Wearable, Wireless Pressure-Sensor-Integrated Smart Bandage

Schematic illustration of a smart bandage for wireless, continuous pressure monitoring of DFUs.

The Smart Bandage provides an inexpensive, easy-to-use, practical approach to real-time monitoring of pressure at wound sites. More specifically, the smart bandage contains small (millimeter scale), conformal resistive pressure sensors of ultrathin films of metal in a soft elastomer. These sensors can wirelessly relay pressure information to a user interface including a smart phone and a computer tablet through Bluetooth.

BACKGROUND

Currently available pressure mapping devices are designed for isolated usage within clinical settings, to measure pressure at a single point in time, and must be interpreted by a trained clinician. The Smart Bandage is designed to provide continuous real-time monitoring of pressure, with feedback to the patient to encourage adherence to offloading measures. Cumulative reports available to the provider will enhance opportunities for partnership between the patient and provider to achieve wound healing and maintain intact skin.

APPLICATIONS

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure injuries
• Chronic wound healing
• Bedsores
• Adherence to offloading measures

ADVANTAGES

• Use of an ultra-thin pressure sensor, which leads to high conformity, high measurement accuracy, and patients’ comfort
• Facile customizable fabrication to fit the sizes of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for optimum pressure measurement
• Low-cost, a few dollars for each bandage

STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Prototype Testing

Additional Details