Airline Passengers At Risk of Death By DVT

Airline Passengers At Risk of Death By DVT
Powered Seats Hoped to Reduce Deaths

Contact: RealTimeTouch, Craig Linden
             Phone: 619-445-3563 info@RealTimeTouch.com                             www.RealTimeTouch.com __________________________________________________________________
SAN DIEGO, CA -March 13, 2001 - DVT is a silent terrorist and a leading cause of death related to long-haul flights. Reportedly, DVT kills more travelers and pilots than airline accidents. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition that develops primarily in the legs when long periods of inactivity occur. Certain long haul airline passengers can be at higher risk for DVT that can cause serious injuries and even sudden death.

For persons at risk for DVT who are immobile during long flights, the problem can begin with blood clots forming in the veins of the upper legs. As mobility resumes (once a passenger deplanes) the clot can break free of the vein, traveling to the heart and lungs causing an embolism, which can cause death.

After the late 2000 death of Ms. Emma Christopherson, a young adult passenger on a 20-hour flight from Australia to London, some airlines are pursuing ways to assist fliers with the prevention of DVT. The public needs to be more aware of DVT. Long-haul travelers should contact their doctors to best learn how to reduce the risk of DVT.    Improving circulation via increased mobility during long-haul flights seems to be an important factor. However, taking walks on crowded planes can be a safety hazard. Because isles are narrow, and are often blocked by airline employees or carts, the congestion of additional people moving freely throughout the aircraft can be dangerous.

Design Systems Research and Development, near San Diego, California is working on possible solutions. The most promising is the development of physical active powered seating. In one design, the seats would extend down to the calves. The calf contact area would have programmed motorized rollers (beneath the fabric/cushion) to periodically help move the blood upward.

Another design has the bullocks support area of the seat split in two sections ~ left and right (not visually evident by looking at the seat). Two opposing, microprocessor controlled air cushions would inflate/deflate thereby relieving pressure on the veins while simulating a walking motion. This articulated seating motion might also help to relieve tension in the back muscles.

Following future third party testing of various designs and combinations, the company hopes that seats incorporating its technology will be made available to passengers at risk for DVT. The company hopes to gain assistance from the major airlines and others in the transportation industry. Eventually, the patent-pending technology may lower the associated health risks and improve comfort for all passengers ~ without having to lower airplane seating densities.

RealTimeTouch's (www.RealTimeTouch.com, a subsidiary of Design Systems) current projects include adding physical interactively to mobile phones, video and wireless games, remote medical devices, KineticTV, and a new generation of connected toys.    

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