Haemopulse - an innovative anti DVT device, preventing deaths and saving the NHS money

深静脉血栓形成(DVT)是住院患者的主要死亡原因。凝块从小腿的静脉中移动，在静脉系统中传播到肺静脉，导致肺栓塞，使身体缺乏含氧血液，从而可能导致死亡。发生深静脉血栓的风险较高的患者包括不能动的患者、术后患者以及由于血管问题或脱水而有凝血倾向的患者。血栓可以通过药物手段(血液稀释剂)和小腿上的机械间歇泵来减少，这些方法增加了血液的流量，减少了血栓的发生。这些间歇性气动装置通过连接在病人小腿周围的套筒上的泵来工作。空气被注入袖子里，模仿我们走路时正常的小腿肌肉收缩。目前的设备有几个缺点，例如压缩套的尺寸繁多，护士必须订购并安装适合患者的正确的压缩套。病人仍然附着在泵上，因此在没有人必须首先拆卸泵的情况下无法活动。泵的噪音很大，导致一些患者无法入睡。与竞争对手相比，HaemPulse有几个优势。它是一种适用于所有设备的统一尺寸、便携的设备，可以显著降低NHS的成本。该项目是之前成功的创新可行性项目的后续项目，旨在扩大原型的制造和商业化。

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a leading cause of death for hospitalised patients. The clot moves from the veins in the calf, travels in the venous system to the veins of the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism which starves the body of oxygenated blood and thus can cause death. Patients who are at more risk of a DVT include immobile patients, postoperative patients and patients who have a tendency to clot due to vascular problems, or dehydration.Thrombosis can be reduced by pharmacological means (blood thinners) and mechanical intermittent pumps attached to the calves which increase the flow of blood and decrease the chance of clots. These intermittent pneumatic devices work by a pump attached to a sleeve around the patient's calves. Air is pumped into the sleeve to mimic the normal calf muscle contraction when we walk. There are several disadvantages of the current devices such as a multitude of sizes of the compression sleeves, where the nurse will have to order and fit the correct one to the patient. The patient remains attached to the pump and therefore cannot mobilise without someone having to detach them first. The pumps are noisy and some patients cannot sleep as a result.Haemopulse has several advantages over its competitors. It is a one size fits all device, portable and can significantly reduce costs for the NHS. This project is a follow on from a previously successful Innovate feasibility project and aims to scale up the prototype for manufacture and commercialisation.