Medgadget

Passive IR Monitoring of Breathing for More Comfortable Sleep Studies

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:42:15 -0800

A collaboration between researchers from University of Houston and University of Texas Health Science Center has developed a new method to perform sleep studies that minimized the amount of equipment that has to be tethered to the patient. The biggest impediment is the tube placed over the nose that monitors airflow. The researchers created an infrared camera monitoring system that can observe breathing passively and quantify the airflow without any tubes.

Here's an NSF interview with the principal scientists of the study explaining their work:

Press release: Computer Science Provides a More Sound Way to Test for Sleep Apnea ...

Abstract in Sleep: Thermal Infrared Imaging: A Novel Method to Monitor Airflow During Polysomnography ...

Delivery Method for Iomai's Transcutaneous Vaccine

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:03 -0800

We've previously covered Iomai Corp's (now part of Intercell) transcutaneous vaccination technology, with the idea being that if you're able to vaccinate patients through their skin, you can take advantage of the high density of Langerhans cells in the epidermis to activate an amplified immune response. Also, since transcutaneous vaccination does not involve systemic exposure, you're able to use more potent immune stimulants. These factors, in addition to it being needle-less, make transcutaneous vaccination an appealing option because you need less vaccine for an equal immune response. Additionally, having the vaccine in this dry, patch form also allows it to last much longer without refrigeration (possibly up to six months).

Application of the vaccine, however, first requires you to scrape off some of the keratinized epithelium to gain access to the Langerhans cells. This abrasion needs to be consistent, painless, and easy enough that it could be self-administered. At TEDMED, we've heard from IDEO's CEO Tim Brown, whose design firm was hired to develop the application technique for the transcutaneous vaccine patches. IDEO came up with a band aid looking device with a bulls eye and an attached tab. Pressing at the center and pulling the tab draws an abrasive strip across the skin, as well as leaves an ink mark to show where the vaccine patch should be placed. The application device and patch is also made using only standard processes and materials so they'd be easily manufactured in developing countries.

The administration device and patch are currently in phase two clinical trials for pandemic influenza.

Product page @ IDEO...

Flasback:Immunity That's More Than Skin Deep...

Needle Free Insulin Delivery from PICOSULIN

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:41:52 -0800

Amy Tenderich from DiabetesMine spoke with Thierry Navarro, co-founder of PICOSULIN, a Geneva, Switzerland company developing a patch and an insulin pump with an unusually open R&D process.

A snippet:

"We think differently from the traditional way of keeping R&D secret. We have perfected our technology, and we're disclosing the benefits. Now we want to try to get feedback from all the over world. We're using a website survey to capture input from Europe, Asia and the US, " Thierry says.

Here's more about the technology from the product page:

The simplicity of the system is based on the use of a plastic micro pump which is connected to an ultra precise mechanical system (patent pending) capable of delivering a bolus of 25nl (0.0025U) that is 20 times more precise than any of the existing competing patches on the market which deliver 500nl (0.05U).

What’s more, the micro pump uses a volumetric pump mechanism capable of aspirating insulin directly from any type or brand of PenFill cartridge.

Performance aside, it has the major advantages of its very small size and modular design: the “PicoPatch” is a wearable patch only 0.59 inches (15 mm) thick, loaded with a standard PenFill cartridge containing 3ml of insulin.

Read the interview with more details at DiabetesMine...

Link: PICOSULIN...

FDA Panel Recommends Bronchial Thermoplasty Approval for Select Patients

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:10:46 -0800

According to Dow Jones Newswires, an FDA panel has recommended the approval of Alair® bronchial thermoplasty device from Sunnyvale, California based Asthmatx, Inc. Designed to reduce the amount of smooth muscles in the walls of small to medium size airways, the device will likely be indicated for drug-resistant adult cases of severe asthma. We have reported extensively on this technology, including on positive results from the Asthma Intervention Research 2 (AIR2) Trial, a 300 patient strong study reported in May, that has showed reduction in extreme asthma attacks by 32 percent, and 84 percent reduction in emergency room trips in patients s/p treatment.

