ComfortFlow- A medical device designed to alleviate discomfort associated with current armrests for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
Year
2023
Duration
4 Months
FEATURES
Fully adjustable pads for various forearm length
Pressure alleviation on olecranon and carpal bones
“Floating” forearm reduces bruising and allows space for tubing channeling
OVERVIEW
Over 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive, yet this number may only represent 10% of people who actually need treatment to live.
In the United States, nearly 786,000 people are living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), with 71% on dialysis and 29% with a kidney transplant.
HEMODIALYSIS
Hemodialysis is a treatment to filter wastes and water from the blood of patient whose kidney no longer functions normally.
TYPES OF VASCULAR ACCESS
PROBLEM
Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment often experience discomfort and inadequate support on the vascular access arm during 4-hour treatment session due to the lack of ergonomic design in the armrest of dialysis chair. The increasing discomfort, pain, and potential complications compromise not only the well-being and experience of individuals, but also potentially impact the effectiveness of treatment.
EXPERTISE CONSULTATION
INTERVIEW
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
DISCOVERY & ERGONOMIC ANALYSIS
DEVELOPMENT
EARLY PROTOTYPING
REFINEMENT
HOW TO USE
1. Place anti-slip mat on the armrest
MATERIALS
2. Attach both pads magnetically to the mat
3. Adjust pads to your forearm and hand positions accordingly
FINAL DESIGN
