Optoelectronic Sensor for Venous Leg Ulcer Management

Oxford Healthtech Ltd. (OHL) is developing a unique optoelectronic sensor for venous leg ulcer management. The Class 1 medical device will address an unmet clinical need.

Venous leg ulcer (VLU) is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide (prevalence ~1.8% of the population aged over 50years. In the UK \>300,000 people suffer from leg ulcers at any one time. VLU is caused by venous hypertension resulting from valvular incompetence. Contributing factors include immobility, obesity, arterial disease, diabetes and deep vein thrombosis. Major associated problems include significant pain, malodour, oedema and social isolation.

Compression therapy (using elasticated bandages) is widely held as the 'gold standard' for management of VLU providing a graduated decreasing pressure from ankle to calf, which reduces limb oedema and reverses the symptoms of venous hypertension.

Experienced nurses are required to apply the therapy. Even then, achievement of optimal pressure gradient is extremely difficult to attain. Incorrect pressure gradient results in delayed healing, unnecessary suffering and additional treatment costs.

OHL is developing a unique 'under-bandage pressure sensor' to be used by practitioners during the application of bandages in VLU treatment. It comprises a sensor with multiple independent sensing points, and a detector with visual readout. The device will allow optimum levels of graduated compression, increasing rates of healing, improved recuperation and quality of life. Healthcare provider will benefit from; faster healing rate, carer time saving and reduced staff training requirement.

This project will deliver an advanced prototype technology including sensor hardware and software. Product CE marking will be undertaken, following which non-clinical 'in-use' tests on healthy volunteers will be carried out.

The project will leverage the guidance of a consultant vascular surgeon and supply chain subcontractors.