Minnesota HealthSolutions Corporation — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: NHLBI

Description

Project Summary/Abstract This proposed project relates to the development and evaluation of a novel closed-loop long-term oxygen therapy control system that includes an innovative smartphone-based companion software application. We hypothesize that such a system will optimize oxygen delivery in mobile patients, minimize air hunger during physical exertion, avoid hyperoxia and improve patient quality of life. More than 1.5 million Americans are currently receiving long-term oxygen therapy. Drawbacks to long-term oxygen therapy include significant limitations to patient physical activity, a heightening of social isolation and impacts to emotional well-being. Improved mobile technology is needed to address these drawbacks and improve patient outcomes. A prototype system will be designed, built, and evaluated.Project Narrative The project will develop an improved system for the delivery of long-term oxygen therapy system. Long-term oxygen therapy is widely prescribed for people with chronic lung or heart diseases. In the U.S., there are 1.5 million people on long-term oxygen therapy. An improved oxygen control system that optimizes oxygen delivery, particularly when used outside the home when patients are physically active, is needed and would improve the patient quality of life.