MIT Researchers Develop Ingestible Capsule for Monitoring Vital Signs, Sleep Apnea
A team of researchers from MIT has recently developed an ingestible capsule that offers a less intrusive method for monitoring vital signs, including heart rate and breathing patterns, from within a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The capsule, which is approximately the size of a multivitamin, incorporates an accelerometer to measure breathing and heart rates, resulting in a potential breakthrough for diagnosing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
The capsule’s ability to monitor vital signs and identify sleep apnea episodes, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, has been demonstrated in a study involving 10 human volunteers. Remarkably, the ingestible capsule has successfully passed through the digestive tract without causing any adverse effects, indicating its potential for less intrusive diagnostic measures compared to traditional methods.
Developed by Celero Systems, the capsule features an accelerometer capable of detecting subtle movements associated with heartbeats and lung expansion. It also includes two small batteries and a wireless antenna for transmitting data to external devices such as laptops. Tests conducted in an animal model have confirmed the capsule’s accuracy in measuring breathing and heart rates, with the device even detecting a decrease in breathing rate induced by a significant dose of fentanyl, an opioid drug.
Subsequent clinical trials at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute further proved the capsule’s accuracy in measuring both breathing and heart rates, even identifying a sleep apnea episode experienced by one of the patients. While the initial monitoring occurred in the stomach, prior studies have shown that vital signs can be measured from other parts of the GI tract as well.
The researchers believe that such sensors could offer a less intrusive way to diagnose sleep apnea compared to current skin-based sensors, and they could also monitor the effectiveness of treatments for apnea. Celero Systems, founded by MIT researchers, is actively working on sensors with applications in detecting sleep apnea and opioid overdose. The researchers envision the capsule’s potential use in monitoring individuals at higher risk of opioid recurrence, providing timely assistance in the event of another overdose.
Future developments aim to incorporate an overdose reversal agent, such as nalmefene, into the device, triggering drug release when the patient’s breathing rate slows or stops. Additionally, efforts are underway to extend the time the capsules can remain in the stomach.
Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the intervention’s potential to help people receive appropriate treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. According to Traverso, the device also holds promise for early detection of changes in respiratory status, whether it’s a result of opiates or other conditions that could be monitored, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The findings of the research team were published in the journal Device, signifying a significant milestone for the development of less intrusive diagnostic and monitoring techniques in the healthcare field. The possibility of integrating the ingestible capsule with specific interventions like drug release mechanisms further highlights its potential to revolutionize diagnostic and treatment approaches for various conditions.
As the research continues to progress, the ingestible capsule shows great promise in providing crucial support for individuals with sleep disorders and those at risk of opioid overdose, ushering in a new era of non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring technologies. The groundbreaking work by the MIT researchers has opened doors to innovative solutions that could significantly impact the future of healthcare.
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