Wearable Compression Sensor for Medical Applications - ComSense

通过弹性压缩服（CG）的压缩疗法（CT）被广泛用于治疗和管理引起静脉性腿部溃疡（VLU）的静脉缺陷，并协助运动和清除身体淋巴系统中引起淋巴水肿的被困液体。VLU和淋巴水肿是长期慢性疾病。它可能需要数月甚至数年才能痊愈。在英国，超过40万人患有淋巴水肿，超过30万人患有腿部静脉溃疡。VLU和淋巴水肿造成严重的人类和社会并发症，造成身体不适、经济负担（失去工作/请假）和丧失自信。相关的心理影响包括痛苦、抑郁和焦虑是无法估量的。NHS用于治疗VLU和淋巴水肿的费用分别超过20亿英镑和5亿英镑。压迫治疗是VLU和淋巴水肿的重要治疗和管理方法。它包括对身体患处（通常是手臂和/或腿）施加压力。重要的是要知道施加在皮肤-服装界面上的压力-这对愈合有影响。然而，目前还没有能够准确测量界面压力的技术。牛津健康科技有限公司正在开发一种新技术，可以精确测量压缩压力并记录数据。这有望改善愈合时间，也有助于临床医生和护理人员做出明智的决定。

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.