A Mathematical Model for Hammocking of a Bandage on a Limb

Abstract

In biomedical applications it is often required to determine accurately the absolute pressure acting between a body part such as an arm or foot and a pressure applying part such as a tourniquet cuff or bandage as occurs in tactile sensing, tourniquet applications and in the design of car seats. Bandage compression therapy is the principal treatment for leg ulcers associated with venous disease [Hir98]. Pressure is derived from such sensors by scaling the force by the sensor active area but the effective sensor area varies with applied pressure and with body tissue properties due to the draping of the bandage or cuff over the sensor — the so called ‘hammocking’ effect [Cas01], [OBr02]. Here we present here a model of this effect and compare with experimental results.