While deep vein thrombosis is linked to symptoms like leg pain and inflammation, some people with this condition do not detect any symptoms at all. This highlights the importance of early detection, and diagnostic devices can help.
When diagnosing deep vein thrombosis, doctors often use ultrasound to assess how well blood passes through the veins. While this technology certainly is not new, medical researchers are looking for new ways to incorporate it into a wearable device.
Patients will be asked to wear stockings or pants that contain sensors capable of emitting ultrasound waves, as well as perform other functions. With the use of AI technology, the data captured by these sensors will be transmitted to medical staff for review. From there, decisions can be made about current and future treatment strategies.
Wearable blood clot detection technology has great applications in the post-operative setting. For instance, patients could wear these devices to ensure that clinical staff will receive immediate notice if any issues arise. They may also be useful for rehabilitation and home care, as they can perform activity measurements to determine whether patients in recovery are getting sufficient exercise.
Unfortunately, this technology may not be available for three years or more based on current timelines. Complexities involving the physical design of the device and the AI software needed to process information are currently being worked on by an international team. While it will take time, the future looks promising when it comes to the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.