A system configured to enclose a premature fetus within an extracorporeal environment to promote growth of the fetus and increase viability of the fetus. The system includes a chamber having an interior space configured to enclose the fetus, a first fluid circuit that delivers sterile fluid to the chamber, and a second fluid system that transfers oxygen to the fetus. The system chamber includes a stop mechanism including a clamp and an actuator, the clamp positioned in the interior space, the actuator coupled to the clamp such that movement of the actuator moves the clamp, and the actuator positioned at least partially outside the interior space.

A controller for positioning a patient utilizing an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device may include three independently inflatable chambers. The controller may include first, second, and third pressure output ports; first, second, and third pressure sensors; a plurality of electro-mechanical switches; an electronic user interface; an computer; a pressurized air input port; and an atmospheric air port. The plurality of electro-mechanical switches may be configured to independently control air flow through the first, second, and third pressure output ports. The first, second, and third pressure sensors may be configured to measure pressure internal to the first, second, and third pressure output ports, respectively. The computer may be configured to receive first, second, and third pressure signals from each of the first, second, and third pressure sensors, respectively; to control each of the plurality of electro-mechanical switches; and communication with the user through the electronic user interface.

Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

A computer system for identifying a posture adopted by a subject is disclosed. The computer system includes a computer processor that is configured to execute the following functions: obtain a set of reference pressure images, each of the reference pressure images associated with a known posture; obtain a recorded pressure image of the subject; compare the recorded pressure image of the subject with a candidate pressure image from the set of reference pressure images; and repeat the comparing function until the recorded pressure image with the candidate pressure image.

An automatically adjusting comfort method includes measuring pressure applied by a user via a pressure-sensor array, determining a pressure profile based on measurements from the pressure-sensor array, comparing the pressure profile to a first limit, determining a cumulative pressure profile over a predetermined duration, comparing the cumulative pressure profile to a second limit, and adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile for increased comfort of the user when the pressure profile exceeds the first limit or the second limit. An automatically adjusting comfort system includes a pressure-sensor array communicatively coupled to a controller for determining a cumulative pressure profile over time, and a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile to increase a user's comfort, wherein the controller automatically adjusts one or more of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms based on the cumulative pressure profile.

A patient support apparatus that is adaptable to multiple modes of transport includes a variable length base and a drive system that includes two independently drivable wheels that are responsive to inputs from a user to steer the patient support apparatus.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and/or method involving respective sets of interleaved pressure cells, which operate to inflate and deflate independently of one another. The pressure cells further provide shear relief by deflecting along a direction of movement, such as along a shear direction of an upper surface coupled to the pressure cells. Such deflection may, for example, be implemented with elongated pressure cells and along a direction that is perpendicular to a length thereof. Shear relief in this regard may be facilitated by undercut regions of the respective pressure cells, at which location the pressure cells are coupled to an underlying surface and which is smaller in dimension relative to an overlying portion of the pressure cell.

A portable patient turning device is provided comprising an inflatable mattress cover having a planar surface configured to substantially cover the surface of a bed, and a control unit connected to the inflatable mattress cover by one or more air hoses. The inflatable mattress cover further comprises a first inflatable chamber proximate to and extending along a left edge of the planar surface, a second inflatable chamber proximate to and extending along a right edge of the planar surface, and a spine cushion positioned between the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber and extending along a middle portion of the planar surface for at least a portion of the length of the first inflatable chamber and second inflatable chamber.

Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient’s body when the specific anatomic region of the patient’s body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient’s body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Systems and methods for patient monitoring and repositioning are provided. The system includes a mattress with a cell array and a base board array to receive the cell array. The cell array includes a plurality of individually height-adjustable cells each having sensor surface configured to sense at least one biomarker of the patient while lying on the mattress. The system also includes a main unit in communication with each cell of the cell array through the base board array. The main unit is configured to receive data from each of the cells, including measurements of the at least one biomarker, and independently control a height of each of the cells.