A wireless retrofit for remote monitoring
Cambridge Consultants has demonstrated a one-chip platform called Vena which adds wireless technology to existing health monitors for just $10 per unit.
Vena includes support for both IEEE 11073 and the Bluetooth Medical Device Profile. Security is also built-in.
What we’re talking about is the use of unlicensed wireless frequencies, at short distances, to move data from a monitor to a PC and then, if necessary, out to the Internet.
I first wrote about this in 2003 as The World of Always On, and it is personally gratifying to see it come on-stream, especially as a retrofit.
As a retrofit, wireless technology should not need separate government approvals in each application. Once a device is approved, the retrofit is the mere transference of data.
This has tremendous potential in both critical care monitoring and wellness applications.
A real-time monitor with wireless capability could detect health attack precursors and order the ambulance before the patient was aware of symptoms.
In wellness, this would enable real-time tracking of workouts, catching “non-workout” exercise in, say, getting to and from the office, and detecting non-compliance with a coaching regimen.
Separately, but not coincidentally, Cambridge hired MIT Venture Mentor Craig Carlson to head its U.S. acquisition initiative. Read more…
Tags: bluetooth, health monitoring, remote monitoring, wireless technologies