Design and Development of a Pressure Measurement and Calibration Device for Use in Compression Therapy to Treat and Prevent Venous Ulcers

Abstract

Compression uses a combination of constricting clothing, bandages, or wraps to press against the skin and reduce swelling. By reducing the amount of fluid that accumulates in the affected area, tissue damage can be prevented or minimized. Compression therapy is a fundamental treatment for the root cause of venous ulcers and for preventing their recurrence. Various systems for implementing compression are available to suit individual patient needs and improve adherence to treatment. To ensure successful treatment, it is indispensable to comprehend the basic principles of compression therapy. Although this article mainly covers venous ulcers, it is also beneficial in other situations such as lymph edema and wounds resulting from injury and inflammation. Compression involves using a combination of constricting clothing, bandages, and wraps to press against the skin which will help reduce swelling. This reduces the amount of fluid that builds up in the affected area, thus preventing or minimizing tissue damage. In this work, a device with the aim of providing a non-invasive aid for the therapy is described. The proposed a device has been intended with the purpose of measuring the pressure on the site of leg ulcers and transmitting the data. The device is noninvasive, pressure sensor placed in the compression bandage with the reading unit placed outside. A first prototype was developed and preliminary testing data for the analysis of the sensor behavior have been performed. A specific experimental setup has been designed and realized and a testing protocol has been defined and adopted. The obtained preliminary experimental results show a good measurement range, up to 20 kPa for an approximate result 150 mm Hg. Application fields of this device are the treatment of people with venous ulcer disorders.