Shape memory alloy based smart compression stocking and real-time health monitoring app for deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Abstract Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a severe venous disease with high incidence and mortality rate. Patients suffering from DVT have poor quality of life due to continuous sequela. Prophylaxis is applied on high-risk individuals while clinical researches have demonstrated the efficacy of graduated compression stockings (GCSs) in reducing DVT incidence. However, the prophylactic effect of conventional GCS on DVT in daily life does not meet the expectation due to its disadvantages such as low compliance and static pressure. For the purpose of superior prevention, a smart graduated compression stocking (SGCS) based on shape memory alloy (SMA) was designed, prototyped and tested in this research. A related mobile App was designed to modulate dynamic pressure and monitor health conditions such as temperature and pulse during the application of the SGCS. Experimental results showed that the prototype was able to provide clinical-standard pressure (at least 15 mmHg to 21 mmHg), three levels of adjustable dynamic pressure and low dressing difficulty while the App guaranteed the real-time physiological signs monitoring of skin temperature and dorsalis pedis artery pulse.