Thermoelectric heat patch for clinical and self-management of post melanoma excision wound care

Aegean International Textile and Advanced Engineering Conference 2018

Logothetis, I.^1 ; Vassiliadis, S.^2 ; Siores, E.^3 ; Pirogova, E.^1

RMIT University, School of Engineering, Discipline of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Plenty Road, Bundoora

3083, Australia^1

Piraeus University of Applied Sciences Engineering Electronics Engineering, Thivon 250, Egaleo

12241, Greece^2

Bolton University, Institute of Materials Research and Innovation, Deane Rd, Bolton

BL35AB, United Kingdom^3

关键词: Beneficial effects;    Conductive textiles;    Constant temperature;    Diabetic patient;    Maximum distance;    Skin temperatures;    Temperature-sensing device;    Thermoelectric element;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/459/1/012010/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1757-899X/459/1/012010

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Thermodynamics as a physical and healing therapy is considered to have potential beneficial effects when applied to soft tissue. Normothermia is the state of a body being at a normal temperature and is essential to healthy cell functioning and wound healing. This article presents the application of thermoelectric elements on a conductive textile; focusing on the heat transfer of five elements over varied areas. By setting the temperature of the thermoelectric elements relative to skin temperature, a thermal camera captured the heat transfer. An increase in heat transfer was created by lining the conductive textile with commercial polyester wadding forming a quilted patch. Thus, by adapting this patch, the maximum distance between the elements relative to a minimum heat loss was observed at 3 cm. Any distance less than 3 cm covers a small area, whilst an increase in heat loss occurs above 3 cm. Further research can be conducted by implementing a pulse width modulating (PWM) system to maintain a constant temperature between 32 and 34 °C. With the addition of a temperature sensing device, a preventative system can be developed for chronic wounds essential for diabetic patients.