly, in certain embodiment, the bed of the invention further comprises one or more local vibration mechanism(s) enabling agitating various areas of the patient’s body to, e.g., further increase blood-flow and increase the efficiency of pressure relief, and/or to improve various physiotherapy protocols.

[030] In certain embodiments, each piston is associated to a motion sensor for quality control thereof. In specific embodiment, said motion sensor(s) assists in operating each of said pistons. For instance, if a problem is discovered, the system will be notified quickly and directly, optionally via said motion sensor(s).

[031] In certain embodiments, the pistons are wirily connected to the computerized system. In alternative embodiments, the pistons are connected to the computerized system wirelessly and are operated, e.g., by Wi-Fi. In specific embodiments, each piston is operated by an individual controller and chip that are synchronized directly to the software controlling the hardware, which sends commands to each piston with calculated data; how much to lift/lower; when; where; for how long; how many pistons; etc., and any combination thereof. [032] The mattress of the bed is divided into individual units, e.g. hexagons, each attached to a separate piston. In certain embodiments, 60-95% of the mattress's surface is divided into said individual units (e.g. hexagons). In specific embodiments, 70-95%, 75-95%, 80-95%, 85-95%, 90-95%, 75-90% or 75-85% of the mattress's surface is divided into such individual units. In yet other specific embodiments, said individual mattress units are evenly sized.

[033] In specific embodiments, 2-10% of the mattress is customized to the back-of-the-head area (brainstem/rear head), and the individual units thereof have a size that differs from all other individual units. In specific embodiments, a total of 4 individual units at the rear head section have a different size than the other units. This is intended to provide precise stress- relief at the back-of-the-head area. Such configuration may also present at other areas, such as the lower back area.

[034] In certain embodiments, 5-10% of the mattress is fixed to the perimeter of the bed and is not dynamic, i.e. does not move up or down. [035] In specific embodiments, the bed of the invention may lower a section of the mattress at the head area to create a face opening groove for when the patient lays face down, thereby relieving stress from, e.g., the nose.

[036] The computerized system determines which mattress portion(s) should be lifted or lowered in order to reduce pressure at a given point to thereby prevent pressure sore formation. This can be done, e.g. by lowering one or more mattress portions that are located directly underneath the patient’s body part the is detected as developing a pressure sore, or by lifting one or more nearby sections to elevate nearby body parts together with the pressurized body portion, or both. The computerized system may further activate an air ventilator(s) to blow air to assist in relieving the stress and reduce temperature and moisture at that point. [037] The air ventilator(s) in the bed of the invention can be of any type, such as an electric air ventilator/compressor or even simple compressed air containers. In certain embodiments, the bed comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more such air ventilators. In specific embodiments, the bed comprises three air ventilators: at both edges of the bed, and in the middle, to enable efficient operation. In specific embodiments, each mattress portion comprises a mini air ventilator to ventilate each mattress portion according to need. Alternatively, the bed comprises only one to three air ventilators with air outlets at desired points, such as at both edges of the bed and in the middle, or at some or all of the mattress portions.

[038] In certain embodiments, each air ventilator has two (or more) tubes, e.g. when three air ventilators are present each with two tubes, a total of 6 tubes is present. The tubes may be attached to the side of the mattress's section at the tip of the piston. In specific embodiments, the air ventilator or tubes are designed to reach the most common areas of the human body known to develop pressure sores/ulcers: ankles and heels; the lower buttocks; the tail bone area in the lower back; and the elbows and their sub-areas. The air ventilators export air either in pulses or continuously to provide air/oxygen to the patient's skin if and when necessary and to remove local moisture (e.g., due to sweat). The air ventilators may be connected to compressed gas containers to provide dry air, or can facilitate air from the room. [039] Oxygen efficiency on the surface of the skin is a significant factor for patients with skin problems or with an oxygen barrier to the tissue due to their inability to move or due to systemic diseases that affect oxygen supply to the tissues. These problems are more common among the elderly patients, i.e. over 65 of age. Providing air/oxygen in pulses or continuously to the direction of the potential area reduces the risk of developing redness and worsening the condition of the skin.

