Image Credit : © Acumen Design Associates/Firstkind Ltd
Project Overview
The geko™ T-2 device is a unique and intricate piece of wearable technology that has transformed the care available to patients—in both hospital and home care settings—who suffer from thrombosis or other associated conditions that are a result of poor blood circulation in the body.
The geko™ T-2 device has secured National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance recommending its use for patients who have a high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and for whom pharmacological and other mechanical methods of VTE prophylaxis are impractical or contraindicated. The product is currently in use in hospitals all over the world, including in the UK, Canada, USA and Turkey.
Recognised for its excellence in innovation, design quality and functionality, the geko ™ T-2 has won a variety of industry awards including the Good Design Award 2015.
Organisation
Acumen Design Associates
Project Brief
Acumen Design Associates—in partnership with Firstkind— tasked themselves with optimising the patented OnPulse™ technology to create a piece of innovative, wearable technology that could revolutionise the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and other associated conditions that come about as a direct result of poor blood circulation.
The project’s goal was to create an ergonomically designed piece of wearable technology that would act as an extension of the user’s own body and help to significantly increase blood flow. The dynamic design needed to adhere to all medical regulations, be non-intrusive and easy for the consumer or patient to use.
Project Innovation/Need
Thrombosis remains one of the largest single causes of death in the world and as such, new and revolutionary products need to be developed to help prevent this trend continuing.
Worn just below the knee, the one-size-fits-all geko™ T-2 device delivers gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the common peroneal nerve which in-turn contracts the calf and foot muscle pumps, creating a substantial increase in venous, arterial and microcirculatory blood circulation. The increase in blood flow—of up to 60% – is similar to that achieved by walking, without the wearer having to move or exert any energy.
These innovative disposable devices have been proven to provide a number of medical benefits including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prevention, the treatment and prevention of oedema, and improved wound healing and muscle recovery.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge from a design perspective was ensuring the geko™ device was able to adapt to the wearer’s body. Acumen needed to ensure the product had a universal design that could acclimatise to all different skin types and was able to be administered and used effectively by users of all leg sizes.
The way the device attached itself to the body was another challenge the design team had to overcome. By opting to use sticky electrode pads, the design allows for users to maximise the capability of the device whilst making its application and removal a quick and easy process.
On top of that, the product had to meet the rigorous standards of regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and the NICE to certify that the product is fit for medical use. Recent independent medical research has showcased the benefits of using the device and as a result of this, the geko™ T-2 device is being used regularly in hospitals and homes all over the world.
Sustainability
Both the product’s battery and outer shell can be recycled; the geko™ T-2 device features a break-out system whereby the user can remove the battery and dispose of it accordingly, whilst the shell of the device is made wholly from recyclable materials and as such, can be recycled after use.
2016 London Design Awards
Product Design - Medical
This award celebrates creative and innovative design for either a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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