Adhesive Biosensor Transmits Core Health Biometrics

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 30 Sep 2014
A new home monitoring device brings clinical-grade office care into patient homes, notifying doctors when physiological data falls outside selected parameters.

The HealthPatch MD is a Band-Aid-like biosensor that can relay real-time health indicators from patients that are recovering from surgery or medical treatments, are receiving long-term care for a chronic condition like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or those who are experiencing symptoms that cannot be easily diagnosed in a single office visit. The sensor’s technologies enable the device to provide single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate and variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, posture (including fall detection and severity), and number of steps.

Image: The HealthPatch MD wireless biosensor (Photo courtesy of Vital Connect).

On-board proprietary SensorFusion algorithms are used to process thousands of data points per minute to produce accurate robust measurements, which are transmitted through the cloud to a doctor’s smartphone or tablet for analysis. The device has two components; a reusable sensor module and a disposable adhesive patch, which goes onto the skin using one of three adhesives (silicone or a hydrocolloid), depending on the activity level; battery life is between 48 and 72 hours, and the patch is water resistant.

The device weighs only 10 grams and is only 6 mm thick, a form factor that is comfortable for patients and less obtrusive than conventional monitoring equipment. The data reporting may be customized by a healthcare professional to meet individual needs. The sensor uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to a smartphone or to a relay that transfers the information by Wi-Fi to the cloud, meeting cyber security guidelines. HealthPatch MD is a product of Vital Connect (Campbell, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Bulky machines that interfere with daily activities will no longer inhibit a patient’s normal routine,” said Nersi Nazari, CEO of Vital Connect. “Monitoring will occur seamlessly and will not interfere with a patient’s routine at home, work, or leisure. Patients will have confidence that their condition is being monitored by a healthcare professional outside of the healthcare setting.”

Related Links:

Vital Connect 



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