[040] In certain embodiments, the air ventilators are synchronized to the software that determines when and where to activate them, and whether pulses or continuously air or oxygen administration is needed, or both. In specific embodiments, the air ventilators may also be activated manually by the doctor/nurse, and can also be manually switched off.

[041] In certain embodiments, the size of the air ventilator is minor in relationship to the bed. In other embodiments, the air ventilators are quite during operation in order not to disturb the patient and/or the surrounding.

[042] The bed of the invention comprises many sensors for detecting and monitoring various conditions, such as temperature, moisture, pressure, etc. These sensors are associated with the computerized system and provide it with data- either wirelessly or wirely.

[043] Pressure sensors may be built in the form of a thin mesh, optionally of elastic material that simulates rubber. In certain embodiments, the sensor(s) dispersion extends over at least 50% of critical points in the bed structure. In specific embodiments, at lease one pressure sensor is placed in each individual segment/unit of the mattress (mattress portion). The pressure sensors detect strong points of pressure, light to heavy loads in all critical parts of the body, identify the weakest point to the most powerful, and send the data to the computerized system that can display it by graph and colors. The computerized system determines whether to lift or lower a specific mattress section in order to relief a pressure detected by these sensors: either by lowering a portion directly at the point of pressure or by lifting a nearby section to elevate the pressurized body portion, or both.

[044] The number of pressure sensors can vary according to need, and can be between about 10 to about 100 or about 1000, e.g. between about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 to about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40. In specific embodiments, the number of pressure sensors is about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 250, 500 or more.

[045] Temperature sensors identify the patient's body temperature and identify different temperatures between various areas in the patient's body. An increase of the temperature at a given point may indicate the formation of a pressure sore (due to accumulation of blood at that point or due to the beginning of an immune response), and thus initiate protocols to alleviate pressure at that point.

[046] Moisture sensors within the mattress may be used for alerting the medical staff that the patient needs a diaper change or is sweating too much. This further assists in reducing pressure sore formation as well as reduce accumulation of infectious bacteria and/or pH alterations (due to, e.g. urine accumulation) that increase damage to the patient's skin.

[047] For instance, if the moisture sensor(s) identifies irregular skin dryness or wetness, the bed shall instruct the camera to take pictures of the skin at that point and evaluate the dryness level. According to need, the bed shall pass/blow air/oxygen to specific locations, shall heat/cool the bed's surface, shall move mattress sections up or down to improve blood-flow to desired locations, etc. in order to bring the skin area back to normal condition to thereby prevent and reduce the risk of a pressure sore formation.

[048] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention further comprises at least one sensor installed underneath or within the mattress for monitoring, without physically contacting the patient, multiple measurements, such as breathing rate, pulse test, weight and body movement. In specific embodiments, the sensor is able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior pattern and send an alert to the medical staff if needed.

[049] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention further comprises an integrated blood pressure measurement device and/or body temperature measurement device for measuring vital signs of the patient laying thereon.

[050] Data obtained from the different sensors in the bed of the invention enables more accurate analysis and subsequent treatment recommendations for each individual patient laying thereon, and improve prevention of pressure sores in practice.

[051] The bed of the invention may further include at least one electric lift, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or more lifts, that can raise different areas of the bed or the entire surface of the bed at different angles, wherein said lifts are positioned under the pistons (each lift can lift and lower more than one piston). This enables controlling, optionally manually, the angle of the upper or lower body section of the patient laying on the bed- similarly to standard electric beds. The computerized system may override manual operation in high-risk patients. In certain embodiments, the lift can elevate the entire bed surface for aiding the caretaker to perform tasks on the patient's body, and/or to aid the laying patient to mount-onto or descend-from the bed.

[052] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention is elevated by at least one elevation mechanism, which is equipped with electrically controlled motors and supporting mechanism(s). The elevation mechanism enables to elevate each side of the bed separately or together (with all the pistons therein). The elevation mechanism is designed to elevate and stably hold the laying patient.

