Prehospital Monitoring of Vital Parameters Using a Novel Device - RespiHeart

• Study/Objective: The study aims at validating a novel device (RespiHeart) for monitoring vital parameters in traumatically injured patients. Background: There is a need for a simple-to-use method for monitoring of vital parameters in the prehospital setting. RespiHeart is a small medical device that is attached to the sternum. It sends light of defined wavelengths into the underlying vasculature, and measures the reflected light. The resulting signals are then treated using proprietary algorithms to obtain heart rate and respiratory rate. The device has the capability to also measure oxygen saturation, temperature and movement. Methods: The device was tested during training sessions for medical personnel, where various traumatic wounds were inflicted on anesthetized pigs. The training was primarily focused on teaching acute lifesaving interventions. The RespiHeart device was applied to the animal and used to monitor vital parameters throughout the training session. A total of 22 animals were included in the study. The data gathered from Respiheart were compared to results from a pulse oximeter and ventilator connected to the animal. Statistical comparison were performed using linear regression and Bland-Altman plots to analyze agreement of methods. Results: The heart rate as measured by the pulse oximeter was correlated to the rate reported by RespiHeart. The R2 was 0.9946 with a p-value of less than 0.0001. Bland-Altman analysis of heart rate revealed a bias of -0.06127 (95% CI -2.219- 2.097). The respiratory rate as set on the ventilator was correlated to the rate reported by RespiHeart. The R2 was 0.9978 with a p-value of less than 0.0001. Bland-Altman analysis of respiratory rate revealed a bias of -0.008584 (95% CI -0.42-0.4028). Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate a high degree of correlation between the data obtained from RespiHeart and the pulse oximeter and ventilator. This renders RespiHeart as a promising device for prehospital use.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Anestesi och intensivvård (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Medicinteknik -- Medicinsk apparatteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Medical Engineering -- Medical Equipment Engineering (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)