|
|
|
|
|
|
SKIN PERFUSION PRESSURE Response monitor
1995Download the complete report (150 KB, PDF format) |
 get adobe acrobat reader |
Dr A. K. Nunn, Clinical director, REHABTech
Prof P. Disler, Dept of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Melbourne
Prof R. A. Westerman International Diabetes Institute, Caulfield, Vic
M. Denison, Dept of Biomedical Engineering, The Alfred Group of Hospitals
D. Stone, REHABTech
T. J. Churchward, Maskiell Foundation Research Fellow.
 |
The design and development of a device to continuously measureand control local pressure on the skin and, by incorporating laser doppler flowmetry (LDF), simultaneously measure blood flux (and temperature) at the same point. An instrument to apply known pressures to the skin was required to measure re-perfusion behaviour of small blood vessels in skin. |
Design criteria included: low cost; simple operation; accuracy; reliability; incorporation of Laser Doppler Flowmetry; operation across the biological range of pressures; and being applicable to a variety of body sites.
The resulting design consists of a pneumatic circuit, pressure transducer, chart recorder, mercury manometer, housing for blood flow and temperature probe; and a stand to rest subject's upper limb on.
The pressure is applied vertically to the limb that rests horizontallyon the stand.
Pressure can be applied or released as required.
A continuous output of local pressure, blood flux and temperature is obtained at the same point.
The blood flux and temperature readings are acquired using a Moor Instruments DRT4 Laser Doppler Perfusion and Temperature Monitor.
This device facilitates a wide range of research projects. It will initially be used to establish a skin re-perfusion response, or stress test in controls.Subsequent projects would then involve various patient groups.