[053] The different motors used in the bed of the invention can be any suitable known motors such as electrical, hydraulic, gear motors as is regularly used in existing electrically driven beds features and technologies, etc.

[054] The bed of the invention includes at least one camera that takes real-time pictures, e.g., of the patient's skin or blood-flow. In specific embodiments, the camera(s) is a high- resolution and/or 3-Dimentional (3D) camera that takes real-time pictures/video of the patient's skin and/or the patient’s body/ blood-flow.

[055] In specific embodiments, the camera(s) is mounted on a pillar attached to electric tracks inside the bed that enable it to move across the entire area of the bed according to need. The camera(s) can be positioned above the bed and patient, i.e. taking pictures/video of the patient laying on the bed. Alternatively, or additionally, the camera (or additional camera/s) can be positioned below the bed and/or within the mattress portions, thereby taking pictures/video of the patient’s skin/body parts that are in contact with the mattress portions. [056] In a specific embodiment, the camera(s) transmits simultaneously 2 green laser beams to required points on the patient's skin. The camera is designed to deliver snapshots (or video) of skin regions to the computerized system and/or directly to the medical server, thereby giving the medical staff advanced notice of any early defect change. The pictures taken provide data regarding skin spots and color differences, as well as color changes throughout a period of time, which assists in determining whether a specific area is under pressure and is about to develop skin sores.

[057] In specific embodiments, the bed’s cameras, e.g., the high-resolution and/or the 3D- camera(s), are designed to provide subcutaneously pictures: of the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis (subcutaneous). The pictures or video obtained by the cameras may undergo image analysis and data analysis by intelligent software that routes and presents critical information to the medical staff in real time without having to wait for an expert to analyze the images for, e.g., color change of the tissue.

[058] The bed may comprise at least one blood-flow camera that takes real-time pictures of the patient's body and its blood-flow. The camera is mounted on a pillar attached to electric tracks inside the bed to enable it to move across the entire area of the bed according to need. In specific embodiments, the camera enables early detection of blocked blood-flow to certain areas of the body including photographing arteries and veins. The pictures or video are transmitted to the computerized system and/or directly to a medical server, thereby giving the medical staff advanced notice of any early defect change. In certain embodiments, the pictures or video undergo image analysis and data analysis by intelligent software that routes and presents the critical information to the medical staff in real time without having to wait for an expert doctor to analyze the arterial and venous conditions and blood-flow.

[059] The present invention further provides designated coatings, covers and sheets adapted to the bed unique mattress portions. In specific embodiments, the cover used is a standard cover that covers the entire surface of the mattress. In alternative embodiments, the cover is comprised of many individual covers, each fits an individual mattress portion, thereby covering each individual mattress portion, optionally underneath a complete cover, e.g. for protection thereof from bodily fluids or provide additional cushioning or aerating.

[060] In certain embodiments, the bed covers are anti-bacterial, fire-resistant, or water- resistant, or any combination thereof.

[061] In certain embodiments the different components of the bed according to any of the embodiments above, e.g. the pistons, the mattress portions, the control panel etc., are made of water-proof and/or coated with water-proof material(s) for sealing and protection thereof from all types of liquid, including biological fluids.

[062] The bed of the invention may further include static elements, such as: base frame; safety rails on both sides of the bed to prevent falling thereof. Optionally, said rails are foldable. In specific embodiments, the length of said rails is from about 50 to about 80% of the bed's length; from about 60 to about 80% of the bed's length; from about 70 to about 80% of the bed's length; or from about 50 to about 70% of the bed's length.

[063] In certain embodiments, the bed according to any of the embodiments above further comprises an integrated touch screen or display panel that displays both real-time data and stored data, e.g. graphically. Optionally, said panel/touch screen further enables the medical staff to control the operation of the bed and its components, e.g. raise/lower pistons, move a camera to a specific location, select a treatment protocol/regime, etc. The screen may allow to see what actions are being performed at a given time, obtain information about the patient, transmit and receive information to/from the computerized system or medical center, change the position of bed, manual operation of the bed according to need, etc.

