A Surrey researcher has been recognized for his first-of-its-kind self-powered continuous blood pressure (BP) monitor.
Dr. Tae-Ho Kim is a Simon Fraser University (SFU) postdoctoral fellow in the biomechatronic systems laboratory, working under principal investigator professor Dr. Edward J. Park in the mechatronics systems engineering department. Kim came up with the idea for a sensor-based neckband when dealing with his own hypertension.
Kim noticed that his doctor had to spend extra time obtaining multiple BP readings using a traditional arm cuff device, and this made Kim think that there has to be a better way to achieve these results, a press release notes.
“It led me to ask research questions, could we use small sensors to track how blood flows through the body instead of a cuff?” Kim wondered. “I began to consider if such a device could be made? Could it also be more energy efficient or used anytime, anywhere?”
Kim took his question and decided to do something about it.
He started developing the idea through Mitacs, an organizations that connects businesses and researchers with the financial support and partnerships needed to turn ideas into innovations. Kim started developing the novel neckband in conjunction with Medtronic, a global health-care technology leader that works to advance hospital-at-home technologies in B.C.
“I was fortunate to work with experts who helped me understand market needs and guided me towards conducting more practical research,” says Kim.
Kim notes the importance of such research.
“High blood pressure is not only closely associated with chronic disease but is also related to increased mortality, leading to an urgent need for active monitoring systems,” he says.
He says his device is more effective than existing wearable BP monitors because it uses sensors that harvest energy from touch to detect pulse signals, reducing energy loss while maintaining high sensing abilities.
The neckband works by detecting blood flow between two points and using that information to calculate blood pressure.
The prototype device was created using waste plastic and is integrated with additional sensors (ECG and PPG) for continuous monitoring of other cardiac systems. A Bluetooth-enabled earphone was added as an attachment, which enables users to listen to music while their pressure is being monitored on a computer or smartphone.
Traditionally BP machines require at least one minute for each measurement, but Kim’s device updates BP readings every few seconds.
This device will allow monitoring to be done in different postures, and the earphones addition will further study the impact of music therapy on heart health.
“As a research engineer and scholar, my goal is to contribute to society through the development of health-care technologies that provide inclusive healthcare for all individuals,” Kim says. “Now that we’ve shown we can enable real-time, low-cost cuffless blood pressure measurement with a high degree of portability and user comfort, it’s my hope to see this device in user’s homes.”
This work is what led Kim to receive a Mitacs Innovation Award in Outstanding Innovation. This award recognizes those of extraordinary talent from across Canada whose Mitacs-funded research has the potential to achieve larger societal and economic impacts.
This award was presented at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Nov.17.
Kim is one of 11 Mitacs award winners nationally, nominated from a large pool of researchers who take part in Mitacs programs each year.
Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas shared his thoughts on the importance of innovative talent that is shaping Canada’s future.
“At a time when we need to build a stronger and more resilient economy, these 11 innovators and organizations demonstrate what is possible when we invest in ideas, talent, and innovation,” says Dr. Lucas.
For more information about the Mitacs awards and to see a full list of winners, visit www.mitacs.ca/newsroom.