MEDI
Compression Brace
Product Design
Concept Prototyping
Technology Integration
Manufacturing Transfer
MEDI is an industry leader in medical compression garments and orthopedic supports. Their solutions help ease swelling due to circulatory, lymphatic and ambulatory conditions. Leveraging their deep expertise and partnering with Steve Norton, a pioneer in the treatment of lymphedema, we helped design and develop a new treatment solution - a custom-fit device that targets nighttime relief of stubborn hand swelling for individuals living with chronic fluid accumulation in their lymph nodes.
"I knew that patients deserved a desired or improved quality of life, yet no compression solutions that were out there were more than mom-and-pop approaches."Steve Norton - Inventor
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic, but treatable condition marked by an accumulation of lymph fluid (i.e. swelling) in parts of the body where lymph nodes or other lymphatic vessels are damaged or inadequate. This condition is a common complication of breast cancer and can lead to debilitating swelling. If and when a breast is removed, it often means removing lymph nodes, which leads to fluid buildup. Nearly 50% of mastectomy patients have lymphedema in their hands and arms. Clinical evidence shows that early detection combined with prompt compression therapy can prevent progression in most patients.
Developing the solution.
One of the biggest challenges with treating hand swelling is the ability to properly apply bandages with the appropriate pressure. The current approach to treatment requires patients to self wrap, which can lead to under or over compressing and a high liability for injury. The goal with this new concept was to create a solution that was much easier to apply and could help mitigate some of the variability. This new approach uses adjustment reels and a stiff shell giving patients the ability to fine tune compression without having to reapply or readjust bandages. The rigid shell counteracts the forces that pull the bones of the hand together, and ensures even pressure across the surface of the hands. By creating a simpler pathway, the device can remove some of the barriers to treatment and help encourage a more consistent regimen of self care, ultimately leading to a better overall quality of life.
This first-of-its-kind, custom compression system for the hand provides dual-sided, nighttime relief of stubborn swelling.Dialing in the system.
The foundation of the design is centered around delivering customizable control of adjustment and compression pressure. Using two separate reels, the brace offers dual-zone compression, providing a gradient of pressure that simulates the multi-layered bandaging of the hand. The fine-tuned adjustability of the reels provides a safe and controlled pressure while avoiding unwanted squeezing and pressure points.
Rather than wrapping the hand with a bandage, the hand brace is a much simpler and quicker method taking a fraction of the time. The specially contoured foam interior provides consistent pressure on both sides of the hand. Correct alignment is achieved each time with the integrated glove that ensures proper positioning.
It looks more like an apparatus compared to a bandage, but it's so quick and easy, and you're unlikely to hurt yourself.Steve Norton - Inventor
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