Assessing Sensor-Guided Compression Therapy for Venous Leg Ulcers Healing Outcomes

This proposed study is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pressure-sensing compression therapy device for VLUs. Eligible patients will be identified through a combination of ankle brachial index measurements, venous duplex ultrasound, comprehensive wound assessment, and a review of their care plans. Informal carers, such as family members or friends, may participate to assist with device use and data transmission. All participants will receive detailed study information and provide written informed consent prior to enrolment.

After enrolment, each patient will enter a two-week run-in period during which they will receive standard care. During this time, their wound will be photographed and measured using eKare wound monitoring technology. Patients whose wounds decrease in size by more than 40% during this period will be excluded to maintain a homogeneous study population. All participants will receive thorough training on device usage and data transmission, with their proficiency evaluated prior to the start of the study. Those who meet the inclusion criteria will then be randomly assigned to either the control or treatment group according to a computer-generated allocation schedule.

The control group will receive standard care and use the pressure-sensing device with a blinded application (no feedback provided), with data transmitted for monitoring.

The treatment group will also receive the same standard care, with the same type of compression bandages, when possible, but use the device with real-time feedback, enabling nurses to apply the targeted pressure reliably, and patients and carers to monitor pressure trends and apply additional compression as needed.

Throughout 90 days all patients will continue with scheduled wound care, and at each visit, compression pressures and wound area will be assessed. Patients will take the device home, transmit daily pressure readings, and be instructed to apply additional compression if pressures fall below target thresholds. Study nurses will monitor data remotely and provide follow-up as needed. A quality-of-life questionnaire will also be given to the patients to fill in every two weeks.

Patients will exit the study after 90 days, upon wound healing, or if complications arise. A final clinic evaluation and discharge questionnaire will be completed to assess patient experience and technology usability.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults with chronic venous leg ulcers (≥6-week and ≤5-year durations) currently in compression therapy treatment.
• Between 5 and 100 cm2 wound area at randomization.
• Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) of >0,8
• Capable of using use a smart device.

Exclusion criteria

• Uncontrolled diabetes [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥12% in the last 3 months]
• Index ulcer has active infection on day of inclusion requiring systemic antibiotic therapy
• Renal failure
• Exposed tendon, ligament, muscle or bone in the index ulcer
• Osteomyelitis, cellulitis or gangrene in study limb
• Subjects with an amputation above transmetatarsal in study limb
• Active malignancy affecting study limb
• Index ulcer is of arterial aetiology (ABPI <0.8)
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women or women of childbearing potential not willing to use a method of highly effective contraception for the duration of the study
• Planned vascular surgery, angioplasty or thrombolysis procedures during study period. Or patients who are within six weeks of having had such a procedure
• Planned surgical procedure during study period for the index wound
• Prior skin replacement, negative-pressure therapy and ultrasound therapy to the study wound in the two weeks before screening
• Currently receiving or has received radio or chemotherapy within three months of randomisation
• Index wound would require ultrasound near an electronic implant or prosthesis
• Not capable of providing informed consent
• Currently enrolled in or has been enrolled in another investigation device or drug trial in the last 30 days