Groundbreaking platform allows medical devices to communicate wirelessly
- US$10 platform lets consumers effortlessly monitor health at home
Cambridge Consultants today announced the first demonstration of the emerging industry standards for medical device interoperability. The ‘Vena’ platform is a breakthrough software solution on a single chip that allows medical devices such as blood pressure monitors to transmit data wirelessly. The development gives consumers, especially those with chronic conditions, the ability to monitor their own health accurately, systematically and independently. This platform uses low-cost wireless technology and will allow devices to deliver medical readings to a central monitor located in the home, or even to an online health record such as Google Health or Microsoft Health Vault. The Vena software solution can be added to a medical device using hardware with a potential cost of less than US $10 at the appropriate volumes and could even be available in medical devices by the end of 2008.
Online health services allow a consumer to manage their own health and fitness data securely. Controlling when and with whom the data is shared offers the potential to improve the understanding and management of their health.
“Due to both an increasingly independent mindset and time-poor healthcare providers, consumers are taking an increasingly active part in monitoring and managing their health,” said Paul Williamson, Head of Wireless Medical, Cambridge Consultants. “This first successful demonstration of the platform, combined with its affordability, and compatibility, opens up a whole vista of possibilities in the way health is monitored and treated. This platform takes us one step closer to all the possibilities of next-generation healthcare.”
For the first time, the Vena platform embeds both the emerging IEEE11073 standard, which ensures compatibility of data exchanged between different types of devices, and the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile, optimised for the secure transport of medical data, onto the single chip. Successfully concept tested with a pulse oximeter and weighing scales, the platform will be expanded to include other types of devices including blood pressure monitors. The platform is also capable of delivering a complete display, which means that device manufacturers now simply need to add their sensor of choice and the device is wireless-ready.
The Vena platform can be used with multiple devices providing a connection to online records through a monitoring station, home PC or set top box. In addition to Bluetooth, the platform incorporates complete support for a range of other connections. Full TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) implementation allows Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. Cable connections via UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) or USB can also be added. The platform can even be used to transmit data via mobile phone for health and fitness applications on the move.
“The Vena platform can be easily built into devices at any stage of the design or production process,” said Paul Williamson. “This ease of implementation makes it possible that medical devices with wireless capability could be commercially available before the end of 2008.”
Notes to Editors:
IEEE 11073 Personal Health Data is a framework of standards that addresses transport-independent application and information profiles between personal telehealth devices and monitors / managers (e.g. health appliance, set top box, cell phone, personal computer). Device profiles include pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, weighing scale, and thermometer.
A Bluetooth profile defines how different applications use Bluetooth wireless technology to set up a connection and exchange data. The Medical Devices Working Group of the Bluetooth SIG developed the Bluetooth medical device protocol to ensure that devices in the medical environment can transfer data between devices in a secure and well defined way via Bluetooth wireless technology.
Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For nearly 50 years, the company has enabled its clients to turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies.
With a team of over 250 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, automotive, transport, energy and wireless communications. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com
Cambridge Consultants is part of the Altran group of companies. Altran Technologie, which is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (FR:003463), employs over 17,000 consultants in 20 countries around the world. In 2006 the group generated a turnover of €1,495.6 million. For more information visit: www.altran.com
Associated images The release contains images of the vena platform applied to a consumer wrist worn blood pressure monitor – the device would be easy to slip on periodically during the week and then would wirelessly transfer recorded data back to the central monitor. The Vena platform will allow a range of more consumer focused medical device designs.
To download a high resolution image click below:
