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Padd is a non-invasive medical device for rapid and simple assessment of blood circulation in the lower limbs and feet. The prototype is being evaluated for PAD assessment. Key features and advantages include:

  • Simple test takes under 5 minutes, NO NEED to locate specific arteries

  • Requires minimal training and provides a simple quantitative reading

  • Can be done in Primary Care

  • Less travel for the patient

  • Self calibrating therefore works on different skin colour and thickness

  • Works on diabetics

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Click here to download 14MB Padd video

The Technology

cardiovascular supply and demand Padd is the first fully-automated, non-invasive technology for assessment of blood supply to the lower limb and foot without using any pressure cuffs and without any operator subjectivity issues. Poor blood supply to these areas leads to tissue damage, ulceration, pain, loss of mobility, infection, gangrene and amputations. Current assessment is carried out by Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI), angiography or Doppler/duplex ultrasound. These methods are relatively costly in terms of their need for skilled operation and or the cost of establishment and maintenance of the associated facilities.

The Science

The cardiovascular system is continuously adapting to the demands of the tissues and the mechanical forces acting upon the system. Gravity is a very influential force that places adaptation demands on the cardiovascular system as postural changes occur. Large changes in blood pressure take place in the feet, for example, as an individual rises from sitting down to standing up. The Padd technology tests the extent to which the cardiovascular system responds to postural demand. If there is a weakness in this system, Padd will detect that weakness before it becomes serious enough for the development of clinical symptoms.

Key Applications

  • In Primary Care (General Practitioners’ and Physicians’ offices), early stage and pre-symptomatic assessment and detection of blood circulation disorders of the lower limbs.

  • Routine assessment of diabetic complications. 40% of hospital admissions for diabetics are related to disorders of the feet. 3% of the population in the UK have diabetes (in some countries this figure can be as high as 10%).

  • Reducing clinical complications with early therapy: lifestyle modifications, better diet, drug therapy and invasive or minimally invasive surgical interventions.

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Publications

Thesis

1. Crabtree, Vincent Peter: “Non-invasive vascular assessment using photo-plethysmography”, PhD Thesis, Photonics Engineering and Health Technology Research Group, Department of Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, UK (2003). Supervisor Peter Smith, Professor of Photonics.

2.    Boutin, Adrien: “Clinical evaluation of new photo-plethysmography technology and ankle brachial pressure index for assessing peripheral arterial disease, using duplex ultrasound for ‘gold standard’ comparison”, Masters degree in Medical Ultrasound, Kings College London, UK (2006). Supervisors: Alex Seifalian PhD, Professor of Nanotechnology and Tissue Repair; David Goss PhD, Clinical Scientist.

3.    Alnaeb, Mohomad Eyad: “Evaluation of vascular responses in patients with peripheral arterial disease”. MD Thesis, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, UK. Expected Submission Autumn 2007. Supervisors: Professor George Hamilton and Professor Alex Seifalian.

Presentations

1.    J Brown, “Dialog Devices – Non-invasive peripheral vascular disease assessment for all”, The 27th Charing Cross International Symposium Innovation Showcase, Imperial College, London, April 2005

2.   Alnaeb ME, Adrien B, Alobaid N, Seifalian AM, Hamilton G, “Clinical Evaluation Of A New Automated Peripheral Arterial Disease Assessment Device (Podx) Based On Optical Techniques”, The 6th meeting of The Society of Academic and Research Surgery, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, January 2006. Abstract in: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 93, Supplement 3, July 2006 , p45

3.   ME Alnaeb, A Boutin, N Alobaid, DP Mikhailidis, AM Seifalian, G Hamilton, “Assessment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease using a novel automated optical device”, Association of Surgeons Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting, May 2006, Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Abstract in: British Journal of Surgery, volume 93, Supplement 1, May 2006, p89

4.    V Crabtree, A Boutin, E Alnaeb, A. Seifalian, G. Hamilton, “Clinical Validation of PADD - a novel Cuffless, Non-Invasive Automated Peripheral Arterial Disease Assessment Device”, Electro-optical sensors for physiological measurements and applications, Burleigh Court, Loughborough University, June 2006

5.     V Crabtree, ME Alnaeb, A Boutin, A Seifalian, G Hamilton, P Smith, “A Novel Optical Device Intended to Screen for Peripheral Arterial Disease”, DaVinci Network Vascular Symposium, September 2006, Loughborough Innovation Centre, Loughborough, UK

6.      Crabtree VP, Alnaeb ME, Boutin A, Seifalian AM, Hamilton G, “Validation of a new, non-invasive automated peripheral arterial disease assessment device based on discrete near infrared spectroscopy”, Vascular Society AGM, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, November 2006