ReHeal Glove
Project Abstract:
The first Negative Pressure Wound Therapy NPWT devicesystem KCI VAC received FDA approval in 1997 Since that time NPWT has been used extensively for treating open injuries and other wounds showing great efficacy in accelerating healing and reducing edema and infection risk Unfortunately there is no simple or effective NPWT treatment for injuries of the hand Foam dressings obscure the wound limit motion cause painful reinjury upon removal and on the hand can be very difficult to seal The ReHeal glove is a flexible textured silicone glove It is translucent so wound healing assessments can be made without frequent painful and possibly tissuedamaging dressing changes seen with foam dressings It permits full range of motion of the hand The glove is designed to be applied after soft tissue trauma burns blast injuries abrasions skin avulsions amputations postskin grafting postdebridement of infections or mangling hand injuries revascularizations and even elective surgical wound closure The glove allows for earlier rehabilitation resulting in improved functional outcomes for range of motion grip and pinch strength sensibility wound healing and discomfort or pain thereby increasing patient satisfaction and reducing hospital costs Our engineering and design needs are well met by our current team We have developed and pilottested a successful prototype and have DoD funding for a clinical trial In the present proposal we describe our need for external guidance as we pursue commercialization of the device The array of consulting and advisory features available within the WEREACH ecosystem directly address the knowledge and skill gap in our team and will be crucial to our goal of providing this paradigmchanging medical device to the largest possible number of injured patients who can benefit from the ReHeal Glove
