Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a breakthrough 3D imaging camera that is set to save the NHS millions of pounds by better measuring and characterising diabetic wounds.
Researchers have spent eight years building the device, which uses two individual cameras and four high-powered flash units to create a 3D image of any wound or scar from which accurate measures of distance, area, colour, width or volume can be made.
By replacing archaic, basic and expensive processes, Eykona is not just saving time and money, but lives
The Eykona system replaces current would analysis techniques including naked eye assessment, tracing paper and pencil, dipstick depth measurement, and relatively invasive resin casts and could dramatically reduce the number of amputations caused by diabetic wounds.
It is accompanied by specially-designed software to measure size, depth and skin tone, with detail of wounds given at sub-millimetre level. Images can be assessed from all angles and even shared with other doctors through server or cloud-based hosting.
The brainchild of Professor Ron Daniel and Dr James Paterson, the camera uses small sterile ‘targets’ to set the focus and position of the camera. This eliminates inconsistency between images and means it can be used by any healthcare professional without the need for extensive or costly training.
It reproduces colour accurately and consistently, then allows colour change to be recorded over time, giving valuable information on the status of the tissues in the wound bed.
Dr Paterson said: “One of the risks of inaccurate measurement and treatment of diabetic wounds is amputation, with 50% of people who have a major amputations dying within two years. Through the use of the Eykona system, many of these amputations could be avoided through more precise, efficient and effective care resulting from accurate 3D measurement.
One of the risks of inaccurate measurement and treatment of diabetic wounds is amputation, with 50% of people who have a major amputations dying within two years. Through the use of the Eykona system, many of these amputations could be avoided through more precise, efficient and effective care resulting from accurate 3D measurement
“By replacing archaic, basic and expensive processes, Eykona is not just saving time and money, but lives. It means more measurements can be taken, in less time, by any number of healthcare professionals. They can then be shared with clinicians and specialists anywhere in the world if needed, improving the standard of care and reducing travel costs.”
Its size and robust design means it can be moved around easily and it is already being used by the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine to help treat the wounds of soldiers injured in Afghanistan, as well as helping to map impacts on body armour to improve research and development.
The system, which is manufactured by spin-off company, Eykona Medical, costs £5,000 including the software and carry case and there is little ongoing maintenance costs.
It is currently being used by a small number of NHS trusts, and is expected to be rolled out nationally later this year.
At present, the cost of diabetic ulceration and amputation in the UK amounts to between £640m and £660m a year, affecting around 61,000 people.
