Biosensors and Medical Devices

Improving adherence with a new wearable for compression therapy

Context

Compression therapy is the gold standard in the treatment of a range of chronic and acute leg conditions, albeit patient adherence to existing products is poor.

Solution

TTP has developed a new wearable product concept that addresses adherence issues and promises help to sufferers of common but debilitating conditions.

Result

TTP seeks partners to develop this concept into the right product. Previous work in wound care tells us that a wide range of skills and perspectives are required to create a successful disruptive product.

Poor leg circulation is very common and leads to a range of progressively painful and immobilising conditions – from ‘heavy legs’ and mild oedema (swelling) through varicose veins, thromboses, and dermatological problems to chronic ulcers, which at best are difficult to treat, and at worst result in amputation.

Helping the body to circulate blood and lymphatic fluids more effectively is a proven treatment, currently provided in the form of stockings, bandages and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices. Patient adherence to all existing compression products is poor – a better solution is needed.

But there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Existing products work well if applied correctly and embraced by users. We have combined inventive technical insight, a keen awareness of patient needs, and our novel pump technology to create a new way of applying pneumatic compression therapy. The wearable is silent, light, unobtrusive, and involves the user in the treatment in an engaging way by monitoring usage, efficacy, and activity.

Our patient-centered concept aligns with trends towards value-based care and reimbursement.

Leg Graph
The system significantly increases blood flow in the lower leg, which in turn helps to heal wounds.
Leg Ulcers
This subject, an elderly man with Chronic Venous Insufficiency and leg ulcers, found the system comfortable and pleasant to use.

This compression system has the potential to offer tangible benefits in terms of patient outcomes and efficient use of health resources in the management of common vascular issues. There is a role within both the consumer and healthcare market for a silent, discreet, everyday wearable compression system that can be personalised to the correct therapeutic pressure.

Tom Wainwright
Associate Professor at the Bournemouth University Orthopaedic Research Institute

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