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Biomedical subjects

M Kosiak

Publications and source records attributed to M Kosiak.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Prevention and rehabilitation of pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers continue to constitute a major medical problem that interferes with the care of elderly and debilitated patients and patients with paralysis and anesthesia, such as spinal cord-injured patients. In spite of the great advances made in modern medical care, too little attention has been paid to the prevention of pressure ulcers. Preventive measures must be based on education of the patient, the family, and all involved professional personnel. Patients and personnel must be constantly reminded of the etiology, pathology, and cost of ischemic ulcers. They must also be convinced that pressure ulcers can be prevented through diligent and enlightened nursing attention and self-care. The importance of providing pressure relief to the areas supporting the weight of the body must continue to be stressed and materials and methods must never be substituted for sound nursing care.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

Pressure distribution and skin temperature effect of the ROHO wheelchair balloon cushion.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ROHO Balloon Wheelchair Cushion in distributing pressure on the skin over the ischial tuberosities in healthy subjects. Surface skin temperatures over the ischial tuberosities and thighs of the subjects were also measured. Pressure recordings were obtained by placing a pressure sensor between the wheelchair cushion and the skin overlying the ischial tuberosities. For comparison, pressures were recorded while the same subjects sat on a 4-inch foam cushion supported on a plywood board. Skin surface temperatures on the 2 cushions were recorded on separate occasions under the ischial tuberosity and the posterior thigh during a 30-minute test period. The results indicate no important difference in resting pressures when the subjects sat on either the 4-inch foam cushion or the balloon cushion. Neither was there an important difference in pressure when the cushion was inflated to greater than the manufacturer's recommendations or when it was covered with a commercially designed cover. The average increase in skin temperature over the tuberosity was 1.9C and over the thigh, 2.6C.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Wheelchair cushion effect on skin temperature.

Since a rise of 1.0 C in temperature causes a 10% increase in tissue metabolism, a wheelchair cushion which limits changes in skin temperature, and thus metabolic demand, might effectively reduce ischemic tissue damage. Skin temperature changes were measured under the ischial tuberosities and thighs of normal subjects while sitting on several types of support surfaces. The effect of commercially available wheelchair cushions on sitting surface skin temperatures was measured in five normal men and five normal women, age 20 to 30 years. The sitting surfaces studies were latex rubber cushions with nylon-vinyl and cotton polyester covers, two types of gel cushions, and a water flotation pad. Skin surface temperatures were recorded under both ischial tuberosities and both posterior thighs during each 30-minute test period. Increases in skin temperature averaging 2.3 C to 2.5 C under the ischial tuberosities and 3.2 C to 3.5 C under the thighs were noted when the subjects sat on either of the latex rubber cushions. A temperature drop of 3.1 C was noted under the ischial tuberosities and 2.2 C under the thighs when using the water flotation pad. The skin temperature remained relatively static while sitting on the gel cushions.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

A mechanical resting surface: its effect on pressure distribution.

This study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of a dynamic resting surface which, at regular intervals, provides sitting patients complete relief of pressure for short periods of time. Resting pressure extremes ranged from 0 mm Hg to 160 mm Hg, depending on the position of the roller supports. At all positions, including the area beneath the ischial tuberosities, the pressures were well within the range of capillary pressure and usually dropped to zero pressure at regular intervals. This mechanical surface may be the beginning of a new concept in resting surfaces. In addition to providing intermittent relief of pressure to the sitting area, the surface lends itself and the patient to a mobility that has not been heretofore possible.

Adult↗