Evizio: The First Naloxone Autoinjector

Photo Source: www.evizio.com

Speaking, robotic toys like Teddy Ruxpin were a technology breakthrough in 1985.

So now, with all the technological advances, it doesn't seem too remarkable to have an auto-injector with voice prompts.

What is remarkable is that the leading cause of accidental death, surpassing automobile accidents, is drug overdose. Six out of ten of those deaths are the result of opiod drugs. The CDC has termed this disturbing trend the Opiod Epidemic.

 

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can be administered in the event of a suspected opiod overdose. The medicine is able to block the effects of the drug, and is one aspect in a nationwide effort to reduce the number of accidental deaths.

There are two auto-injector administration routes, intranasal and intramuscular. First responders, caregivers, and family members should know what signs indicate an opiod emergency, what steps to follow and what side effects to expect. Watch: Nasal Naloxone Administration

As mentioned, the Evizio auto-injector uses an "Intelliject Prompt System" to guide the user through the injection process with voice and visual prompts. Learn how to use the IM Evizio injector here.

For a live administration of Naloxone along with further information on the epidemic watch: Coming back from the dead with Naloxone.

 For fun you can click this to watch today's kids react to Teddy Ruxpin.

Kardia Mobile: Accurate EKG in 30 Seconds

I asked my mom recently if she had any ideas for my dad for Father's Day. I was a bit surprised when she told me about Kardia Mobile, a handheld device that, when used in conjunction with a smart phone app, can read an accurate one-lead EKG in 30 seconds.

Image Source: https://store.alivecor.com/

Some doctors recommend the use of Kardia to patients they feel would benefit from the monitoring and communication that the device provides. A log can be saved to present at the patient's next appointment or the data can be shared with the patient's doctor instantly. A cardiologist my mom works with told her about Kardia and said he uses it in his practice.

At $99, Kardia Mobile is affordable, practical, and has high reviews. For videos and testimonials visit: www.alivecor.com

Smart Phone Sleep Aid: 2breathe

You can fall asleep in three easy steps, according to the 2breathe website.

Step One: Breathe

Step Two: Follow

Step Three: Fall asleep




The 2breathe sensor is worn over clothes and around the abdomen. Bluetooth technology syncs the sensor to a smart phone app. The app monitors breathing, then uses tones and verbal cues to progressively coach the wearer to breath deeper and more rhythmically. Deep, rhythmic breathing is said to reduce neural sympathetic activity allowing the individual to fall asleep within minutes.

Once the app detects that the person is asleep, it will turn off prompts and log data aimed at helping the person use this method in an increasingly successful way.

The system runs a little less than $200 after shipping. To order or watch a demo visit: http://2breathe.com/

Wearable Medical Devices: The LifeVest by ZOLL

The LifeVest by ZOLL is a wearable defibrillator that can be prescribed to patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. While worn, electrodes on the the vest monitor the patient's heart rhythm and send the data to a remote worn on the belt. The patient's doctor can receive and analyze the data collected . If the patient suffers an arrhythmia the device will sound an alarm. A conscious patient can override the recommended treatment shock by pushing a button on the device remote. When the patient is unconscious, the vest's pads secrete a gel to secure skin contact and will defibrilate automatically.

First Responders will want to know what items to bring if they need to transport a patient with a LifeVest device and caregivers will want to know what an alarm means and what treatment should be given.  

First Responder Pocket Card for the LifeVest

 To learn more about the LifeVest and how to manage a patient wearing one in an emergency visit http://lifevest.zoll.com.

 

X2 Head Impact Management System

Image Source: http://www.x2biosystems.com/

A new tool for coaches may help detect concussions.

At the beginning of the season each player goes through baseline testing using the X2 ICE app.

Players wear the X-Patch Pro behind their ear during high impact sports. If the sensor detects a head impact, it will relay information via Bluetooth to a Head Impact Data Management app.

 The coach can decide what action steps need to take place and can monitor the player for concussion symptoms.

To read more about the product visit: http://www.x2biosystems.com/

CareKit Apps Bridge the Gap

Photo Source: support.apple.com

With iOS8 Apple included a Health App designed to help users track activity and other health related data.

One of the very useful and beneficial options of the app is an emergency screen that can be quickly accessed without a pass-code.

The user can enter the information they want displayed in case of emergency. A range of data is available to update if desired, such as medical conditions, allergies, medications, emergency contacts and donor status.




In recent news, Apple has created four new apps to help patients communicate with their caregivers. The apps have been designed to interface with Cerner and Epic, two popular medical records systems.

One Drop is a diabetes management app. Of particular interest is the ability of the app to sync with the patient's glucose monitor via Bluetooth technology.

Photo Source: http://onedrop.today/

Glow Nurture helps moms-to-be track their pregnancies. Along with a due date calculator and an appointment tracker, Apple included a familiar "what to expect" function.

A companion app Glow Baby helps new parents track their child's first year.

Photo Source: itunes.apple.com

 The Start app by Iodine Inc. helps those with depression track progress and "see themselves get better." One review on the app states that the user "loves to see the heart fill up."







The potential for personalized trackers to help patients manage their health and help caregivers recognize trends in symptoms is intriguing but some concerns about privacy remain. The full article can be read here on computerworld.com.

Smart Prostheses

Smart bionic limbs could be the answer to some of the challenges those who use prosthetics face. Many advances are in place to combat some of the issues of fit and comfort such as a flexible prosthetic socket for above knee amputees. Typical prosthetic legs have a solid plastic socket that can cause fit problems and be uncomfortable for sitting and walking. Schwartz Leg Prosthetics offers a silicone socket. Read more here: http://www.schwarz-prosthetics.com/flexible-above-knee-prosthetic-socket/

Also fairly new is the re-adjustable socket design developed in part by Elizabeth Tsai, who co-founded the Beneficial Technologies for Health, or BETH, Project. This adjustable socket is projected to sell for as little as $150 and could help people in need use donated prostheses that were not custom made for them.  http://news.discovery.com/human/excellent-idea/adjustable-prosthetic-20121115.htm

A more technological new advance is the Symbionic Leg which has been developed by Össur. The leg provides dorsi flexion, which eliminates hip hiking and subsequent muscle imbalances and injuries. Other algorithms of artificial intelligence allow for stability and maneuverability on uneven and rough terrain. http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a7764/smart-bionic-limbs-are-reengineering-the-human-9160299/ (Photo Credit: Össur)