MIT Researchers Develop Ingestible Capsule for Monitoring Vital Signs and Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Researchers at MIT have created an ingestible capsule that offers a less intrusive approach to monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and breathing patterns from within a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This capsule, which is about the size of a multivitamin, utilizes an accelerometer to measure breathing and heart rates, potentially providing a breakthrough in the diagnosis of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.
In a study involving 10 human volunteers, the researchers demonstrated the capsule’s ability to monitor vital signs and identify sleep apnea episodes. The device successfully passed through the digestive tract without any adverse effects, signaling potential for less intrusive diagnostic measures compared to traditional methods.
Developed by Celero Systems, the ingestible capsule features an accelerometer capable of detecting subtle movements associated with heartbeats and lung expansion, as well as two small batteries and a wireless antenna for transmitting data to external devices. Tests conducted in an animal model confirmed the capsule’s accuracy in measuring breathing and heart rates, even detecting changes caused by a significant dose of fentanyl, an opioid drug.
Subsequent clinical trials at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute involving monitoring ten patients using the capsule alongside traditional sleep-monitoring sensors also demonstrated its accuracy. The researchers believe that sensors like these could offer a less intrusive way to diagnose sleep apnea compared to current skin-based sensors and even monitor the effectiveness of treatments for apnea.
Future developments aim to expand the capsule’s capabilities, such as incorporating an overdose reversal agent to provide timely assistance in the event of an opioid overdose. The researchers are also working on extending the time the capsules can remain in the stomach.
Overall, the ingestible capsule designed by MIT researchers holds great promise in revolutionizing how vital signs are monitored and in diagnosing sleep apnea, representing a significant development in medical technology.
The research findings were published in the journal Device, and the potential applications of the capsule are expected to have a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.
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