Airlines Scramble To Reduce DVT Deaths

RealTimeTouch Technology Offers A Solution

--Global Aviation Danger: April 14, 2001 - Up to 30,000 people each year die from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) according to the UK-based Aviation Health Institute. As airlines scramble to find ways of reducing deaths caused by DVT, RealTimeTouch technology offers a way to prevent DVT from occurring in the first place.

More than 1,000 people have joined a recent Australian lawsuit against a number of airlines over the DVT syndrome. Yet, most U.S. airlines are still not informing passengers of the dangers and precautions that can be taken to lower the risk of DVT.

DVT begins with blood clots forming in the veins of the legs during hours of immobility (i.e., long-haul flights). When mobility resumes (for instance, once a passenger deplanes) the clots can break free of the vein, and travel to the lungs causing an embolism and potentially death.

Brisbane's Dr. David Grosser, a vascular surgeon, stated that as many as 12 members of the British Olympic team suffered DVT after their long-haul flight from the United Kingdom to Australia for last year's Olympics. Dr. Grosser, who has treated DVT since the late 1970s, said, "If it can happen to these people, it can happen to virtually anyone if the right sort of conditions pertain."

Improving circulation via exercise during long-haul airline flights is a very important in avoiding DVT. However, airline employees or carts often block narrow isles, so passengers moving freely about can be dangerous. The inconvenience of stepping in and out of the seat also comes into play.

Craig Linden, founder of www.RealTimeTouch.com near San Diego, California has been researching the problem and working on solutions. One of Linden's proposed designs uses computer-controlled, powered air cell enhanced seats, calf and foot rests to help increase circulation. RealTimeTouch is encouraging the airline industry and others to assist in furthering the development and testing of the devices.

Dr. Stanley R. Mohler, former director of FAA's Medicine Research Institute and current Director of Aerospace Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, stated that Linden's inventions should prove to be beneficial anti-DVT devices.

By preventing the conditions that initially cause DVT, RealTimeTouch is well on its way to saving the lives of many long-haul airline passengers.

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