Evaluation of SOCOM Wireless Monitor in Trauma Patients

Abstract

The overall project goal of this project is to deliver to the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) a miniature, portable wireless vital signs monitor (MWVSM, Minimedic, www.athenagtx.com) and/or new algorithms based on non-invasively measured vital signs or other physiological variables, that could aid in the triage and diagnosis of trauma patients with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI). The MWVSM consists of two components: a miniature sensor that is placed either on the forehead or the fingertip of a casualty; and monitor carried by an emergency first responder that receives a wireless signal transmitted up to 100 m by the sensor. The weight, size and wireless properties of the two MWVSM offers significant logistic advantages over standard vital signs monitor for combat casualty care. However, this device has not yet been field tested. To accomplish the goal, data from the MWVSM is being compared to data from a standard vital signs monitor during prehospital transport of trauma patients, during assessment in the trauma resuscitation area, and in the intensive care unit. One of the most important findings from this study will be whether an injury acuity index, or similar algorithm, derived from the MWVSM is practical for trauma triage. The data collection/analysis is ongoing/incomplete at this point, but show: 1) No safety issues or adverse events. 2) The study objectives will be achieved with fewer than 800 patients enrolled; 3) We will have first of kind trauma data from the point of injury through the entire hospital cource; 4) An injury acuity algorithm has the potential to identify prehospital trauma patients who need a life saving intervention, and is superior to conventional vital signs; 5) The MWVSM finger and forhead sensors have different performance characteristics; 6) A loss of peripheral signals seems to be an early sign of traumatic shock.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA604734

Entities

People

  • Kenneth G. Proctor

Organizations

  • University of Miami

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Casualties
  • Combat Casualty Care
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • First Responders
  • Health Services
  • Heart Rate
  • Hospitals
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Medical Personnel
  • Standards
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Vital Signs

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Medical or Health Care Field.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.