Wound monitor

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have developed a system to monitor wounds that could ease the suffering and speed up the healing process for thousands of patients.

The Medical Diagnostics Research Group has developed a minimally-invasive sensor system which monitors a wound without removing the dressing, which can often have implications on the healing process and patient care.

Wound healing is a major problem for many patients including diabetics, those with vascular diseases and accident victims and places a high burden of care on the healthcare system. Patients also often have a poor quality of life due to wound healing problems.

 “To allow wounds such as diabetic and venous ulcers and pressures sores to heal it is vital that an optimal level of moisture is maintained on the surface of the wound and the dressing," said Professor Patricia Connolly.

“There is currently no system which allows for a dressing to be checked without removing the dressing and disturbing the wound area - an often painful process which disrupts the healing cycle.”