[064] In certain embodiments, the bed further comprises fluid bag hanging rack(s), e.g. for a fluid infusion bag or urine collection.

[065] The bed of the invention may also include wheels, e.g. silicone wheels, optionally with a braking mechanism, for easy transport and moving around.

[066] In certain embodiments, the bed of the invention is designed and build to allow the medical staff to easily see the interior components, such as the pistons and cameras positioned underneath the patient, for ease of control, inspection and repair. Figs. 4A & 4B illustrate a transparent wall around the perimeter of the lower section of the bed that allows seeing the pistons and cameras at the base of the bed. This transparent wall can be easily dismantled (or moved aside) in order to reach the components at the lower section of the bed, e.g. for maintenance, cleaning and repair. Notably, although the bed is designed to prevent bodily fluids from entering the inside and such lower components, in case such fluids do pass the mattress and enter the inside, the dismantling of the walls enables to clean the interior of the bed.

[067] In specific embodiments, the bed further comprises sensors for detection penetration of fluids and/or other contaminants into the inner/lower section of the bed, i.e. where the pistons and cameras are located. This assists in reducing contaminations and damage to the patient, as well as to the bed’s components.

[068] The computerized system of the bed comprises at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the memory comprising computer-readable instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the computerized system to implement a method of reducing pressure sores by: (a) receiving data from the various sensors in the bed; (b) determining the chance of occurrence of a pressure sore at a given body area; and (c) activating selected pitons in order to lift or lower selected mattress portions, thereby preventing the formation of pressure sores and/or treating existing pressure sores. The method may further comprise a step of monitoring of the treatment, i.e. pressure sores formation and/or muscle weakness and responsively thereof modifying the activation of the pistons.

[069] In further or alternative embodiments, the computerized system of the bed comprises at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the memory comprising computer-readable instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the computerized system to implement a method of reducing pressure sores and/or a physiotherapy protocol, the method comprising: (a) creating an analytics engine comprising a set of rules that correlate multiple sets of moving individual mattress portions/units to protocols of automated therapy; (b) applying the set of rules to a new assessment of a new patient to generate a custom protocol of automated movement of individual mattress portions/units for said patient; (c) monitoring a metric of progress of the given patient, i.e. pressure sores formation and/or muscle weakness, during the automated therapy by the custom protocol; and (d) responsively to the metric of progress, modifying the set of rules of the analytics engine.

[070] In certain embodiments, the computerized system of each bed is connected to a central computing system and/or to other bed computerized systems, for transmitting data from one another for deep learning and improvement of the prevention and treatment algorithms.

[071] The present invention further provides an application for a mobile device for controlling and/or monitoring the patient's condition. Such an application can be used by the medical staff and/or relatives of the patient.

[072] The present invention further provides a computer-based method of controlling individual mattress portions/units movements of a bed of the invention, implemented by at least one processor having at least one memory storage on which is stored computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method comprising: (a) receiving multiple job profiles of jobs to be performed for multiple respective job offerors; (b) receiving multiple patient profiles; and (c) generating by a treatment generating engine, according to feedback regarding prior therapy treatment, an automatic recommendation, including a match of a selected patient and a selected treatment protocol, and including a recommended therapy and/or monitoring protocol. [073] In specific embodiments the method of the invention further comprises, after generation of the automatic recommendation: (a) receiving feedback from the medical staff; (b) receiving live feedback from the bed regarding the patient's physical condition while hospitalized; (c) receiving post-hospitalization feedback from the patient regarding success of the treatment following discharge; (d) applying the pre-admission, live, and post hospitalization feedbacks in modeling a revision of the treatment generating engine; and (e) applying the revised treatment generating engine to make a subsequent automatic recommendation for a subsequent treatment including a corresponding, subsequent, recommended therapy.

[074] In certain embodiments, the bed according to any of the embodiments above is used for reducing and/or alleviating pressure to prevent pressure sores formation and/or to treat and eliminate existing pressure sores.

[075] In certain embodiments, the bed according to any of the embodiments above is for use in reducing and/or treating muscle weakness and/or for physiotherapy.

