We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Ingestible Pill-Sized Device Safely Monitors Vital Signs from Within Patient’s GI Tract

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Nov 2023
Print article
Image: VMPill shown in a clear gel capsule for ease of visualization of internal components (Photo courtesy of Ben Pless)
Image: VMPill shown in a clear gel capsule for ease of visualization of internal components (Photo courtesy of Ben Pless)

In recent years, scientists have made significant strides in developing a range of ingestible devices. These devices, unlike implantable ones such as pacemakers, offer ease of use without the need for surgical procedures. An example of this technology in action is the use of pill-sized cameras for non-invasive colonoscopies. Building upon this concept, scientists have now introduced an innovative ingestible device designed to monitor vital signs like heart rate and breathing from within the body. This device shows potential for offering convenient care for individuals at risk of opioid overdose.

Created by Celero Systems (Lincoln, MA, USA), the vitals-monitoring pill (VM Pill) functions by detecting the subtle vibrations produced by heartbeat and respiratory movements. It is especially useful in identifying breathing cessation, a critical condition often associated with opioid overdoses, from within the digestive tract. To validate the effectiveness of the VM Pill, it was tested in anesthetized pigs. The pigs received a dose of fentanyl to simulate the conditions of an overdose, causing them to stop breathing. Remarkably, the pill successfully monitored the pigs' breathing rates in real-time, allowing researchers to intervene and reverse the overdose effects.

The VM Pill was also trialed in humans for the first time with individuals undergoing sleep apnea evaluations. It effectively detected pauses in breathing and tracked respiration rates with a 92.7% accuracy rate. When compared to external monitoring devices, this pill showed at least 96% accuracy in heart rate monitoring. The trials confirmed the pill's safety, with participants naturally excreting the device within a few days post-experiment. Currently, the VM Pill is designed to pass through the body in about a day, but future enhancements aim to extend its duration in the body for more prolonged monitoring. Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the pill to automatically administer medication in response to detected conditions like opioid overdose.

“The idea of using an ingestible device is that a physician can prescribe these capsules, and all the patient needs to do is to swallow it,” said Benjamin Pless, the founder of Celero Systems. “People are accustomed to taking pills, and costs of using ingestible devices are much more affordable than performing traditional medical procedures.”

Related Links:
Celero Systems

Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® patented HydraFlock®
New
Infant Phototherapy Unit
TRP100
New
Doppler String Phantom
CIRS Model 043A

Print article

Channels

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: Robots could help close surgeons’ skill gaps and improve patient outcomes (Photo courtesy of Intuitive Surgical)

Robots to Play Larger Role in Surgery Due to Recent AI Developments

Surgeons commonly utilize robots for specific minimally invasive procedures, yet humans still dictate nearly all movements of these machines. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The portable biosensor platform uses printed electrochemical sensors for the rapid, selective detection of Staphylococcus aureus (Photo courtesy of AIMPLAS)

Portable Biosensor Platform to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

Approximately 4 million patients in the European Union acquire healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections each year, with around 37,000 deaths directly resulting from these infections,... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The acoustic pipette uses sound waves to test for biomarkers in blood (Photo courtesy of Patrick Campbell/CU Boulder)

Handheld, Sound-Based Diagnostic System Delivers Bedside Blood Test Results in An Hour

Patients who go to a doctor for a blood test often have to contend with a needle and syringe, followed by a long wait—sometimes hours or even days—for lab results. Scientists have been working hard to... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.