The device--the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System--if approved would be the first non-drug treatment approved by the FDA. The product is made by Asthmatx Inc., a closely held firm based in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is designed to be used in adult asthma patients whose disease isn't well controlled on both short- and long-acting medications.

Specifically, the panel voted 6 to 1 that the treatment be approved with conditions, including a registry of patients treated to track the long-term safety and effectiveness of the device. The FDA typically follows the advice of its panels but isn't required to. If approved, the device could be on the market during the first half of 2010.

The FDA noted that about 22 million Americans have asthma and about 4,000 people die each year "in spite of optimal medical management." About 500,000 people are hospitalized with asthma exacerbations annually in the U.S.

Dow Jones Newswires: FDA Panel Backs Novel Device To Treat Severe Asthma...

Technology page: Bronchial Thermoplasty...

Flashbacks: Bronchial Thermoplasty Does Well in AIR2 Trial ; The Alair® System for Bronchial Thermoplasty™; Alair System May Become Option for Asthmatics

NovoTwist Needle Wins Prize for Design

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:12:46 -0800

Novo Nordisk (Bagsværd, Denmark) just won the coveted Good Design Award (aka, G-Mark Award) from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization for the NovoTwist needle. Currently in use in company's insulin delivery device FlexPen®, this simple twist on and off needle has been constructed to be totally intuitive and not to require much finger strength.

Nearly 3,000 entries were narrowed down by the judging panel and NovoTwist™ was selected for an award in the ‘Society – Medical Equipment’ section. Previous winners of the Good Design Award™ include Apple, Toshiba, Toyota and Nintendo.

The Good Design Award™ highlights the unique design features of NovoTwist™. The judges specifically commented that “Conventional screw thread needles can be difficult to attach and detach, especially for the elderly, as limited manual dexterity and hand strength make the circular motion of screw attachment/detachment challenging. NovoTwist™ has solved this problem with a simple functional design with a push-and-twist needle attachment/detachment system”.

Press release: Novo Nordisk wins design award for NovoTwist™ needle...

Product page: NovoTwist...

Sensium Life Pebble Wireless Vitals Monitor for Sport Training, Cardiac Health Auditing

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:57:30 -0800

Toumaz Technology out of Abingdon, UK has released the Sensium™ Life Pebble vital sign monitoring device. Featuring a single lead ECG, a skin thermometer, and an accelerometer to monitor physical activity, the unit can track one's performance for later analysis by a clinician.

Device features:

Wireless monitoring of heart rate and activity optimised for ambulatory conditions

Accurate electrically-derived heart rate from R to R peak measurements

3-axis accelerometer to detect and measure physical activity

Skin temperature sensor

Robust data communication, even in noisy channels

Up to 5 days' operational use on a single hearing aid battery

Light weight and ultra-small size (20gm with LR44 battery, excluding EKG leads)

Press release: Toumaz Technology Announces Availability of Sensium Life Pebble Wireless Vital Signs Monitor...

Product page: The Sensium Life Pebble...

Flashback: Sensium™ Chip: An Ultra Low Power Sensor Interface

GE's New Ultra Small Ultrasound May Become as Ubiquitous as Stethoscope

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:50:51 -0800

Yesterday at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, GE showed off their new handheld ultrasound device. The Vscan looks like a cross between an iPod and a cell phone, making it possibly the world's smallest ultrasound. Later today we'll be attending GE's healthymagination technology showcase in New York where further details and specs will hopefully become available.

For critical care clinicians, Vscan can offer an immediate look beyond patient vital signs with the potential to identify critical issues, like fluid around the heart, which could be a sign of congestive heart failure. And for cardiologists, Vscan provides a dependable visual evaluation of how well the heart is pumping at a glance, so they can treat patients more efficiently.

New PAP System from Philips Respironics Announced

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:23:34 -0800

Philips Respironics has released its new PAP (positive air pressure) sleep system that promises to overcome some serious side effects of other similar devices on the market. As we wrote yesterday, we had a chance to try out the device at Philips Respironics' newly opened factory in suburban Pittsburgh, PA.

