Direct to Phase II Open Topic: Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Conditions during missions such as at High Altitude can induce physiological conditions that undermine a warfighter’s ability to successfully achieve objectives. The onset of these conditions is not always apparent to crew members focused on tasks. Lack of physiological monitoring is an information gap for flight surgeons or other decision makers responsible for assessing readiness. The GraftWorx System proposes to fill this gap and provide real time data on Heart Rate and SpO2 using a cost-efficient, comfortable, wearable device. The SmartPatch can be placed on parts of the body such as the arm and does not occupy a high-value area such as the wrist. Unlike finger cuffs, the SmartPatch does not interfere with tasks. It is currently in clinical trials with commercial partners to monitoring patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis. Feasibility for adaptation to Air Force Needs was demonstrated during High Altitude Chamber exercises. Phase II targets optimizing the system to meet specific requirements for SOCOM applications. Leveraging prior DoD sponsored work, GraftWorx will integrate with the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit (BATDOK), a software user interface to monitor physiological data, minimizing the cost of adoption at the completion of this Phase II program.