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Postural Hypotension Correction Binder

A device which automatically detects and starts abdominal compression when the user, having postural hypotension issues, gets up from the bed.

Postural Hypotension Correction Binder

A device which automatically detects and starts abdominal compression when the user, having postural hypotension issues, gets up from the bed.

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SDG 3 : Good Health and Well Being

Idea

I have witnessed the serious effects of postural hypotension as my grandfather has been diagnosed with the same.

Given his age and failing memory, it was very difficult for him to remember to get up slowly from the bed. This problem became a big worry for us each night. That’s when I began researching this condition and tried to break down the key problem into some simple workable solutions using the help of technology.

Problem statement

The problem is the drop in blood pressure when the person, having postural hypotension issue, assumes an upright position from a lying down position. 

Constraints

Memory Issue: Elderly patients suffer more from postural hypotension. They often need to use the washroom at night and so get up at night from bed more often. Due to poor memory and forgetfulness, they are less likely to practice the technique of getting up slowly from the bed.

Idea

I have witnessed the serious effects of postural hypotension as my grandfather has been diagnosed with the same.

Given his age and failing memory, it was very difficult for him to remember to get up slowly from the bed. This problem became a big worry for us each night. That’s when I began researching this condition and tried to break down the key problem into some simple workable solutions using the help of technology.

Problem statement

The problem is the drop in blood pressure when the person, having postural hypotension issue, assumes an upright position from a lying down position. 

Constraints

  • Memory Issue: Elderly patients suffer more from postural hypotension. They often need to use the washroom at night and so get up at night from bed more often. Due to poor memory and forgetfulness, they are less likely to practice the technique of getting up slowly from the bed.

Idea Brainstorming

Medications to increase BP

Not ideal as they don’t act selectively to increase BP during standing up preferentially. The effects of the increase in BP during other times can give high bp related to other newer problems. Plus, it increased the pill burden on the elderly.

 Limit the need to get out of bed

Limit the need to get out of bed at night time when less change of being supervised/ assisted: have a bed side commode / night time diapers etc: not a suitable option for patients and does not really solve the underlying bp drop issue

Timed Compression

Have a comfortable loose abdominal belt worn or loose leg stockings worn at night which are connected to the pillow pressure sensors and ONLY starts abdominal compression or leg compression when patient gets up from the bed

Idea Brainstorming

Medications to increase BP

Not ideal as they don’t act selectively to increase BP during standing up preferentially. The effects of the increase in BP during other times can give high bp related to other newer problems. Plus, it increased the pill burden on the elderly.

 Limit the need to get out of bed

Limit the need to get out of bed at night time when less change of being supervised/ assisted: have a bed side commode / night time diapers etc: not a suitable option for patients and does not really solve the underlying bp drop issue

Timed Compression

Have a comfortable loose abdominal belt worn or loose leg stockings worn at night which are connected to the pillow pressure sensors and ONLY starts abdominal compression or leg compression when patient gets up from the bed

Final Solution

  • A person at risk for postural hypotension goes to bed wearing an abdominal belt (loose and comfortable), and there are pressure sensors under his/her pillow.
  • Pillow sensors: At least 2 under pillows that detect the patient head off the pillow when the pressure drops. This means the patient is getting up.
  • Pressure drop prompts a voice alert to the patient asking him to get up slow ( reminder alert .. helps if the patient is forgetful)
  • Simultaneous connection to the abdominal belt signals inflation of the abdominal belt to increase pressure and compress the abdomen to a predetermined extent ( that has shown to increase BP by 5-10 mm Hg.
  • Abdominal pressure holds the BP up when the patient stands up and walks to the washroom and keeps bp up at the crucial period when postural hypotension causes fainting. Thus patient remains safe as BP is held stable now with the abdominal compression belt. 
  • Timed automated self-release of the pressure so the patient remains comfortable and the problem is solved. 
Hardware
I used ESP32 as the main microcontroller and made a custom PCB. It has pin headers to connect two pressure sensors and a fan. The whole system works on 5v except the fan, which is getting power from an external power supply.
 
 
Program
 

Force sensors attached to the bottom of the pillows. The pressure sensors detect if a person is still sleeping or trying to get up ( > 0 indicates that the person is still asleep and so no signal is sent , = 0 indicates that the person Is getting up and so a signal to compress the belt is sent )

When the force sensor detects that the patient is trying to stand up, the fan is automatically turned on for a set period of time, which will compress the belt. Simultaneously an alarm will also ring for a few seconds to alert the patient and relatives to be careful.

Materials/tools/machines used

  • Force sensors
  • Wires 
  • ESP32
  • Buzzer 
  • Fan 
  • Power supply
  • Compression belt with pump 
  • 3D printer to print the nozzle
  • Soldering station for PCB

Challenges faced and their solutions

  • Force sensor wires broke, so learnt soldering to attach wires.
  • ESP got burnt, so worked on finding the issue and fixing the wiring to ensure it does not happen again.
 

Skills Applied

CAD | Electronics | Design Thinking | Programming | Soldering | Prototyping

Glimpses of the making

Project Contributor

Kaavya Jayaram

Detailed Project Documentation

This Project Has Been Developed By The Alumni Of Innovation School

Project Contributor

Kaavya Jayaram

Detailed Project Documentation

This Project Has Been Developed By The Alumni Of Innovation School

Testing

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