Wearable developed to combat blood clot risk

A wearable biolectronic device that uses electronic stimulation of the calf muscles has been launched by Sky Medical Technology.

The geko device aims to improve blood flow in patients at risk of blood clots. The wearable is the size of a wristwatch and strapped to the lower leg. It stimulates the common peroneal nerve, activating the calf and foot muscle pumps, resulting in increased blood flow in the deep veins of the calf at rate equal to 60% of walking.  

The device requires no external compression of the leg and enables patients to be mobile while wearing it. The geko has received both NICE and FDA clearance and is used across 28 NHS Trusts who are working to adopt the device into their acute stroke pathways for patients at high-risk of blood clots.

With an ageing global population, circulatory conditions related to blood clots – also known as Venous Thromboembolisms (VTEs) are the biggest cause of preventable deaths in UK hospitals – more than 40,000 every year.