We recently received a very unusual (and moving) request. Dr. Bernard Dime, a T12/L1 paraplegic and bilateral amputee, reached out after acquiring a Tekscan pressure mapping system designed for advanced seating analysis. Unlike most inquiries we receive, Bernard wasn’t a clinician, engineer, or lab purchasing equipment for a facility. He was advocating for himself.

As someone who relies on full-body wheelchair seating, Bernard has spent years managing complex and evolving seating challenges. Even small changes in pressure distribution can lead to serious consequences, including pressure sores and ulcers that carry a high risk of infection.

Bernard is also a medical professional (a veterinary doctor) with extensive experience interpreting pressure mapping data. Over the years, he has been pressure mapped dozens of times and understands how to read and act on the data to protect his body.

Bernard wrote to our team:

“I'm a T12/L1 paraplegic and bilateral amputee. My seating issues have been quite serious and extensive over the years.  I've been pressure mapped dozens of times post-injury and understand how to use, read, and interpret mapping systems. Because I utilize full body seating and cannot sit on over- the- counter cushions, I am always battling body changes and issues with my seating. I was able to acquire a CONFORMat pressure mapping system for myself  so I can monitor changes and hopefully catch issues before they result in a full blown sore. I know this is an uncommon request, but if there’s any way to help you would be making my Christmas come early. I'm on my non-existent knees begging.“

The CONFORMat is an advanced seating pressure analysis tool designed for medical and ergonomics professionals – not for patients or end users. Bernard’s situation was highly unusual and carefully evaluated. Given his professional background as a veterinary doctor and his extensive experience interpreting pressure mapping data, Bernard has learned how to assess pressure mapping data to help protect his body from dangerous seating sores and pressure ulcers. Following internal review, Tekscan was able to provide Bernard with access to latest Tekscan software for pressure mapping to support this specific use case.

Tekscan is proud to design and build seating, pressure, and gait systems that are critical to protecting health and safety. Risk of injury and infection can be incredibly serious for people with disabilities or conditions like diabetes.

Good luck, Dr. Dime!

More about Bernard's story: