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A system and method for measuring data to quickly and accurately assess the medical condition of a patient

The U.S. Navy seeks to commercialize a suite of U.S. Patents based on U.S. Patent 7,297,113 (Microsensor system and method for measuring data).

Background

Assessing the condition of a patient in order to provide optimal care requires quick detection of vital signs, especially when treating shock. Currently, the two methods used to monitor shock are invasive and may negatively impact the patient’s health.  Additionally, in combat and accident scenarios, the removal of dead tissue may be necessary to save the patient’s life. The current procedure to test the viability of tissues is inaccurate, and often leads to needless removal of viable tissue. Overcoming these invasive and inaccurate methods is critical to improving a shock victim’s chance of survival.  

The Technology

SSC Pacific has developed a microprobe and microsensor system for digitally monitoring and processing patient data in order to deliver optimal patient care. The system uses a subcutaneous microprobe sensor to measure tissue pH to detect shock and determine if tissue is viable. The sensor is placed under the skin and transmits real-time data to a monitoring station. The U.S. Navy has fabricated a similar sensor for UniFET, now sold commercially. This new invention can expand the capabilities of the current pH sensor by integrating electronics and analytics software to gather and interpret other types of patient data. This integration makes it possible to measure blood gas levels, detect the presence of severe infection in the body, as well as provide information on a patient’s vital signs used to identify heart and kidney failure.

Key Benefits

Development Status

For more information on technology transfer, please contact us at (619) 553–5118 or email ssc_pac_t2@navy.mil

SD 784, March 2008. SSC Pacific, San Diego, CA 92152–5001. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.