Bloorview Research Institute

Commercialization: Aspirometer

Background

Many individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) risk aspiration. Aspiration is the entry of foreign material into the airway below the level of the vocal folds. Usually when this happens, individuals cough to remove the foreign material. However, for individuals who cannot coordinate their swallowing, liquids and foods can go into their lungs without making a sound. Left untreated, these materials can cause infections, pneumonia and in the worst cases, death. Until now, there has been no means of continuously monitoring swallowing safely.

Technology

Our researchers have developed a small, non-invasive, wearable device that safely monitors swallowing. The Aspirometer is portable, fitting around the individual’s neck. It works by analysing vibration and acoustic signals measured at the neck. The vibrations get picked up and sent to a computerized box that amplifies the signal. The box has a micro controller that then tears the signal apart and is able to identify whether the signals correspond to a swallow or to an aspiration. In the case of aspiration, the device signals to warn caregivers of the situation.

Applications

The Aspirometer is valuable to individuals with cerebral palsy, individuals who have had strokes, and nursing home residents.

Statistics from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada estimate that there are 200,000-300,000 Canadians living with the consequences of stroke, with 40% of stroke patients presenting with swallowing disorders. The numbers suggest that up to 20,000 new individuals per year are affected by this kind of swallowing disorder. More shockingly, as many as 20% of stoke patients are reported to die within the first year from aspiration pneumonia. The Aspirometer is intended to address these statistics. The device is meant to assist caregivers and clinicians to accurately identify and indicate (warn) that aspiration is occurring in both clinical assessment and therapeutic application.

For parents of children with a disability, the Aspirometer is a low cost and easy device to use. It provides them with reassurance that their child is safe and greatly improves the quality of life for their child.

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