A Smart, Compression Stocking Device

NU 2017-066

INVENTORS

John Rogers*
In Hwa Jung
Shuai Xu

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A smart compression stocking integrating flexible electronic sensors that provide real-time feedback on therapeutic pressure, ensuring optimal compression and improved patient adherence.

BACKGROUND

Medical compression stockings are widely used to manage venous stasis ulcers by delivering therapeutic pressure to the lower extremities; however, current products rely on in vitro tensile strength ratings and do not provide in vivo pressure feedback. Variability in patient skin properties and changes in garment fit can result in suboptimal compression, reducing treatment efficacy and potentially compromising patient safety. This invention addresses these limitations by integrating a thin, flexible sensor platform into compression stockings, enabling continuous monitoring and personalized adjustment of therapeutic pressure.

ABSTRACT

Over 500,000 Americans suffer from venous stasis ulcers annually, incurring significant healthcare costs and leading to suboptimal outcomes in patients with venous hypertension. Existing compression stockings, while graded by tensile strength in vitro, cannot monitor the actual in vivo pressure due to patient-specific factors such as skin compliance and posture. This smart compression stocking device incorporates a flexible electronics platform that seamlessly integrates with conventional compression garments. Utilizing NFC technology, the device wirelessly transmits pressure and temperature data to smartphones, providing real-time feedback to ensure that therapeutic compression levels are maintained. The design eliminates bulky, rigid components that might compromise skin integrity, and its low production cost enables disposability, thereby enhancing patient adherence and safety. This invention offers a transformative approach to managing conditions requiring compression therapy by delivering personalized, continuous monitoring and improved treatment outcomes.

APPLICATIONS

Pressure sensing for inelastic compression stockings
- Monitors and confirms that adequate therapeutic pressure is delivered using non-elastic garments.
Pressure sensing for elastic compression stockings
- Ensures proper compression in elastic materials despite variable stretch and fit.
Assessing patient adherence
- Tracks wearable usage to confirm consistent therapeutic application.
Monitoring efficacy of oral medications for edema
- Provides feedback on the impact of medications like furosemide by assessing changes in leg pressure.
Assessing swelling in acute thrombosis
- Enables evaluation of compression effectiveness during episodes of lower leg thrombosis.
Detecting loss of tensile strength in stockings
- Alerts users and physicians when a garment no longer maintains adequate pressure, prompting replacement.

ADVANTAGES

Thin, flexible platform
- Provides continuous, intimate skin contact for effective monitoring without discomfort.
Accurate sensor design
- Ensures precise and repeatable pressure measurements at key anatomical locations.
No rigid electronics
- Reduces the risk of skin injury and infection compared to conventional devices.
NFC-enabled wireless data transfer
- Facilitates seamless real-time communication with smartphones for monitoring.
NFC-based temperature sensing
- Supports assessment of patient adherence by tracking garment usage through temperature variations.
Low cost
- The economical design (<$5 per unit) enables disposable usage and broad accessibility.