Apart from insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has the highest prevalence in the general population of all sleep disorders. It affects approximately 3–7% of the middle-aged male population and 2– 5% of middle-aged women. Despite increased diagnostic and treatment facilities, the majority are still undiagnosed, over 93% of estimated population.
Identifying patients who are likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is vital. As overnight polysomnography, the criterion standard diagnostic test, is expensive and limited in its availability, many people with OSA, perhaps as many as 93%, remain undiagnosed. Effective screening in primary care settings could increase the number of OSA patients identified, who can then be offered continuous positive airway pressure—an intervention that might reduce morbidity and mortality.
Studies have indicated that undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, with or without symptoms, is independently associated with increased likelihood of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, daytime sleepiness, motor vehicle accidents, and diminished quality of life. In the US, the annual direct and indirect economic cost of OSA has been estimated to be US 65-165 billion dollars (coming from diagnosis and treatment, hidden health-care costs, traffic accidents, workplace accidents and loss of productivity). The disease does not only affect the patient, but those who are sleeping in a same room. Strategies to decrease the high prevalence and associated morbidity of obstructive sleep apnea are critically needed.
Nukute is developing a novel, user-friendly and cost effective technology to pre-screen and assist in diagnose and treatment of sleep apnea patients. The basic system is based on tracheal electronic stethoscope (microphone), accelerometers and pulse oximeter combined with mobile application. Nukute patient-oriented screening collar identifies and prognoses upcoming sleep apnea events which is called apnea hypopnea index (AHI). Nukute collar monitors the breathing quality and profile for patient-oriented screening and diagnosing purposes with very easy and comfortable way. Main objective is to pilot and commercialize Nukute's tehchnology inside EU area.
The PREDESA project is piloting and commercialisation pre-screening and dignostics device market in EU. The main objectives of the project are:
1. Securing Intellectual Property
2. Creation of quality management system for the company
3. Clinical trials first in Finaland and after inside EU area
4. Preparation of market entry and business plan update