[076] The present invention further provides software for operating the bed according to any of the embodiments above. This software is an intelligent software that studies pressure sores/ulcers' risk factors (e.g. systemic diseases) and differentiate between patients and their individual parameters. The software is designed to perform a scan (according to the degree of risk to the patient) using the bed's sensors and cameras, and send a report to the computerized system and/or a medical server/staff, showing, e.g., skin condition, blood vessels condition, and temperatures (of the patient and different body regions thereof). In addition, the software can calculate the improvement of existing and incoming data during treatment/therapy, the percentage of potential development of pressure sores and which area of the body needs further focus.

[077] The software is further designed to monitor the patient's condition, and operate the bed accordingly, including predicting pressure sores formation and acting accordingly to reduce the risk of appearance thereof. The software is further designed to alert the medical staff about any alteration of the patient's condition.

[078] The software calculations include: (i) internal risk factors for the development of pressure sores, such as: skin changes due to aging, lack of motion, decreased conscious, decrease sensation, severe or terminal illness, over-weight, patients connected to pipes, patients with a pressure wound background, systemic disease such as: heart failure, renal failure, liver failure, vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, collagen disease, gastrointestinal diseases, heavy smokers, blood-flow disorder and anemia; (ii) external risk factors for the development of pressure sores, such as: pressure, shear forces, a condition in which one layer of tissue moves in a different direction to another layer due to loads such as weight, body gliding on a frictionless surface, etc. friction, and moisture; (iii) individual blood pressure per patient’s weight.

[079] The software’s calculations are based on biological/physiological individual data per patient, as well as physical parameters, such as external pressure, light, air moisture, etc. The software can distinguish between different patients and integrate all parameters to automatically and actively alleviate pressure where needed.

[080] Data in the therapy repository typically includes data from previous patient cases, including patient records, protocols, and speech assessment results. The machine learning process classifies the protocols, distinguishing between those that are more successful and those that are less successful at reducing pressure sores formation. The machine learning process then creates appropriate rules for an analytics engine to determine a protocol appropriate for a assessment of a new patient, where the assessment identifies the new patient's impediment.

[081] The software is designed to both gather initial information and physical parameters of each patient, e.g. by manually inputting such data or obtaining same from a database, continuously (or periodically) monitor the patient's condition during hospitalization, evaluate risk factors, alert the medical team when needed and act independently to reduce risk factors and pressure sores formation and development. Accordingly, the software takes into consideration also the following parameters: patient's risk level, age, skin condition, bladder and feces control, known diseases and conditions, and blood circulation.

[082] In certain embodiments, the software sends a medical report containing full details about the patient, including a summary and recommendations for continued treatment. As part of the summary, the software can define which areas are susceptible to pressure sores formation.

[083] Notably, the software also studies syndromes that cause muscle loss / weakness, as well as reduction in body's immune system activity and efficiency. [084] The following are names of diseases of the peripheral nervous system and muscles that are, or may be, risk factors for pressure sores formation and/or muscle weakness: sarcopenia, Gillian Bra (GBS) syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and obesity.

[085] The main causes that contribute to muscle depletion / degeneration are: lack of movement and poor nutrition. As such, exercise and physiotherapy is of high importance. Accordingly, the software and bed of the invention are designed to provide physiotherapy to a laying patient for reducing muscle depletion / degeneration. For instance, the bed can lift and lower each leg (heal) independently (or together), lift and lower each arm independently (or together), lift and lower the upper body section, lift and lower the pelvis area, etc., and any combination thereof.

[086] For purposes of clarity, and in no way limiting the scope of the teachings, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values recited herein, should be interpreted as being preceded in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, the numerical parameters recited in the present specification are approximations that may vary depending on the desired outcome. For example, each numerical parameter may be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[087] The term "about" as used herein means that values of 10% or less above or below the indicated values are also included.

[088] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment” or "certain embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

Examples Example 1

[089] The mattress is an integral part of the bed, and is divided into static parts/portions (e.g. the mattress portions constituting the mattress frame), and dynamic (hexagonal) parts/portions along the entire length of the center of the bed. The amount of static parts in the mattress ranges from 20 to 30, and the amount of dynamic ranges from 32 to 36.

