After eight years of collaborative research venture, the scientists at Sundaram Medical Foundation (SMF) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai have developed a fully indigenous pressure measurement equipment to accurately detect foot pressure, paving way for low cost screening test to detect diabetic foot at risk.

The scientists also have developed a globally acceptable new parameter to measure foot pressure, in terms of Power Ratio (PR) units. It is calculated by analyzing the highest and lowest foot pressures, instead of the peak pressure detected at present.

'Pedopowergraph', a first of its kind equipment, was developed in accordance to specific Indian conditions and technology and was clinically validated in India at SMF's hospital. SMF and IIT have together applied for patenting the product. This cost-effective equipment could be made available at almost half the price of existing imported equipments costing Rs.8 to Rs.10 lakhs in India. It has many advantages in comparison to similar western equipments which rely on western data and technology, said Prof.KM Patil, professor of biomedical engineering, IIT-Chennai, who spearheaded the research activities, while launching the product in Chennai.

While the existing foot pressure screening equipments like E-Med, Musgrave, F-Scan etc. could scan only one feet at a time, Pedopowergraph could scan both the feet. When other equipments register only the highest pressure, this equipment measures both the highest and lowest pressure, and suggests a Power Ratio. Further, it has advantages like high-resolution viewing, foot pressure measured and analyzed from 17 sections of the foot, easy to operate and analyze etc., said SMF sources.

Talking to Pharmabiz, S.Ravindran, trustee and chief executive of Sundaram Medical Foundation and Dr.Rangarajan Memorial Hospital said the product could be commercialized within six months. "We are yet to think of the commercial aspect since we are fine-tuning the product to get results within two minutes instead of the present time of 20 to 30 minutes. We hope to reduce the burden on the patient for screening foot pressure to about Rs.500 per screening. This product has immense potential all over the world. It could lead to popularization of foot pressure equipments among specialists in diabetic care, as the equipments currently available are confined to a few hospitals," said Ravindran.

He said the immediate plans include developing micro cellular rubber based footwear for Indian population, field-testing and validation of Pedopowergraph and its commercialization.