Recently Released: Vital Medical Device

15 May 2007

V-Patch is a sophisticated technology platform that monitors a range of vital signs from patients over wireless networks in real time while the patient goes about their daily lives.  This interactive system is designed for patients with heart conditions especially during post-operative periods.  V-Patch analyses, stores and reports on a patient’s vital signs (such as ECG, respiration, blood pressure and oxygen levels, temperature and movement) using advanced patented biosensors, proprietary RF technology, cellular phone hardware and the world wide web.

CobaltNiche developed the physical design of the V-Patch system; working with our client VPMS Pty Ltd, UK-based development team, ST&D and world renowned
bio-engineer, Professor John Anderson.  According to CobaltNiche director, Jack Magree, “the biggest challenge in our work was to achieve the smallest package so that the technology can be worn unobtrusively”.  Early designs, combining the GSM (mobile phone) component along with the sensor, were about four-times too large.
Through determination and occasional inspiration, the V-Patch system has been
re-engineered several times into three discrete units each small enough so that all users (no matter what gender, age or size) can comfortably wear the device without being aware of it.

System Overview

1  V-Patch.  A flexible disposable pad adhered to the patient chest; the V-Patch contains biosensors and electrodes that sense a patient’s vital signs.  The shape, material and method of mechanical and electrical attachment of the V-Patch was designed to be both functional and comfortable for 24/7 use.

2  V-Pod.  Primary sensing device including a micro-processor to monitor, store and analyse data collected by the V-Patch.  The V-Pod connects via two-way R-F transmission to the linked V-Cell device. Particular effort was made to make V-Pod small and non-obtrusive, whilst still allowing (often elderly) patients the ability to easily connect and replace the unit’s batteries.

3  V-Cell.  An ’in pocket’ device which uses a proprietary R-F receiver and a cellular phone engine to connect the patient to the world wide web and expert monitored care.

© CobaltNiche May 2007