[090] Each dynamic part contains an integral sensor associated with the relevant piston. The mattress portions further include various sensors, such as pressure/weight sensors, moisture sensors, and temperature sensors. The sensors provide data, such as general weight, weight per joint (limbs), height, width and physical condition of the patient for all parts of the patient's body, to the computerized system that produces real-time pressure mapping to allow its software to monitor and determine the likelihood of a pressure sore formation at a given point.

[091] The software determines, based on such data obtained from the sensors and any other data inputted therein, the patient’s overall physical condition and limitations, how much the patient can move independently and which body regions are motor-limited. For instance the bed measures: general body weight + point body weight per joint + height and width of the patient, and combines these data with assessment and management of known risks for general and regional immobility of the body organs.

[092] Then, the software performs calculations and determines the level and frequency of moving the patient’s different body parts, while monitoring improvement or relapse, and responsively modifying the given treatment based thereon.

[093] The bed adapts the movement of the electric pistons/actuators (i.e. the dynamic areas/portions), to the patient's physical condition, thereby providing an active preventive mechanism in body areas at high risk of developing a pressure sore by automatically lowering and raising the pistons without any human intervention.

[094] The computerized system further measures the immobility time period of the patient’s different body parts, and activates the appropriate pistons to facilitate movement thereof. For instance, the system can be configured to facilitate movement of a limb every, e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 min. of immobility.

[095] Specific body parts that their movement is closely monitored are for example: joints, pelvis, neck, occiput (back of head), shoulders, calves, hips, feet and hands. The bed can regulate pressure in multiple areas at once, while providing support and keeping the patient stable (even if the patient can move independently). Patient stability is expressed in that the patient's body is kept lying down without changing the angle of the body at any given moment.

[096] The different sensors and cameras provide the bed system data regarding the exact location of each body part at every given time point.

[097] The bed further includes humidity-sensors designed to detect, e.g., accumulation of sweat, urine and feces; and thus activating local ventilators to reduce excess moisture, and/or alerting the medical staff that the patient needs a change of sheet. Specific sensors can be used for detection of urine and feces.

[098] The bed further includes temperature-sensors, enabling to examine local skin warming in the patient's body parts, which is indicative of the beginning of a pressure sore development. If and when a temperature sensor detects local skin warming, the software can alert the medical staff and/or regulate humidity and/or temperature, e.g. by activating the air ventilators.

Example 2

[099] The following parameters are used to calculate and establish determination that preventative actions need to be taken to prevent formation of pressure sores: (a) BMI, i.e. weight (kg) divided by square height (in meters); (b) duration and frequency of independent displacement/movement- general and local (hand/foot/shoulder/calves/hips/pelvis/neck/ feet/hands/occiput/elbows/heels/upper and lower back); and (c) external risk factors such as, temperature, humidity, urine and feces;

[100] The system can automatically calculate the patient’s BMI, and determine whether the patient is extreme underweight (<16.0); medium underweight (16.0-16.9); lightweight underweight (17.0-18.4); normal weight (18.5-24.9); slight overweight (25.0-29.9); level 1 overweight (30.0-34.9); level 2 overweight (35.0-39.9); or level 3 overweight (>40.0).

[101] Finally, the computerized system provide the medical staff a detailed report that maps the risks of developing pressure sores in the patient to varying degrees, and further adapts itself to a preventive response.

Claims

1. A pressure-relieving bed designed to reduce local pressure and reduce formation of pressure sores, said bed comprises: a. a computerized system comprising a memory and a processor, the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: operate the different components of the bed, and optionally coordinate between independent beds; b. at least one camera; c. electric rails for moving said at least one camera according to predefined coordinates, wherein said movement is controlled by said computerized system and can reach the entire area of the bed; d. at least 25 pistons; e. a mattress that is divided into individual mattress sections, wherein said mattress comprises:

- individual moving mattress sections according to the number of pistons, each section connected to the upper section of a single piston of said at least 25 pistons, such that each piston can move each section up and down independently from other pistons / sections; and

- permanent mattress section(s) that are not connected to pistons and that do not move; f. at least one air ventilator for blowing air onto desired regions of the patient's skin; and g. at least ten pressure sensors.

