Journal of tissue viability
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It is widely recognised that mattresses have a finite life-span. In particular, hospital mattresses, typically made from polymer foam materials, are known to degrade over a period of years. Fatigue of a mattress in this way leads to a phenomenon known as 'bottoming'. ⋯ The authors have developed a portable, easy--to use, interactive device that quickly gives accurate information as to the condition of a mattress in a clinical setting. The device is validated against accelerated fatigue, pressure mapping of bottoming with healthy volunteers, and service life of 150 mattresses. The QUINCE SUPPORT SCORE provides an objective and valid basis for a mattress replacement programme.
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Ultrasonic imaging provides a non-invasive assessment of the arterial and venous circulation in the lower limb and is accepted as a valuable diagnostic technique. Grey-scale images identify plaque and thrombus, duplex assessment provides a measurement of blood velocity through a vessel, and colour Doppler imaging enables the rapid localization of arterial stenoses and occlusions and the identification of incompetent veins. ⋯ Procedures for investigating arterial stenoses, superficial venous incompetence and deep venous thrombosis are described, abnormal images presented and the limitations discussed. It is hoped to provide an insight into the strengths and limitations of ultrasonic vascular investigations for those involved in tissue viability and ulcer management.