THRIVE: a Development Project to produce a pre-production prototype of a new system to assist in the treatment of osteoporosis by the stimulation of muscle pumps to augment bone blood supply
Lead Participant:
SKY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Abstract
The body has muscle pumps in addition to the heart that are vital in the healthy flow of blood
around the body. These pumps are located in the major muscles of the legs and regular use of
these muscles is essential for a healthy body. Sky Medical Technology with Queen Mary
Hospital has researched and developed a novel electro-mechanical stimulation technology that
activates these muscle pumps when it is not possible for the body to do so voluntarily. This
increases blood flow in the body and has been shown to have a clinical effect on the
prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There are also indications from early work that
use of this technology has a therapeutic effect on conditions such as urinary and faecal
incontinence.
We propose to continue the work conducted in an NWDA funded Grant for Research and
Development project (see Appendix A) that investigated the feasibility of using a novel This
project demonstrated that the OnPulse technology has the ability to improve blood perfusion
in the bone marrow thus preventing the onset of osteoporosis. This was shown to be
particularly true in the case that the subject was a victim of spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI
victims are almost certain to suffer the onset of osteoporosis brought on by their
immobilisation. This causes the victim additional suffering through the significantly
increased likelihood of serious and potentially fatal fractures to their wrists, vertebrae and
hips.
This project will deliver and optimised, pre-production prototype of nerve stimulation
equipment researched and proven in the previous Grant for R&D project. This project will
also produce new IP based on the original core technology (developed to prevent DVT). This
development programme will enable Sky Medical Technology to rapidly develop a highly
innovative and disruptive technology and offer a second IP offering to its investors.
around the body. These pumps are located in the major muscles of the legs and regular use of
these muscles is essential for a healthy body. Sky Medical Technology with Queen Mary
Hospital has researched and developed a novel electro-mechanical stimulation technology that
activates these muscle pumps when it is not possible for the body to do so voluntarily. This
increases blood flow in the body and has been shown to have a clinical effect on the
prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There are also indications from early work that
use of this technology has a therapeutic effect on conditions such as urinary and faecal
incontinence.
We propose to continue the work conducted in an NWDA funded Grant for Research and
Development project (see Appendix A) that investigated the feasibility of using a novel This
project demonstrated that the OnPulse technology has the ability to improve blood perfusion
in the bone marrow thus preventing the onset of osteoporosis. This was shown to be
particularly true in the case that the subject was a victim of spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI
victims are almost certain to suffer the onset of osteoporosis brought on by their
immobilisation. This causes the victim additional suffering through the significantly
increased likelihood of serious and potentially fatal fractures to their wrists, vertebrae and
hips.
This project will deliver and optimised, pre-production prototype of nerve stimulation
equipment researched and proven in the previous Grant for R&D project. This project will
also produce new IP based on the original core technology (developed to prevent DVT). This
development programme will enable Sky Medical Technology to rapidly develop a highly
innovative and disruptive technology and offer a second IP offering to its investors.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| SKY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | £413,875 | £ 186,244 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Bernard Ross (Project Manager) |