Here's finally a more formal description from Philips about the features in this device:

With new advanced event detection software and expanded reporting capabilities, Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System has the ability to recognize and report when a patient may be experiencing symptoms beyond OSA. A sophisticated three-layer algorithm distinguishes between obstructed and clear airway apneas and periodic breathing, such as Cheyne-Stokes Respiration. Medical professionals now have easy access to sleep assessment parameters typically found on diagnostic equipment.
These respiratory events can be verified by looking at detailed patient flow waveform data. There are multiple options for data transfer, including standard SD cards and new wireless and wired modem connections. The devices now include on-board memory storage for six months of compliance data (7 and 30 day averages) and five days of patient flow waveforms.

The Web-based platform of EncoreAnywhere makes it quick and simple to obtain timely, accurate patient information and instantly change prescriptions or communicate from a secure-access Web site. Updates to the device are automatic, and summary and daily detail reports of therapy data -- including patient flow and event reports -- are arranged by time frame. The “Best 30” reports the best 30 consecutive days of greater than four-hour sessions. This information enables the provider to intervene more quickly and more effectively and instantly capture patient compliance data needed for reimbursement.

Adding to its contemporary design, lighted LEDs and a new LCD dial and push-button interface make the device simple to use and operate. About the size of a clock radio (7" L x 5.5" W x 4" H; 18 cm L x 14 cm W x 10 cm H), components are built in to maximize patient comfort and device performance. The device is engineered with new Dry Box technology and a cleverly designed water chamber to keep water only where needed, while delivering consistent humidification. A technology breakthrough, System One Humidity Control, adjusts automatically for changes in room temperature and room humidity. Like cruise control in automobiles, patients select the desired humidity level in the mask, and advanced sensors gather the data required by the device to maintain these levels to enhance comfort and prevent rainout in changing environmental conditions.

Another major comfort enhancement, System One Resistance Control, adjusts pressure delivery to optimize comfort with every Philips Respironics mask. Beyond leak reporting, the device is set up to compensate for resistance characteristics caused by the various mask options available and operate as an integrated system.

Press release: PHILIPS UNVEILS INTELLIGENT SLEEP APNEA THERAPY SYSTEM TO HOME HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY...

Product page: Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System...

Flashback: Our Trip to a Philips Respironics Medical Device Factory

Glucogrip for Automatic Blood Glucose Metering

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:03 -0800

Giulio Sbarigia, an Italian product developer, suggests this design for a portable glucometer.

Product link: glucogrip...

Wheeze Detector for Quantifying Asthma, Allergy, Emphysema Symptoms

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:10:29 -0800

Israel's business newspaper Globes is reporting that KarmelSonix Ltd, a company consisting of Israel's KarmelSonix and Australia's Pulmosonix, received FDA approval for the Wheezometer point-of-care wheeze detector. The device records thirty seconds of breathing while applied to the neck area and analyzes and quantifies the wheezing in the audio.

The WheezoMeter™ is calibrated and validated as determined by consensus of a panel of experts who evaluated and scored many recordings for presence of wheeze.

The WheezoMeter™ uses a cascade of 6 proprietary technologies to "defend" the signals against false detection of ambient noises as wheeze.

Obtain a “spot check” measurement of present wheeze activity, any time, any place, as often as needed without any patient effort.

Measure WheezeRATE™ before and after administration of a bronchodilator (“pre-post” test).

Communicate status of homebound or remote patient to physician or healthcare professional.

System Components:

WheezoMeter™ with embedded Black Fin® processor. Self-contained cushioned built-in silicone-coated PPG

PPG Sensor with broad spectrum frequency response, >60 dB dynamic range and superior ambient noise rejection

Allows scrolling of the last 10 measurements for review

2 AA batteries (not included)

Infant sensor holder for babies and toddlers (optional)

More from Globes: FDA approves KarmelSonix's Wheezometer

Product page: Wheezometer

Wheezometer brochure...