Reference: U028

Market Need

The most frequently used techniques for wound measurement are two-dimensional and include linear measurements, wound tracing, planimetry and stereophotogrammetry.
While studies have shown these methods to be adequate in determining wound parameters, the need to remove dressings and bandages in order to obtain measurements remains a crucial shortfall.
While there is a need to renew and replace dressings from a health perspective, the frequency of replacement does not encourage healing and removal of adhesive dressings can often disrupt the formation of new tissue.
Therefore it would be desirable to develop a method of wound measurement which did not require the removal of dressings to assess the wound.

Innovation

University of Ulster Researchers have developed Impedimap, a wound mapping system which utilises a multi-electrode array and electrical impedance spectroscopy to both map and characterise the wound and the healing process.
U028 is positioned to replace conventional methods of wound measurement providing for accurate and cost effective, atruamatic monitoring of chronic wounds.

Summary

• Impedimap allows for continuous monitoring without interfering with the wound bed resulting in reduced patient trauma and more effective wound healing.
• This novel system allows clinicians to rapidly characterise the state and size of the wound so that most effective treatment method can be employed.
• U028 can be utilized in combination with wound healing systems such as U121, providing for enhanced wound healing using electro-therapeutic signals.

Further Information

Jennifer Cook: j.cook@ulster.ac.uk / +44 (0) 2890 366 705