MIT researchers have developed an ingestible capsule that can revolutionize the way vital signs are monitored. This novel device can measure a patient’s heart rate and breathing patterns from within their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The technology has the potential to detect signs of respiratory depression, particularly during an opioid overdose. This groundbreaking invention has the potential to transform the field of healthcare monitoring.
Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, has been at the forefront of developing a range of ingestible sensors. He highlighted that the new capsule will be particularly useful for sleep studies and could significantly improve the patient experience. Conventionally, sleep studies require patients to be hooked up to a variety of sensors and devices. This often involves attaching sensors to a patient’s scalp, temples, chest, and lungs with wires. In some cases, patients may need to wear a nasal cannula, chest belt, and pulse oximeter, all of which can connect to a portable monitor. Traverso emphasized that sleeping with such machinery can be very challenging for patients.
The recent trial, which was conducted using a capsule created by Celero Systems, marked the first time ingestible sensor technology was tested in humans. The study was carried out by experts at MIT, Harvard, West Virginia University, and other hospital affiliates. The capsule contains two small batteries and a wireless antenna that transmits data. Despite its small size, the sensor is capable of collecting vital signals from the stomach, including respiration, heart rate, temperature, and gastric motility.
During the trial, participants stayed at a sleep lab overnight while the device recorded their health metrics. The sensor was able to detect sleep apnea in one of the patients, demonstrating its ability to measure health indicators on par with standard medical diagnostic equipment used at sleep centers. This innovative technology could eliminate the need for patients to stay overnight at a sleep lab and be hooked up to a range of sensors and devices.
It is important to note that there were no adverse effects reported due to the ingestion of the capsule. The capsule typically passes through a patient’s body within a day or so. However, researchers aim to enhance the technology to allow the capsule to remain in a patient’s stomach for up to a week. This extended internal shelf life could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the monitoring device.
Dr. Ali Rezai, the executive chair of the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, emphasized the significant potential of this device to identify signs of overdose based on a patient’s vitals. In the future, researchers envision that these devices could also incorporate drugs internally, allowing for the slow administration of overdose reversal agents, such as nalmefene, if a sensor records that a person’s breathing rate has significantly slowed or stopped.
The development of this ingestible capsule represents a significant milestone in the field of medical technology. Its potential applications go beyond sleep studies and can extend to various areas of patient monitoring and care. As more data from these studies becomes available, it could pave the way for more widespread adoption of this innovative technology across the healthcare industry. The impact of the ingestible electronic device in healthcare is bound to be a game-changer, fundamentally transforming the way vital signs are monitored and providing more effective and comfortable patient care.
