ESA Technology Transfer Success Story - Dry electrodes to monitor vital signs: From astronauts in space to foetuses in utero [Aug/2022]
Dry electrode technology, initially designed by Swiss
organisation CSEM to monitor ESA astronauts’ health whilst floating in
microgravity (LTMS system), allows foetal cardiologists to isolate and
continuously monitor a foetal heartbeat on an electrocardiogram (ECG). CSEM saw
an opportunity to develop a technology (Electronic Foetal Monitoring Systemc - ELAINE)
using the dry electrodes that would provide a more comfortable wireless
solution, using ECG technology rather than CTG’s ultrasound solution.
Under ESA contract, CSEM developed the LTMS system, designed
to monitor astronauts’ vital signs using an easy to wear vest fitted with three
dry electrodes. This same technology is now being applied to foetal monitoring.
Before labour, it may be necessary to monitor the foetus’ heartbeat for any
irregularities, whereas during labour it is recommended to perform regular
monitoring of the foetal cardiac activity.
ELAINE may have the potential to supplement or replace
classical CTG machines in a hospital setting, but furthermore, this technology
could also pave the way for high-accuracy, at-home foetal monitoring. CSEM are
developing a portable device which could be used by women at home to monitor
their baby using a mobile phone app. Doctors could remotely monitor the foetus
and call mothers in to the hospital only when abnormalities are detected.
Offering a solution based on the ELAINE system will also position
them to offer a new product within the telehealth market, which is expected to
reach €190 billion globally by 2025. Through the collaboration of CSEM and its
partnering SME, there will also be potential revenue streams bringing economic
growth:
- For CSEM: a licensing scheme on the hardware and/or the algorithm.
- For the SME: Selling the device as a standalone hardware; subscription service for enhanced data analytics, usage of data acquired from patients in research studies with hospitals.
An increase in home monitoring by the patient means fewer
hospital visits, shorter stays at the hospital, and a decreased risk of
exposure of the patient to diseases such as COVID-19. A reliable home
monitoring solution where the mother can do a simple check of the foetal
heartbeat in order to alleviate some of their concerns could decrease the
number of times she would have to go in-person to the hospital. It also has the
potential to decrease the length of time a woman would have to remain at a
hospital for monitoring purposes. Using dry electrodes for ECG in foetal heart
monitoring has the potential to be a wide-reaching supplementary solution in
2-3 years, and a possible replacement method within 10 years. ELAINE can
provide additional supplementary monitoring solutions for pregnancies
displaying foetal arrythmia, which account for 1-2% of all pregnancies, and
10-20% of all referrals to foetal cardiologists.
The full case study report can be accessed in the restricted
area here
(please log in before).
The infographics can be accessed in the restricted area here (please log in before).
This initiative is led by ESA's Technology Transfer and Patent Management Unit (TTPO) in ESA's Directorate for Commercialisation, Industry & Procurement. The Unit is guiding start-ups, entrepreneurs and European businesses in developing spin-offs for ESA's space technologies. More recent successful transfers can be accessed at: Technology Transfer - Funded Projects. For more information, please contact patent@esa.int.
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