720193Next Generation Pressure Sensor for Leg Ulcer Treatment (Development Phase)ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKLeg ulcers are a common, chronic, recurring condition & a major cause of morbidity, pain & health service cost. More than 500,000 people in the UK suffer from leg ulcers at any one time with prevalence increasing with age. The cost to the NHS of treating these wounds is estimated at over £600m a year. The personal cost to an individual with ulceration is however, unmeasurable. Multi-layered bandaging is the standard treatment for leg ulcers & is based on providing a graduated decreasing pressure from ankle to calf. Of the range of bandages currently used for leg ulcer treatment, 3 or 4 multiple layer compression bandages specifically designed to produce predetermined levels of compression represent the best current solution. Their application however, requires experienced nursing staff to apply and even then, achievement of optimal pressure gradients is extremely difficult to attain - up to 90% failure to achieve the graduated compression has been documented. Failure to create the correct pressure gradient results in delayed healing, unnecessary suffering and additional treatment costs. SFH Oxford Ltd (SFH) seeks to address the recognised need for improved accuracy in graduated compression therapy. Building on the success of proof of concept research, SFH aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a unique ‘under-bandage pressure sensor’ technology to be used by practitioners during the application of bandages in leg ulcer treatment. The device will consistently achieve optimum levels of graduated compression with 100% accuracy, thereby increasing rates of healing, improving recuperation & minimising time taken to apply bandaging. The product will be targeted for use in all aspects of healthcare where leg ulcers are currently treated incl. hospitals, GP surgeries, & by community nurses. In addition to better patient care, the potential to reduce the time taken for ulcers to heal as a result of the technology, could save the NHS well in excess of £100m p.a