Vital signs monitor wins $70,000 grant

The Lachesis vital signs monitor, developed by researchers at UniQuest’s commercialisation collaboration partner, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), has received $70,000 in grants to help take the invention to the global market.

The project, a $50,000 Skills & Knowledge grant, will bring in expert advice for help with developing a robust business plan.

The grant is in addition to the $20,000 Lachesis recently received from the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services as part of a pilot grant scheme for market validation. This funding has been used to gather direct market insight into how the new invention will be received.

The Lachesis technology is one of six medical devices within a portfolio of 50 new concepts UniQuest will be promoting at this year’s BIO Convention, the largest annual biotechnology industry meeting in the world.

Developed at the UTS School of Electrical, Mechanical and Mechatronic Systems, Lachesis is a wireless vital signs monitor that provides an overall view of cardiac health monitoring.

It can take blood pressure without the need for an inflatable cuff. Its simple measurement technique is combined with analytical algorithms to provide real-time, long-term monitoring of blood oxygen, heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures.

According to Assoc Prof Adel Ali Al-Jumaily, who led the research project, Lachesis is the first wireless device that can accurately monitor a patient’s vital signs.

“Patients who require longer-term monitoring, or who need to monitor their blood pressure at home, can do so using Lachesis without having to stop, apply the cuff and take the reading every hour.

“The final design of the product is intended to provide accurate monitoring of vital signs without significantly impacting on the user’s lifestyle,” he said.