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Smart Stent Monitors Hemodynamics

May 18th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Cardiology

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a smart stent that can monitor hemodynamic parameters. The wireless and battery-free device can transmit the data to the outside of the body, and is powered through a wireless energy transfer system that uses magnetic fields, similar to wireless chargers that are available for many smartphones. The system could be helpful in long-term monitoring and aid patients with cardiovascular issues to avoid repeated angiograms. It can also potentially function as an early warning alarm for issues such as changes in blood...Read More

Virtual Clinical Trials: Interview with Ivan Jarry, CEO at ObvioHealth

May 16th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Exclusive

Decentralized and virtual clinical trials are gaining prominence, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic which made it difficult for trial participants to attend in-person appointments. However, conducting clinical trials remotely has a host of potential benefits beyond reducing COVID-19 transmission, including improved patient compliance, real-world data, real-time data, and reduced costs. ObvioHealth is championing this approach to clinical trials, and through a partnership with Renovia, completed the first fully virtual clinical trial in urogynecology, which investigated the leva Pelvic Health System. The leva device is intended to treat female urinary incontinence,...Read More

Wearable Uses Microneedles to Track Metabolism

May 16th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Medicine

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego created a wearable device that uses a disposable microneedle patch to continuously sample and analyze interstitial fluid. The wearable can measure glucose, alcohol, and lactate levels, all of which could be useful information for patients with diabetes. The disposable patch is attached to a reusable electronic device that can communicate wirelessly with a smartphone app and which can be recharged using commercially available wireless charging stations. The researchers hope that the technology can be adapted to measure other health...Read More

Advanced Multi-Organ Chip for Personalized Medicine

May 11th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Medicine

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science developed an advanced organ-on-a-chip system that incorporates heart, bone, liver, and skin tissue in independent niches that are linked with simulated vascular flows. The system even includes immune cells that circulate within the simulated vasculature. The technology represents an advance in organ-on-a-chip systems as it allows scientists to study the effects of drugs or interventions on multiple organs simultaneously. Moreover, as the engineered tissues are all created using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a blood sample, it could allow...Read More

Soft Robotic Sleeve for Lymphedema Treatment

May 6th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Oncology

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada created a soft robotic sleeve to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema involves fluid accumulation in tissues because of damage to the lymph system. This wearable sleeve combines a microfluidic controller and soft robotic components that apply compression to the arm to reduce and control fluid accumulation. The small components avoid the need for a stationary pump to inflate the sleeve and allow for tetherless use during regular activities. Lymphedema often strikes breast cancer patients, who frequently require surgical removal of lymph nodes in the...Read More

Helping Digital Health Companies Win Regulatory Approvals: Interview with Ruby Gadelrab, CEO of MDisrupt

May 6th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Exclusive

Digital Health companies often face a struggle knowing where to begin on the road to regulatory approval. Issues such as conducting clinical validation studies and finding the right regulatory experts to assist in their journey can all present major hurdles. These difficulties prompted Ruby Gadelrab to create MDisrupt, a digital health intelligence company based in California. The company aims to assist early-stage digital health companies to pursue regulatory approvals by connecting them with a large network of experienced regulatory experts, including medical advisors, commercial strategists, and regulatory strategists. The company...Read More

Wearable Sweat Sensor Warns of Impending Cytokine Storm

May 5th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Critical Care

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas, in collaboration with a company called EnLiSense, developed a wearable electrochemical sweat sensor that can detect chemokines in sweat, alerting the wearer and clinicians to a viral or bacterial infection. The device also warns of an impending cytokine storm, where high levels of inflammatory molecules are released by the body all at once, often proving fatal. The wearable could be particularly useful in cases of severe COVID-19, in which a cytokine storm is a significant risk. Sweat sensors are developing apace, and...Read More

Smartphone App to Diagnose Neurological Disorders

May 5th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Neurology

A team at the University of California San Diego has developed a smartphone app that can precisely measure changes in pupil size as a potential method to assess a variety of neurological conditions and disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD. The technique relies on the near-infrared cameras that newer smartphones use for facial recognition. The system is simple to use, and could let people participate in at-home diagnostics of conditions previously diagnosed in other ways. The researchers consulted older adults while designing the system, to ensure that it is suitable...Read More

Cryoablation for Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Interview with Ric Cote, CEO of Channel Medsystems

May 2nd, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Exclusive

Channel Medsystems, a medtech company based in California, created the Cerene cryotherapy device for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect quality of life for many women, and the condition can be associated with abdominal pain, cramping, and tiredness. The Cerene technology aims to provide an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, a procedure which can be performed in a doctor’s surgery in just a few minutes, and which does not require general anesthesia. The procedure involves the insertion of the device into the uterus,...Read More

Perinatal Mental Health Support for Parents of Color: Interview with Lauren Elliott, Founder of Candlelit Therapy

April 29th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Exclusive

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are very common, and can cause significant suffering and distress for many new parents. Black women and women of color are often at higher risk of such disorders. Despite this, there has been a lack of culturally relevant mental health supports for such parents. Candlelit Therapy, a company based in New York City, aims to change this by providing access to mental health supports that are specifically designed for new or expecting parents who are black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). The services provided...Read More

Wireless Implant for Anti-Cancer Photodynamic Therapy

April 28th, 2022 by Conn Hastings

Oncology

Researchers at Texas A&M University created a wireless device that aims to illuminate and destroy residual tumor cells left after cancer resection. The device can be used by surgeons to illuminate the tumor bed after resection. It works in combination with a photosensitizer drug that is administered before the procedure and accumulates in tumor cells, making them vulnerable to the lethal effects of the delivered light. The small device can also be implanted within the body, potentially to provide longer term photodynamic therapy and guard against cancer recurrence. For many...Read More

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