Descrizione del progetto
Una nuova tecnologia di rilevamento per monitorare i pazienti con insufficienza cardiaca
L’insufficienza cardiaca cronica è una patologia implacabile, che colpisce milioni di persone e mette a dura prova le risorse sanitarie. Con un tasso di mortalità a 5 anni del 50 % e costi annuali superiori a 30 000 dollari per paziente, è un dilemma sanitario urgente. La vita dei pazienti è gravata da frequenti ricoveri e da un alto tasso di mortalità. In questo contesto, il progetto FORESEE, finanziato dal CEI, svilupperà microsensori impiantabili. La chiave di questo approccio trasformativo sta nello sviluppo di dispositivi impiantabili ultrasottili e flessibili, privi di componenti ingombranti o di batterie. Alimentati senza fili, i microsensori promettono di rivoluzionare il monitoraggio dell’insufficienza cardiaca cronica, migliorando l’assistenza ai pazienti. L’obiettivo di FORESEE è portare questa innovativa piattaforma di rilevamento dal concetto alla realtà.
Obiettivo
We have developed and in-human validated a new generation of implantable microstimulators for neuroprosthetics, accomplishing very thin (< 1 mm) and flexible devices with an unprecedented level of miniaturization as they lack batteries and bulky components. Our microstimulators are powered by an external system using an innovative wireless power transfer method that uses the human body as an electrical conductor of innocuous high frequency currents. While developing the microstimulators, we realized that this technology could also be used to create minimally invasive implants capable of sensing relevant biomedical parameters for remote patient monitoring (RPM). Our technology has the potential to revolutionize RPM, as it allows to combine different sensing capabilities in a single device and to create a network of implants for multi-site sensing. After analysing several opportunities, we decided to focus the applicability of our sensing platform to chronic heart failure (HF) monitoring. Chronic HF is a long-term, persistent condition in which the heart is not able to efficiently pump blood to the body, causing symptoms such as limited physical activity and swelling. With time, the patient decompensates, leading to repeated costly hospitalizations with an annual cost of caring of US$30,000 per patient in US, and a 5-years mortality rate of 50%. RPM using implanted sensors is an emerging clinical reality for HF patients, as it optimizes medical management and treatment, improving their quality of life and outcomes. The objective of FORESEE is to bring the implantable microsensing platform for RPM of HF patients from TRL3 up to completion of TRL5, and to develop a successful business strategy to ensure its future market access, benefiting almost 10.5 million HF patients in EU and US that are candidates for RPM. The technological and business activities developed by our team with strong scientific and business expertise will ensure tech-to-market transition.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinatore
08002 Barcelona
Spagna