Thin membranes based on FBG sensors for real-time sub-bandage pressure monitoring

This work focuses on the manufacturing and testing of a new device for medical bandage monitoring. Excessive pressure exerted from the compression bandage can block the blood flow of the patient, causing different medical complications to the skin, nerves, and circulatory system. On the contrary, if the pressure applied is low, the therapy is not effective. The utility, therefore, arises from a device capable of quantitatively indicating the correct adjustment of the bandage. The technological demonstrators developed consist of a polyurethane elastomeric shell with a thin composite supporting core. Fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGSs) embedded within this core permit the detection of the subbandage pressure applied during compression therapy. The two prototypes were applied under arm bandages to evaluate their capability to transmit the applied pressure to the embedded FBGS. We demonstrated the ability to monitor the bandaging action by measuring the level of pressure exerted with the rounds of bandages. Moreover, the thin membranes permit the monitoring of the heartbeat of the patient, giving feedback about blood irrotation. The device developed is, therefore, promising to improve the results of compression therapy.