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

深静脉血栓形成（DVT）是住院患者死亡的主要原因。血块从小腿的静脉中移动，通过静脉系统到达肺部静脉，导致肺栓塞，使身体缺乏含氧血液，从而导致死亡。下肢深静脉血栓风险较高的患者包括不能活动的患者、术后患者和由于血管问题或脱水而有血栓倾向的患者。血栓形成可以通过药物手段（血液稀释剂）和附着在小腿上的机械间歇性泵来减少，这可以增加血液的流动，减少血栓的机会。这些间歇气动装置通过一个泵连接在病人小腿周围的套筒上工作。当我们走路时，空气被泵入袖子来模仿正常的小腿肌肉收缩。目前的设备有几个缺点，如多种尺寸的压缩套管，护士将不得不订购和适合正确的一个病人。患者仍然附着在泵上，因此如果没有人先将其分离，患者就无法活动。泵的噪音很大，导致一些病人无法入睡。与竞争对手相比，haemoppulse有几个优势。它是一种适合所有设备的设备，便携，可以显着降低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，旨在扩大制造和商业化的原型。

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.