Advanced Therapeutic Materials Ltd
Advanced Therapeutic Materials Ltd., based in the West Midlands, has developed innovative technology, Scan2Knit, which radically improves the delivery of compression therapy which is widely used for treatment of a range of clinical conditions including venous insufficiency, ulceration, lymphoedema and DVT.
The use of data from advanced 3D imaging coupled with proprietary software to drive state of the art flat bed knitting produces customised compression garments delivering precise pressures accurately and reliable over the whole of the treatment area. Clinicians are able to use the 3D data generated to ensure that pressures are applied according to their prescription and to monitor the clinical progress of patients.
The accurate measurement at 1mm centres over the whole limb and an innovative 3D knit structure together with specially developed elastomeric yarns supported by the control afforded by its proprietary yarn control system allows ATM to create an accurately engineered treatment system which is uniquely fitted to each patient. Pressures of up to 50mm Hg can be generated covering the full range from Class I to Class IV compression garments.
Research has demonstrated the critical importance of not only size of limbs but also the local radius of curvature which changes rapidly across the limb in determining the pressure applied. ATM software and knitting technology ensures that such critical factors are fully incorporated into the engineered garment in a way which cannot be achieved by any other garment available currently
Clinical experience has demonstrated the improved efficacy of these garments, which focus on delivery of defined pressures, over both traditional stretch bandages and the current generation of quasi-customised product which depend on limited sizing inputs to deliver defined pressures at a very limited number of points on the limb. Patient comfort and quality of life was also shown to be enhanced and the demand on the time of skilled practitioners reduced.
