Wireless Vital Signs Monitoring System

A new system for measuring vital signs can telemetrically monitor physiologic parameters without wires or probes.

Called VitalSense, the system was developed by the Mini Mitter Company (Bend, OR, USA) in collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (Natick, MA, USA). Phase 1 of the system includes sensors for core body and skin temperature. Phase 2, a heart-rate sensor, is scheduled for release in late 2004. Sensors to monitor other physiologic parameters are also under development. Vital Sense was initially used to monitor U.S. Army Rangers and has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Core body temperatures are obtained from ingestible and disposable core body temperature sensors contained in a capsule about the size of a multivitamin. Once activated and swallowed, transmission of data from the capsule begins immediately. Data are transmitted telemetrically to the VitalSense monitor, which can be worn in a waist pack or slipped into a pocket. The mean transit time for the capsule is 0.5-3.5 days. Dermal temperatures are transmitted from waterproof, hypoallergenic patches. Transmission range is about one meter for the ingestible sensor and two meters for the patches.

In normal mode, the monitor can track and record data from up to 10 sensors that are associated with the monitor, while rejecting signals from other sensors that may be within range. Applications include ovulation detection and sepsis detection in hospitals. The company believes the system also has applications in telemedicine.





Related Links:
Mini Mitter Co.
U.S. Army Research Inst.