SPIROHUB project aims to develop an innovative medical device, designed to monitor patients’ vital signs using low-power, non-invasive, and wireless sensors capable of long-term operation. The system enables real-time visualization and management of collected data, and leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence algorithms for the analysis and interpretation of physiological trends, supporting rapid and accurate diagnosis. SPIROHUB addresses challenges in monitoring vital signs in uncooperative patients over extended periods, such as during sleep studies, in comatose or neonatal patients, or in sports medicine applications. The system is made of five components primarily focusing on (1) heart rate, (2) blood oxygen saturation, (3) spirometry, (4) respiratory flow and oxygen, and (5) snoring, respiratory pressure, and respiratory pattern. The HUB (1) receives, processes, and displays signals received from the embedded ECG and the other wireless sensors. The main area of clinical interest is the polysomnography application. A pre-clinical validation phase is planned at the Sleep Center of Policlinico Tor Vergata.
Background
Polysomnography is the gold standard examination for diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders, commonly referred to as “sleep diseases” (such as sleep apnea and snoring). According to recent data from AIMS (Italian Association for Sleep Medicine), these conditions affect approximately one in four adults in Italy, either chronically or temporarily. Polysomnography provides an objective assessment of sleep by recording all physiological variables involved in both REM and non-REM sleep disorders. However, monitoring respiratory patterns during sleep is often challenging. Measurements are frequently compromised due to the invasive nature of traditional sensors and the clutter of wired connections to the receiver.
The innovative SPIROHUB device, equipped with wireless sensors, addresses these limitations by enabling more comfortable, non-intrusive, and reliable measurements, significantly improving the diagnostic process. Furthermore, SPIROHUB supports medical professionals by offering real-time data processing through AI algorithms trained to recognize patterns associated with specific diagnostic conditions.
Our Role
RADIO6ENSE is responsible for the development, production, and testing of a prototype wearable device (component 5 of the SPIROHUB system). This device integrates a microphone for snoring detection, an accelerometer for assessing head position, a pressure sensor, and three temperature sensors placed near the mouth and nostrils to measure nasal and oral breathing, crucial for the identification of apneas. The device is equipped with BLE connectivity to interface with the central SPIROHUB unit.
Final Goals
- Develop an innovative wearable device for long-term, wireless monitoring of respiration.
- Integrate sensors for snoring, head position, pressure, and breathing temperature.
- Enable apnea detection through multimodal respiratory data.
- Ensure BLE connectivity with the central SPIROHUB unit.
- Enable real-time data analysis and diagnosis using AI algorithms.
- Focus on non-invasive monitoring in sleep studies and uncooperative patients.
- Validate the system in a pre-clinical sleep medicine setting.
Partner
MIR – Medical International Research S.p.A. (Roma, Italy)
University of Rome Tor Vergata (Roma, Italy)
LEAF S.r.l.s. (Tivoli, Italy)