The Effectiveness of Topical Aid Sliding Sheet Potentially Used for Pressure Injury Treatment

Masushi Kohta,1 Yoshinori Nakamura,2,3 Shunji Yunoki4 1Medical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Medical Home Healthcare Center, Tenri Hospital Shirakawa Branch, Nara, Japan; 3Pressure Injury Research Center for Home Healthcare, Nara, Japan; 4Biotechnology Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Masushi KohtaMedical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd, 1-21-10 Kyojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 131-0046, JapanTel +81-3-3611-1101Fax +81-3-3613-6894Email mkouta@alcare.co.jpPurpose: This study evaluated the effect of a new secondary dressing used as a topical aid sliding sheet for friction and shear force reduction on the mechanical stresses generated on human skin, including interface friction and internal shear force and pressure, using a polyurethane gel-based skin model. A case study was conducted to propose on how to clinically use the topical aid sliding sheet for pressure injury treatment in a home-care setting.Methods: A polyurethane gel-based skin model mimicking the mechanical properties of human skin was prepared. In parallel measurement of interface friction and internal shear force and pressure was performed using an experimental model consisting of the skin model, primary wound dressing, topical aid sliding sheet, and three-axis tactile sensor. The skin model was covered with the following single or combined dressings: group A, silicone-faced absorbent dressing (control); group B, silicone-faced absorbent dressing plus film dressing; and group C, silicone-faced absorbent dressing plus topical aid sliding sheet. Clinically, a standard primary wound dressing was applied to a female patient (age, 101 years) with pressure injury on the sacral region, and the dressing was overwrapped with the topical aid sliding sheet.Results: The static and dynamic coefficients of friction were significantly lower in group C than in groups A and B (p < 0.05). The detected shear force in the skin model was reduced to approximately 66% and 62% in group C versus groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). Clinically, the patient’s ulcer underwent complete epithelialization without wound-related complications.Conclusion: The topical aid sliding sheet significantly reduced interface friction and internal shear forces in the present skin model. The case study’s result showed the topical aid sliding sheet had the potential to use for pressure injury treatment at a home care.Keywords: pressure ulcer, tissue viability, dressing, mechanical force, wound care, shear force, friction