Development of a model to demonstrate the effects of friction and pressure on skin in relation to pressure ulcer formation

The current study proposes a 3D finite element analysis model which is capable of demonstrating the effect of friction, pressure and the combination of both to the deformation of blood vessels. The results of simulation suggested that applied pressure collapsed the blood vessels while friction opened up the blood vessels. However, as a combination effect of pressure and friction, the cross-sectional areas of blood vessels were reduced significantly. This model is clinically and physiologically relevant in terms of loading regime and blood vessels structures. The model with further development can be adopted to be an effective tool to evaluate the effects of medical devices to the possibility of pressure ulcer formation.