A device prototype has been developed and tested over the course of several years. The device is controlled by software from a laptop computer and can move from patient to patient in a busy clinical setting. Measurements can be taken at any spot within or around the wound and take seconds to complete. Results are displayed on the computer screen almost instantly following the measurement. Improved prototypes are being designed. In its final stages the device will become more portable.

Advantages of the Drexel technology:Fast quantitative method for characterizing diabetic and pressure ulcers.Quantitative assessment of ischemic tissue in a broad variety of clinical applications.Ability to predict wound healing due to therapy at least 50 percent earlier (four weeks as opposed to 8 weeks or more) compared to conventional methods.

SOURCE Drexel University