Technology and advanced manufacturing reducing pressure injuries
The Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Rehabilitation Engineering Centre and Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) are working in partnership to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries for people who use wheelchairs.
Chief investigators Peter Slattery, STARS Rehabilitation Engineering Director (left), and Dr David Forrestal, HBI Advanced 3D Engineer, with a 3D manufactured personalised cushion
The team of engineers, clinicians and academics are using advanced manufacturing technology to create personalised wheelchair cushions that are tailored to the needs of each individual person.
Pressure injuries are an injury that occurs when different forces are applied to the surface of the skin. They take a long time to heal and can have significant consequences for a person’s rehabilitation, mobility and quality of life.
“People with a limited amount of mobility, such as people who use wheelchairs, are at particular risk for developing pressure injuries,” STARS Rehabilitation Engineering Director Peter Slattery said.
“We are developing an advanced manufacturing process consisting of 3D scanning, 3D printing and 3D modelling to create custom wheelchair cushions optimised to the needs of an individual in terms of pressure management and postural support.
“In the first phase of the project, we found that the material, design and 3D printing method can be used to manufacture full-scale cushions with suitable pressure distribution properties.”
The Rehabilitation Engineering Centre and HBI are now focusing on developing a viable method for printing a full-size functional cushion.
“Initial assessments of the 3D printed foam samples indicate that the material improves heath dissipation and moisture clearing due to the open cell 3D microstructure,” Peter said.
“The automated manufacturing process also allows low-cost replacements, or additional spare cushions to be manufactured at significantly lower costs, which can reduce incidences were wheelchair users are left without a suitable pressure management cushion due to damage, degradation or loss.
“Our end goal is to implement this technology into a routine service at STARS, so that every patient who comes through the doors of the Rehabilitation Engineering Centre leaves with a solution that is entirely customised to their needs, reduces their risk of injury and improves their quality of life.”
Phase 1 of this project was funded by the Jamieson Trauma Institute, and Phases 2 and 3 have been funded by the National Injury Insurance Scheme of Queensland.