Team 24

Localized Oxygen Delivery System for Wound Healing

Team Members:
Gabe Zdrale
Rachel Millard
Madison Rogers

Team Mentors:
Dr. James Bogert, MD - Dignity Health

Dr. Brent Vernon, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/2134655576


Abstract

Open wounds offer the potential of serious complications if they are not treated quickly with proper technique. Untreated wounds can later develop into hypoxic, chronic wounds. It is estimated that in the United States, ∼2% of the total population are affected by chronic wounds. Certain diseases such as diabetes can accelerate the development of hypoxic wounds. Globally, it is estimated that every 30 seconds a leg is amputated and 85% of these amputations are the result of a diabetic foot ulcer. Proper oxygenation of a wound is a key determining factor of whether a wound will heal properly. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the industry standard for delivering excess oxygen to a patient; it involves breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized environment in order to help with a variety of conditions. HBOT is currently used to help treat non-healing, hypoxic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, necrotizing soft tissue infections, skin flaps, radiation complications, and pressure injuries. However, HBOT tends to be very expensive, ranging from $250-$450 per session in a clinical setting and many patients require weeks if not months of treatment. HBOT can only last 60-90 minutes due to the high-pressure environment in the chamber.


O24U is currently developing the HyperOxymer, a localized oxygen delivery system to address cost, accessibility, and duration of oxygen delivery, major problems within current treatment. Compared to normal wound bandages (21% O2), the HyperOxymer has the ability to deliver up to 60% O2. It also has the ability to deliver oxygen for 24 hours, up to 24 times longer than HBOT. Finally, the HyperOxymer has the potential to reduce the cost of treatment drastically compared to HBOT and negative pressure therapy. Our solution can provide patients a more accessible way for aiding the treatment of their chronic wounds.