Public Funding for Haemoconcepts Limited

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a leading cause of death for hospitalised patients. The clot moves from the veins in the calf, travels in the venous system to the veins of the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism which starves the body of oxygenated blood and thus can cause death. Patients who are at more risk of a DVT include immobile patients, postoperative patients and patients who have a tendency to clot due to vascular problems, or dehydration. Thrombosis can be reduced by pharmacological means (blood thinners) and mechanical intermittent pumps attached to the calves which increase the flow of blood and decrease the chance of clots. These intermittent pneumatic devices work by a pump attached to a sleeve around the patient's calves. Air is pumped into the sleeve to mimic the normal calf muscle contraction when we walk. There are several disadvantages of the current devices such as a multitude of sizes of the compression sleeves, where the nurse will have to order and fit the correct one to the patient. The patient remains attached to the pump and therefore cannot mobilise without someone having to detach them first. The pumps are noisy and some patients cannot sleep as a result. Haemopulse has several advantages over its competitors. It is a one size fits all device, portable and can significantly reduce costs for the NHS. This project is a follow on from a previously successful Innovate feasibility project and aims to scale up the prototype for manufacture and commercialisation.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality that is well recognised. Current intermittent compression devices have several major drawbacks. This feasibility project will help develp a device called Haemopulse. Features include, portability, improved patient compliance, less variabilty of pressures generated and lower cost to manufacture. The project will involve focus groups including patient and healthcare staff and compare the leading intermittent compression devices on the market. Further design planning will enable the manufacture of a cost effective and more efficient patient friendly device, increasing compliance and at least obtain equivalence to the market leader with regards to effectiveness. Haemopulse will not only address the drawbacks of the current devices on the market but could potentially save the NHS £12.5 million a year as well as boosting the economy in the medical device sector.