Grandfather's death inspires next generation of wound care technology

Clinical trials to test a new pocket-sized imaging technology that could vastly improve wound care will soon begin in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Mimosa Pro is a handheld device that uses near-infrared light to peer beneath the skin and detect injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. Seeing the extent of the damage below the skin will help determine whether a patient needs to see a podiatrist, a vascular surgeon to help with blood flow, or if they require more urgent treatment to prevent limb loss. The technology was developed by Dr. Karen Cross, a plastic surgeon, CEO of Mimosa Diagnostics, and innovator in residence at the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub. She was inspired by her grandfather, Calvin Coates, whose health declined after he developed a tiny wound at the tip of his toe. It eventually led to an amputation and his death.