Development project : Surface Acoustic Wave ("SAW") technology
for power-free wireless blood pressure monitoring
Oxford’s Brookes College and Imperial College have worked together to create a surface acoustic wave device for pressure measurements that has resulted in several Patents. In order to take the Patents to a product that is capable of commercial exploitation, more research and proof of concept work is required to be undertaken. In 2006, Toumaz Holdings entered into a joint venture with both institutions in order to enable such research to be undertaken.
The primary focus of the research is the development of a prototype power-free implantable blood pressure sensor and will;
- Adapt the technology of SAW wireless pressure sensors, as used in automotive applications, to make devices suitable for physiological pressures and for implantation within the body. Optimize signal communication through body tissues;
- Assess biocompatibility of coated SAW devices implanted within the cardiovascular system; and
- Assess device performance.