A Low Power Wireless Pulse Oximeter Sensor for Unobtrusive Wearable Applications

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Koronis Biomedical Technology Corporation KBT proposes to develop and evaluate a miniature ultra low power pulse oximeter for long term wearable monitoring There continues to be a clinical need for an unobtrusive pulse oximeter sensor that is small and can be worn comfortably for extended periods of time without battery change or recharge KBT will use eye safe Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser VCSEL technology to develop this next generation cutting edge pulse oximeter Several technical challenges must be overcome to facilitate long term continuous pulse oximetry monitoring In order to design more compact sensors and improved wearable instrumentation perhaps the most critical challenges are to develop more power efficient and low weight devices Additionally before wearable devices can be used effectively in the home they must become unobtrusive and should not hinder a personandapos s mobility Standard finger pulse oximeters are not practical for many applications because they can interfere with normal daily tasks PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE This program will direct development efforts towards a home based monitor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD patients on long term oxygen therapy LTOT The benefits of long term oxygen supplementation in COPD patients with hypoxemia are well established Currently the standard approach to prescribing oxygen uses a static assessment of oxygen requirements in a hospital or clinic setting The assumption behind this approach is that patients will maintain a andquot therapeuticandquot hemoglobin oxygen saturation SpO in the outpatient setting Recent studies with hour pulse oximetry monitoring have demonstrated that the standard prescription does not properly oxygenate most patients in the home