2. The bed of claim 1 further comprising a control panel/unit.

3. The bed of claim 1, wherein each piston is associated-with/connected-to a motion sensor.

4. The bed of claim 1, wherein said at least one camera is a high-resolution and/or 3D- camera that takes real-time pictures or video of the patient's skin.

5. The bed of claim 1, wherein said at least one camera is a high-resolution blood-flow camera that takes real-time pictures or video of the patient's blood-flow.

6. The bed of claim 1, wherein said at least one camera is mounted on a pillar attached to electric tracks inside the bed that enable it to move across the entire area of the bed according to need.

7. The bed of claim 1, wherein said at least one camera is positioned below the mattress for taking pictures or video of the patient’s skin/body that is in contact with the mattress.

8. The bed of claim 1 further comprising at least one temperature sensor.

9. The bed of claim 8, wherein each individual mattress section comprises or is associated with a temperature sensor.

10. The bed of claim 1, wherein the mattress comprises at least 25 individual units, each attached to a separate piston.

11. The bed of claim 9, wherein the individual units are of even size and shape.

12. The bed of claim 9, wherein the individual units are of different size and/or shape.

13. The bed of claim 9, wherein 2-10% of the individual units are of different size and/or shape, whereas the rest are of even size and shape.

14. The bed of claim 1, wherein said mattress comprises 2-10% stationary area(s) that do not move.

15. The bed of claim 1 further comprising 1-4 lifts for raising different areas of the bed.

16. The bed of claim 1 further comprising a moisture sensor within the mattress.

17. The bed of claim 16, wherein each individual mattress section comprises or is associated with a moisture sensor.

18. The bed of claim 16, wherein 25-50% of the individual mattress sections comprise or are associated with a moisture sensor.

19. The bed of claim 1, characterized in that the position of the user's body laying thereon can be adjustable in a continuous manner by smoothly changing the height and angle of said pistons and/or lifts.

20. The bed of claim 1, for use in reducing and/or alleviating pressure to prevent pressure sores formation.

21. The bed of claim 1, for use in reducing and/or treating muscle weakness.

22. The bed of claim 1 further comprising a computing system comprising at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the memory comprising computer-readable instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the computing system to implement a method of reducing pressure sores and/or physiotherapy, the method comprising: a. creating an analytics engine comprising a set of rules that correlate multiple sets of moving individual mattress units to protocols of automated therapy; b. applying the set of rules to a new assessment of a new patient to generate a custom protocol of automated movement of individual mattress units for the patient; c. monitoring a metric of progress of the given patient, i.e. pressure sores formation and/or muscle weakness, during the automated therapy by the custom protocol; and d. responsively to the metric of progress, modifying the set of rules of the analytics engine.

23. A computer-based method for controlling individual mattress units movements of a bed as defined in claim 1 , implemented by at least one processor having at least one memory storage on which computer-readable instructions are stored, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method, said method comprising: a. receiving multiple job profiles of jobs to be performed for multiple respective job offerors; b. receiving multiple patient profiles; and c. generating by a treatment generating engine, according to feedback regarding prior therapy treatment(s), an automatic recommendation, including a match of a selected patient and a selected treatment protocol, and including a recommended therapy and/or monitoring protocol.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising, after generation of the automatic recommendation, at least one of: a. receiving feedback from the patient and/or the medical staff; b. receiving live feedback from the bed regarding the patient's physical condition while hospitalized; c. receiving post-hospitalization feedback from the patient regarding success of the treatment following discharge; d. applying the pre-admission, live, and post-hospitalization feedbacks in modeling a revision of the treatment generating engine; and e. applying the revised treatment generating engine to make a subsequent automatic recommendation for a subsequent treatment including a corresponding, subsequent, recommended therapy, or any combination thereof.