Arc by Varivac

Arc needed to be a low-cost, disposable device that was small, lightweight and comfortable enough for patients to wear at home. Quiet operation was essential to allow restful recovery after surgery. A key challenge was designing a system that could adapt to different wound types and healing needs, achieved through adjustable vacuum levels, a feature not available in other compact NPWT devices. The design had to promote healing while supporting patient mobility and comfort.

The design meets all of the challenges and requirements set in the brief. The handover to manufacturing was a key step in the development process. The electronic hardware is simple and low cost, with simple sensors. The firmware features a sophisticated algorithm, designed to detect blockages and leakage.

Commercial Impact - Arc is a low cost device, that allows post-surgical patients to easily manage their wound care at home, without huge expense. Environmental Impact - the electronic components are recyclable; other components are required to be disposable to align with the safe management and disposal of post-surgical waste. Societal Impact - Arc gives post-operative patients freedom and independence, and the convenience of recovery at home. The pump operates for 40 days which is longer than any other device in the market in this category.

Arc delivers multiple levels of negative pressure, allowing clinicians to tailor therapy to different wound types and stages of healing. Arc's firmware features a sophisticated and unique algorithm, designed to detect blockages and leakages in the system, for enhanced safety and reliability. Arc has an easily interchangeable canister, for ease of use and reduced downtime. It provides various levels of negative pressure vacuum to ensure wounds are kept free of exudate. Arc's form fitting shape is designed to fit discreetly in a pocket or clips comfortably to a belt, ideal for both hospital and home use.