SurroGait Rx

The Problem

One of the main problems with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is that, when someone is affected with it, he or she is unaware when pressure-induced damage is being done.  The result is tissue damage, leading to ulceration, and often, amputation. 

The patented SurroGait Rx is a high-tech, pressure-sensing insole that tells the user when damage is being done to the feet and provides substitute sensation for “numb” feet. The SurroGait Rx includes a high-resolution pressure-sensing insole and a low-profile, ergonomic back display. Pressure information collected in the shoe is wirelessly sent in real-time to the back display.  The back display transposes sensation that would otherwise be felt on the foot onto the back, so that the user can “feel” his or her feet through the back. With practice, through the incredible phenomenon of neuroplasticity, the user will “rewire” his or her brain so that interpreting the feeling on the back is second nature.

This device is intended to not only prevent and treat the complications of peripheral neuropathy, but also to enable improved gait and balance, and decrease the risk of falls inherent to the problem of not being able to properly feel the feet.

Clinical trials will begin with the SurroGait Rx in early 2013.

Our Solution

The SurroGait System uses a sensor grid to measure pressure over the bottom of the foot. Using a wireless communication profile this data is then transmitted to a back-display. A low-power processor is then used to analyze the data and convert it into a signal that can be used to stimulate the lower back. Using this stimulus the patient is able to feel the pressure exerted on the feet in a 1-to-1 fashion. A lightweight battery and state-of-the-art electronics in the back display allow the system to be ergonomic and low-profile to reduce visual impact of the device. A wristband display or mobile device can be used to control the intensity of the stimulus, as well as monitor battery life and pressure information.

Comments:

Juci says:
April 17, 2012 at 09:50 pm
Diabetes does not guarantee that demras will be more vivid. In the article, it mentioned that vivid demras and nightmares can be a function of the body's response to low blood sugar in order to raise blood sugar by causing the liver to release stored glucose and/or wake the person from sleeping.Vivid demras and nightmares are also a function of stress and worry, due to hormones that get released as part of the fight-or-flight mechanism (and those hormones also raise blood sugar). This is why stressed and/or worried people do not feel rested after sleeping.Auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not there, which can include music) are not due to blood sugar issues, but can result from altered levels of neurotransmitters (which are hormones). These episodes are not limited to schizophrenia or manic states of bipolar disorder, but can occur in people under stress or using certain medications. Ear Worms (where you get a song stuck in your head) is different from a hallucination, and is a function of memory, if I recall correctly (it can be very irritating, but not generally a medical/psychological issue).

Juci says:
April 17, 2012 at 09:50 pm
Diabetes does not guarantee that demras will be more vivid. In the article, it mentioned that vivid demras and nightmares can be a function of the body's response to low blood sugar in order to raise blood sugar by causing the liver to release stored glucose and/or wake the person from sleeping.Vivid demras and nightmares are also a function of stress and worry, due to hormones that get released as part of the fight-or-flight mechanism (and those hormones also raise blood sugar). This is why stressed and/or worried people do not feel rested after sleeping.Auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not there, which can include music) are not due to blood sugar issues, but can result from altered levels of neurotransmitters (which are hormones). These episodes are not limited to schizophrenia or manic states of bipolar disorder, but can occur in people under stress or using certain medications. Ear Worms (where you get a song stuck in your head) is different from a hallucination, and is a function of memory, if I recall correctly (it can be very irritating, but not generally a medical/psychological issue).