Surrey Researcher Develops Innovative Self-Powered Blood Pressure Monitor

A researcher from Surrey has gained recognition for developing a groundbreaking self-powered continuous blood pressure (BP) monitor. Dr. Tae-Ho Kim, a postdoctoral fellow at Simon Fraser University (SFU), has created a novel device that promises to revolutionize how patients monitor their blood pressure.

Dr. Kim’s journey began while managing his own hypertension. He observed that traditional arm cuff devices required his doctor to spend considerable time obtaining multiple readings. This sparked an idea: could smaller sensors be utilized to track blood flow without the need for a cuff? His curiosity led him to explore the potential for a more efficient and accessible monitoring system.

To bring his vision to life, Dr. Kim collaborated with Medtronic, a leader in health-care technology. This partnership enabled him to develop the innovative neckband through Mitacs, an organization that supports research and innovation in Canada. “I was fortunate to work with experts who helped me understand market needs and guided me towards conducting more practical research,” Dr. Kim stated.

Design and Functionality of the Device

Dr. Kim emphasizes the urgent need for effective monitoring solutions, as high blood pressure is linked to chronic diseases and increased mortality. His device stands out from existing wearable BP monitors due to its energy-efficient sensors that harvest energy from touch, significantly reducing energy loss while maintaining high accuracy in sensing capabilities.

The neckband operates by detecting blood flow between two points, allowing it to calculate blood pressure with remarkable precision. Additionally, the prototype incorporates waste plastic and features extra sensors for continuous monitoring of other cardiac systems, such as ECG and PPG. The inclusion of Bluetooth-enabled earphones not only allows users to listen to music but also facilitates monitoring on a computer or smartphone in real-time.

Traditional BP machines require at least one minute for each measurement, whereas Dr. Kim’s device updates readings every few seconds. This innovation enables monitoring in various postures, and the earphone feature helps to study the effects of music therapy on heart health.

Acknowledgment and Future Aspirations

Dr. Kim’s efforts have earned him the Mitacs Innovation Award for Outstanding Innovation, presented on November 17, 2023, during a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. This award recognizes exceptional talent whose research has the potential for significant societal and economic impacts. Kim was one of 11 award winners chosen from a large pool of researchers participating in Mitacs programs across Canada.

Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas highlighted the importance of innovation in shaping Canada’s future, stating, “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.”

Dr. Kim remains committed to contributing to society through the development of health-care technologies that ensure inclusive healthcare for all individuals. “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 users’ homes,” he expressed.

With its potential to transform blood pressure monitoring, Dr. Kim’s innovative device signifies a promising advancement in healthcare technology. For further details about the Mitacs awards and a complete list of winners, visit www.mitacs.ca/newsroom.