Device and method for examining a diabetic foot

Abstract

The invention describes a device and a method for examining the sole of a foot. This invention can be used, for example, for the early detection of neuropathy and / or small wounds on the sole of the feet of diabetic patients. The device comprises a sending means for transmitting images of the sole to, for example, a doctor in a hospital. This enables rapid and simple recording of an image of the sole at home, and using relatively simple means, its transmission to, and examination by an expert at a remote location.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a device, a system and method for checking a diabetic foot. The invention relates in particular to a device for recording an image of the sole of a foot, comprising image-recording means for creating an electronic image of the sole of the foot. [0003] 2. Description of the Background Art [0004] Approximately 15% of diabetic patients sustain a foot wound at one time in the course of their disease and such wounds are often chronic and difficult to treat. Diabetic patients often have little or no sensation in their feet. This phenomenon is known as “diabetic foot.” If not identified in time, the tissue damage in a foot wound of a subject, particularly a diabetic patient, can be so extensive as to require amputation of the leg. Indeed, 40-70% of all lower leg amputations are performed on diabetics. Early identification and treatment of foot wounds in such subjects is therefore very important. [0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed to device, system and method that enables recording of an image of the sole of a foot in a subject, preferably while the subject is at home. This relatively simple device provides a means for having a remotely situated expert collaborate in the detection / diagnostic process without requiring the subject to go to the expert.

[0010] The device preferably comprises a transparent support surface, for supporting a foot. A subject can easily place his / her feet on the support surface, after which a image of the sole is made.

[0013] Diabetic patients often have impaired vision, so that the image-recording means in one embodiment of the invention comprises tuning means to permit zooming in on, or zooming out from, the sole of the foot. With this device, a monitor can study the sole in great detail, making early detection of a small wounds more likely.

[0015] In a further embodiment the transparent supporting surface is placed on a box-shaped construction containing the image-recording means. In this way the device is very practical because the image-recording means is protected.

[0031] The monitoring system enables remote examination of diabetic feet. For example, a doctor in a remote hospital location is able to examine a sole without requiring that the subject visit the hospital.

Problems solved by technology

Approximately 15% of diabetic patients sustain a foot wound at one time in the course of their disease and such wounds are often chronic and difficult to treat.

Such a device is relatively expensive requires expertise for operation, making it suitable only for use in a clinic or hospital.

Moreover, such a measuring apparatus is not suitable for detecting small wounds.

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