Optimising application of a two-layer compression bandage using continuous, multi-point sub-bandage pressure monitoring in healthy volunteers

What is it about?

Compression therapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is often inconsistent due to variable practitioner competencies, patient pain tolerance and anatomy, as well as challenges adapting to varying material properties of the compression products used. A multi-point wireless pressure sensor (MPS) that longitudinally monitors pressure underneath a bandage provides a new means for surveillance of sub-bandage pressures. The MPS was used to measure sub-bandage pressure during and after the application of two-layer compression bandages on healthy volunteers. Live digital guidance improved the targeting of pre-specified sub-bandage pressures, from 31% using the manufacturer’s visual tension indicator to 85.7% when using digital guidance from an MPS positioned on the lateral side of the lower leg. Varying foot position during bandage application did not lead to a significant change in resting sub-bandage pressures. Regional variations in sub-bandage pressure were observed at different sensor locations, and a 23.5% mean decrease in static resting pressure was noted across all sensors 4 hours after the initial bandage application, with a steady state resting pressure reached after 90 minutes of wear time. The use of the MPS during and after bandage application offers real-time feedback that can facilitate interventions to improve the delivery of compression therapy.

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