SMART

Sensor technologies point-of-care examination of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

One of the most prevalent diabetes complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which is challenging to detect early, often being asymptomatic and with low sensitivity of current detection methods such as the monofilament test. We aim to improve detection of DPN through a combination of sensor technologies integrated into one smart-sock device. Building on previous sensor research within the Oslo Bioimpedance and Medical Technology research group and ideas generated through interdisciplinary collaboration between different departments at Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, we are researching possibilities for improved DPN testing by developing a system of non-invasive sensors for measurement of nerve function, circulation and skin condition to be integrated into one point-of-care device to be placed on the foot for a complete DPN examination.

We envision that the device may be used both in specialist healthcare and by primary care physicians, and possibly in home hospitals of the future.

News from 2023:
-New prototypes developed
-Presentations: Impact Breakfast Forskningsparken, University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy), Innlandet Helseteknologi department seminar
-Project mentoring from CEO of medical technological company
-PhD project planned, described and applied for funding
-Visiting PhD student summer 2023

Publications 2023:
Tronstad, Christian, Amini, Maryam, Olesen, Eline, Qvigstad, Elisabeth, Pabst, Oliver, Martinsen, Tormod, Abie, Sisay M., Martinsen, Ørjan G., Hisdal, Jonny, Jenssen, Trond G. and Kalvøy, Håvard. "Diabetic foot assessment using skin impedance in a custom made sensor-sock" Journal of Electrical Bioimpedance, vol.13, no.1, 2022, pp.136-142. https://doi.org/10.2478/joeb-2022-0019 Published Online: 14 Jan 2023

C. Tronstad, N. A. Callender, V. Badeli and J. Hisdal, "A Flexible Electrode Strap for Impedance Plethysmography of the Dorsalis Pedis Artery," 2023 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for Industry 4.0 & IoT (MetroInd4.0&IoT), Brescia, Italy, 2023, pp. 113-117, doi: 10.1109/MetroInd4.0IoT57462.2023.10180180.

Primary Investigator: Christian Tronstad

Co-investigators/participants:
Elisabeth Qvigstad
Trond Geir Jenssen
Jonny Hisdal
Inge Petter Kleggetveit
Kristian Bernhard Nilsen
Ørjan G. Martinsen
Oliver Pabst
Ole Elvebakk
Håvard Kalvøy

External collaborators:
Sensing Technologies Laboratory, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy