SOLE

About

Overview This foot-pedal operated device facilitates the bandaging of the lower leg, allowing a single carer to carry out the awkward and intricate process alone and in optimal conditions. Facilitating the Care of the Lower Leg The treatment of various conditions such as leg ulcers requires an intricate bandaging process that involves up to five layers of tight dressing which extends from the patient’s toes to his/her knee. To ensure a suitable bandaging compression, the care provider would ideally be able to dedicate both hands to the treatment. In today’s context however, the process is awkward, especially for overweight patients (a large proportion of leg ulcers sufferers) which often need a second carer to help holding the leg. Hoists and support frames would hold the lower leg in place, but would constitute an obstacle to the bandaging process, and are not mobile solutions. •The SOLE is an automated, foot-pedal operated solution, allowing both the carer’s hands to be free for the bandaging process. •The design allows for the whole lower leg to be free for bandaging. •Leg ulcers affect 70 000 to 190 000 patients at any time in the UK alone. Most patients requiring new dressings twice to three times a week, this gives between 30 000 and 80 000 bandaging processes daily. The Opportunity The first prototype for this device is currently being manufactured in Trinity College and is expected to be available for testing in St James veins unit. Further investment would contribute to bringing this device to broad market commercialisation. Possible Applications •In hospitals and treatment centres, this device reduces the number of carers needed per treatment therefore reducing costs in the long term. •Compact and allowing a single carer to carry out the treatment in full, the SOLE is ideal for homecare situations. •Aside from saving time and costs, this device is an investment for the health and safety of the medical personnel as it prevents potential injuries from awkwardly lifting legs that can weigh up to 50 kg (8 st.). Technology and Patent Status Patent pending: A priority patent application has been filed at the UK patent office. Advanced drawings and prototypes are available for evaluation under non-disclosure / confidentiality agreements. We are looking for investors and companies to collaborate on progressing the prototype design through the product development process.