Ohmedics to market wound monitor

Bioengineers from

have created a spin-out company to commercialise a device that monitors patients’ wounds.

The technology, which will be sold through Ohmedics, has the potential to bring better wound management to patients.

The system allows doctors and nurses to check whether a wound is moist - the optimum condition for healing - without having to remove the dressing.

The technology uses a tiny, disposable sensor, which is attached to a gauze dressing. A handheld meter attached to the sensor displays whether the dressing is moist - and likely to heal well if left alone - or too wet or dry.

The developers believe that using such a system will reduce pain and skin trauma to the patient and limits opportunities for infection, as well as saving valuable staff time changing dressings unnecessarily.

Ohmedics is marketing the technology for use in hospitals, surgeries, community use and the home. It is claimed that it can be adopted for any kind of chronic or acute wound.