"Smart-e-pants"

Recent preliminary research described in the Telegraph has shown that “smart-e-pants”, specially designed underwear, may be able to stop patients developing pressure sores.

Pressure sores form when patients remain stuck in one position for too long. As a consequence the surrounding skin is compressed and blood supply is cut off. If the blood supply remains cut off and therefore a lack of oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissue occurs for a prolonged period the tissue will die. This can then lead to open sores developing which can cause further problems and are at risk to infection. Click here for more information. Particular sore prone areas include the hips and the coccyx, both of which would be covered by the underwear.

The underwear is designed to prevent these series of events occurring. Lined with electrical wiring and with electrodes placed on each cheek tiny electric currents are released every 10 minutes to stimulate the surrounding muscles, mimicking fidgeting in an able patient, which prevents sores developing.

The month long trial involving 33 patients by researchers from the University Of Calgary, Canada found that none of the patients developed pressure sores despite all being considered high-risk patients.

The most important factor in preventing pressure sores is ensuring regular movement throughout the day. Current treatment involves turning patients over to relieve pressure and the protective padding of prominent bony areas.

Pressure sores cost the NHS up to £2 billion each year and affect 500,000 patients in the UK each year. Larger studies are needed to determine whether or not the underwear could be used as an effective tool in the prevention of pressure sores. The article suggests that the underwear could be available to market in three years and could potentially save the NHS time and money through prevention.