Thermal based Smart bandages

Abstract

Chronic wounds are an increasing problem in modern society. Millions of people are affected with chronic skin ulcers and treatment of these wounds has been estimated to cost billions annually. Poor care and treatment of these wounds can lead to infections, amputation and even death. A close follow-up of these wounds is necessary in order to deal with these problems. Nowadays, assessment and monitoring of chronic wounds is based on a visual inspection by medical professionals. This method is subjective and its reliability depends on the assessment criteria of the treating doctor. In order to perform this visual inspection, the applied bandages needs to be removed at each consultation which will disturb the healing process of the wound. A thermal based smart bandage can change this.