Spin-out profile: DIALOG DEVICES
Dialog Devices design and develop non-invasive bio-medical technology. The company has developed a revolutionary quick and painless diagnostic device called ‘PADD’ to ‘see’ below the surface of the skin, and measure peripheral blood circulation. This will allow early and easy identification of changes that could lead to diseases, allowing earlier diagnosis without the need for specially trained staff.
BACKGROUND
Dialog Devices began trading in 2003. There are two major diseases which PADD will be useful in diagnosing. Firstly peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is an early symptom of heart disease and stroke that affects over 90 million people worldwide. Once diagnosed, one in three people die within three years. Also diabetics with PVD often lose the use of their legs because PVD causes reduced blood supply to the limbs. Current screening for PVD is time consuming and requires skilled operators. It is also particularly unreliable on those with type 2 diabetes, who are extremely susceptible to PVD. Many disabilities and deaths are preventable through early diagnosis and treatment.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
PADD is a medical device for rapid, simple and robust assessment of blood circulation in the lower limbs and feet, for widespread applications in cardiovascular diagnosis, risk assessment and diabetic foot assessment. PADD is quick, painless and non-invasive. An infra red probe, no more powerful than a TV remote control, is held to the foot for a couple of minutes to assess how well the blood supply adapts to forces of gravity caused by postural changes such as getting out of bed and standing up. This technology could replace the ankle brachial pressure index, a traditional pressure cuff measurement system.
The equipment is highly sensitive and can detect changes in peripheral blood circulation well in advance of any clinical effects, so that changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle can have corrective effects. PADD will enable early diagnosis by offering quick and simple assessment without the need for specially trained operators. The test is easy and safe to perform and is therefore ideal for busy vascular clinics and GP surgeries.
FORWARD STRATEGY
The technology will initially be developed as a product for sale to healthcare workers, but longer term may be available for use by health conscious consumers. The company is currently refinancing and has received a DTI grant.
CONTACT DETAILS
Innovation Centre
Epinal Way
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3EH
United Kingdom
E: jody.brown@dialogdevices.co.uk