Technologies

Stanford researchers have prototyped a simple, pulsating cast insert that delivers localized pressure to manage post-traumatic swelling about the ankle and foot, especially swelling due to ankle fracture. Swelling due to ankle trauma significantly delays surgeries and leads to increased patient complication rates. Immediately reducing or preventing swelling can eliminate surgical delays and minimize complications. This medical device is the first pulsatile, compression device that delivers localized pressure and is compatible with current splinting techniques. It runs on rechargeable batteries and does not require wall-connected power, thus enabling mobility for the patient. This method is expected to be significantly more effective than current methods of reducing ankle swelling such as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate), NSAIDs, and compression wraps.

Figure description -A simple pulsating cast insert that reduces swelling