A new study has highlighted the potential benefits of the geko device, a neuromuscular electro-stimulator (NMES), in treating venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Developed by UK-based medical manufacturer Sky Medical Technology, the geko device has been found to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for the NHS.
Published in the International Wound Journal (IWJ), the study compared standard of care (SoC) treatments for VLUs with the integration of the geko device. The results showed a 68% improvement in wound healing for patients using the geko device alongside traditional treatments.
The geko device works by stimulating the common peroneal nerve, which helps to increase blood flow in the veins, arteries, and microvascular systems. This physiological response is essential in promoting faster healing in venous leg ulcers, a chronic condition that can be difficult to treat.
Venous leg ulcers are a major public health challenge in the UK, affecting around 1 in 500 people. Among the elderly, particularly those over 80, the rate increases to 1 in 50. VLUs are associated with high rates of morbidity and can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, making effective treatments critical.
Cost Savings for the NHS
From an economic standpoint, the study suggests that incorporating the geko device into SoC protocols offers substantial financial benefits. On average, using the device results in a cost saving of £774.14 per patient compared to SoC alone.
This cost-effectiveness is expected to reduce NHS expenditure on managing venous leg ulcers by 15% per patient. With the NHS spending an estimated £3.1 billion annually on treating VLUs, the report indicates that the geko device could provide savings of up to £420 million each year. Of the £3.1 billion, around £2.8 billion is spent on hard-to-heal ulcers, making more effective treatments like geko critical for reducing overall healthcare costs.
Industry Reaction
Fiona Young, Wound Care Business Director at Firstkind Ltd, the subsidiary of Sky Medical Technology, welcomed the study’s findings. She emphasised the burden that VLUs place on the healthcare system: “VLUs represent a substantial public health challenge in the UK, particularly in the elderly population. By improving healing rates and reducing costs, the geko device represents a significant advancement in the standard of care for venous leg ulcer treatment.”
Bernard Ross, CEO and Founder of Sky Medical Technology, also commented on the impact of the study: “The publication of this data highlights the geko device’s ability to not only enhance patient outcomes but also provide significant cost savings to the NHS. This evidence shows that using geko for chronic wounds could lead to annual savings of £420 million. More importantly, it offers the potential to heal three times as many chronic wounds in a year, which would have a profound impact on patient quality of life.”
The study underlines Sky Medical’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative, evidence-based healthcare solutions aimed at reducing the burden on the NHS while improving patient outcomes. As venous leg ulcers continue to be a costly and debilitating condition, the geko device represents a promising option for both patients and healthcare providers.