720127Development of a new therapy to heal diabetic foot ulcersClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKDiabetes globally is reaching pandemic proportions, and the 2.4m UK diabetic population has a similar growth curve. A serious consequence of long term diabetes is that 10-25% of sufferers develop a diabetic foot ulcer. These ulcers are hard to heal, sometimes lasting a year or more. These open sores are an entry point for bacteria into the bloodstream and can cause not only local infections in bone and tissues, but also infect the circulation itself. Diabetes UK’s document “Putting Feet First”, recommends "offloading" the foot ulcer to relieve as much pressure, shear and friction from the wound site as possible. Offloading is achieved with plaster cast or a special boot called a Removable Cast Walker (RCW). The offloading locks the ankle in a near right angle position and spreads the load evenly over the sole of the foot, preventing pressure "hot spots". An unrecognised consequence of offloading is that it reduces the three major lower limb blood pumps that return blood to the heart, up the venous system. Reduced venous return, especially in already compromised patients, leads to oedema and slower wound healing. Pulseboot® will effectively offload the diabetic foot ulcer, and, using a miniaturised pump & bladder in the inner sole of the Pulseboot®, continue to pump blood back up the leg. Pulseboot® has a rechargeable battery, and is designed to give 10 hours therapy per day, even if the patient is unable to walk very far. Plaster casts and RCWs are large clumsy boots. Pulseboot® looks like normal footwear to remove the stigma of wearing a pair out in public, and also to improve patient stability whilst walking. Pulseboot® will heal ulcers faster, and thereby lessens the necessity to amputate limbs for patients who are in danger of a life threatening infection. We estimate that we can save around 11,000 limb amputations a year, thereby preventing many people becoming disabled.