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THE DIGITAL PLASTER -MEDICAL INNOVATION
THE DIGITAL PLASTER -MEDICAL INNOVATION
A plaster which monitors a patient's vital signs and alerts doctors to changes in condition is being tested in the UK. Known as the “digital plaster”, the size of a mobile phone, the lightweight bandage is designed to provide round-the-clock monitoring of patients.
The disposable plaster, which includes silicon chip sensors, including a thermometer and electrocardiogram pads to track heart activity, motion sensors to monitor breathing and semi-conductors to measure blood pressure, can be worn for a few days at a time.
During the trial vital signs will be monitored on volunteers and patient groups, who will be able to remain mobile because the plaster is wireless which raises the possibility of technology improving hospital syems enhancing the efficiency of adding vital sign data to patient records and potentially freeing valuable nursing staff time for other patient care responsibilities.
The plaster was initially developed by a research team, led by Chris Toumazou, at Imperial College London. Mr Toumazou has since set up Toumaz Technology to prepare the digital bandage for clinical use. The system is currently under trial and Toumaz is working with a major distributor of medical disposables to get the technology into hospitals and then homes.
Written by Dr Martin Harris, Doctor and Mohel for Jewish Circumcision Clinic in London Bris Mila Brit Milah.
www.circumcisionlondon.co.uk
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