Project description
High-precision oxygen monitor for preterm infants
High-risk preterm infants need early oxygen (O2) monitoring. Quality medical devices are needed to monitor the precise level of O2 supply in their brain as even small O2 variations can produce irreversible damage. There is an urgent need to develop tissue oximeters designed for preterm infants to decrease avoidable deaths and chronic disabilities. The EU-funded OXYPREM project aims to introduce a brain oximeter created specifically for preterm infants and providing the degree of precision and reliability they need. The oximeter consists of a near-infrared spectroscopy sensor embedded in biocompatible silicone that is fixed to the preterm's head to monitor brain O2 levels and to run analysis algorithms transforming the signals into tissue oxygenation saturation measurements. The oximeter prototypes have shown the highest levels of precision in clinical studies and are currently in the commercialisation phase.
Objective
Globally, 15 million preterm babies are born annually (435,000 in Europe), from which 1 million die. Even when surviving, they may face disabilities, such as neurodevelopment impairment or paralysis. Since their respiratory and cardiovascular systems are immature, they need early oxygen (O2) therapy. Tissue oximeters are medical devices needed to monitor the actual level of O2 supply in their brain, since little O2 variations can produce irreversible damage. However, current devices are adapted from tissue oximeters initially meant for adults, lacking the precision and reliability preterm babies need. World leading neonatologists have been alerting about the urgent need to develop tissue oximeters specifically designed for preterms, to decrease unnecessary deaths and chronic disabilities.
OxyPrem is our answer: a brain oximeter created just for preterm babies and providing the degree of precision and reliability they need. OxyPrem consists of (1) a high-quality Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor embedded in biocompatible silicone that is fixed to the preterm's head to monitor brain O2-levels, and a (2) monitor running advanced analysis algorithms transforming the signals into tissue oxygenation saturation measurements. OxyPrem prototypes have shown unmet levels of precision in clinical studies, reducing 5x the variation observed with competitors. Furthermore, our reusable sensor (opposed to the disposable ones from competitors), translates into important savings.
OxyPrem represents a compelling business opportunity, capitalizing from the global neonatal intensive care market, worth €5.6 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR2017-2024 of 5.62%. The commercialization of OxyPrem is key to the viability of our company OxyPrem AG, a Swiss spin-off from University of Zurich, born to make preterm life's easier.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineering
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinecritical care medicine
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug resistancemultidrug resistance
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
8091 ZURICH
Switzerland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.