A group of engineers and innovators over at the Eurac research institute in Bolzano, Italy have gone ahead and developed an innovative and high-tech vital signs monitor that has a form factor akin to a headphone, and can track people's vital signs through their ear.
The 'MedSENS' comprises a wired probe that can be inserted into the ear of a patient, and an external padding section that is placed atop the year and kept in place with an over-head strap. The probe is capable of monitoring heart rate, blood oxygen and body temperature, with the pertinent data displayed on a screen on the external-facing surface of the pad, and also transmissible to mobile devices.
This vital signs monitor is a welcome innovation due to the fact that it can be used in rescue situations where it may be difficult to monitor vital signs in the conventional fashion, such as when people are being rescued in adverse conditions or from fallen buildings.
Headphone-Shaped Vital Signs Monitors
The 'MedSens' Tracks Vital Signs Through Patients' Ears
Trend Themes
1. Headphone-shaped Vital Signs Monitors - The trend of wearable technology and continuous health monitoring has the potential to be disrupted with the development of discreet and convenient vital sign monitors that can be worn continuously.
2. Remote Patient Monitoring - MedSENS presents an opportunity for the healthcare industry to advance remote patient monitoring, to help healthcare providers to keep a closer eye on their patients, especially vulnerable or elderly patients.
3. Smart Medical Devices - The increased use of technology that is integrated with medical devices to enable smarter diagnosis and monitoring presents opportunities for innovative digital health solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from innovations in vital signs monitoring technology to improve patient outcomes and accessibility to healthcare services.
2. Emergency Services - The development of vital signs monitors that can be used in challenging rescue situations has the potential to revolutionize emergency services, providing more accurate and continuous monitoring during emergencies.
3. Wearable Technology - The development of discreet and convenient vital sign monitoring devices has the potential to disrupt the wearable technology industry and facilitate continuous monitoring of health and wellbeing.