Wireless Capnometer
We have developed a prototype capnometer using our SensorChip CO2 sensor which is an extremely low power module for use in emergency care. The product has a yes/no LED display on the sensor so that it can be used in emergency resuscitations requiring endotracheal intubation. It continuously monitors exhaled breath where lack of CO2 would indicate lock of adequate blood flow. It can be attached to either a mask or breath tube. Optional wireless connection to a PDA (personnel data assistant) are possible which would allow presentation of available data in greater detail (measurement of peak CO2 concentration) without encumbering a patient with additional wires or tubes.
Current portable capnometers are hand-held instruments with high power demand and are not suitable to be carried in the field. This prototype instrument is about 3 cubic inches volume weighing only a few ounces and is field portable. If intubation during transport is required it can improve the success rate of the procedure and allow for continuous monitoring of a patient. The current technique for checking emergency intubation is to use a colorimetric paper sensor that cannot be used for continuous monitoring, is not always reliable, has limited shelf life, and can be difficult to use in adverse (poor weather) conditions.
The key innovation of the proposed concept is the use of our MEMS (microelectrical-mechanical-system) device that combines all of the functions of a non-dispersive infrared sensor onto one chip with very low power consumption. A prototype product was developed for monitoring CO2 concentration in buildings with the US Department of Energy. We are currently pursuing leading medical instrumentation OEMs to adapt this breakthrough technology for medical use.
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