Wearable Compression Sensor for Medical Applications - ComSense

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Compression therapy (CT) via an elasticated compression garment (CG), is widely used for the treatment and management of venous deficiencies which cause venous leg ulcers (VLU) and in assisting the movement and removal of trapped fluid in the body's lymphatic system which causes lymphoedema.VLU and lymphoedema are long-term chronic medical conditions. It can take months and sometimes years to heal. Over 400,000 people in the UK suffer from lymphoedema and more than 300,000 people are affected by venous leg ulcers. VLU and lymphoedema conditions pose considerable human and social complications, causing physical discomfort, economic burden (loss of/time off work) and loss of self-confidence. Associated psychological effects including distress, depression and anxiety are immeasurable. The cost to the NHS for treating VLU and lymphoedema exceeds £2 billion and £0.5 billion pa respectively.Compression therapy is a critical treatment & management procedure for VLU and lymphedema. It involves the application of a pressure on the affected region of the body (usually the arm and/or leg). It is important to know the amount of pressure being applied at the skin-garment interface - this has consequence on healing. However, currently there is no technology available which can accurately measure the interface pressure.Oxford Healthtech Ltd., is developing a novel technology which will allow the accurate measurement of compression pressure and record data. This is expected to improve healing times and also help clinicians and carers to make well informed decisions.