New technology that could revolutionise the way doctors measure patients’ vital signs has attracted a £500,000 investment from intellectual property firm IP Group.
The device, which uses a webcam and computer software, allows medical staff to measure heart rate, respiratory rate and, uniquely, oxygen saturation.
The software is still in its experimental stage but could cut back on the need for patients to make repeated visits to doctors.
By using the technology, doctors will be able continually to monitor patients remotely, allowing them to adjust treatments quickly.
It also has possible health monitoring applications for use in gyms and rest homes, said Dr Brian Horsburgh, head of life sciences at IP Group.
“We need to flesh out the robustness of the technology but its potential applications are enormous,” he said.
IP today pumped up to £500,000 into medical software company Oxehealth, which has developed the device. The firm has been spun out from Oxford University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and is headed by Professor Lionel Tarassenko. He said: “Our webcam software offers a step-change in the way that the health of individuals can be assessed in the home or hospital.”
Other investors include venture capital firm Technikos, Isis Innovation and the Wellcome Trust.
