Respira Labs, a respiratory technology startup, will introduce a novel wearable that continuously analyzes lung function without having patients to blow into anything.
The wearable patch features embedded speakers and microphones that measure changes in acoustic resonance as a surrogate for changes in lung air volume, which is the cornerstone of pulmonary function testing. It was initially designed to assess COPD, COVID-19, and asthma patients.
Patients put on the Sylvee wearable on the lower half of their rib cage. It tracks a patient’s lung function over time to provide them a complete picture of their health.
Sylvee ‘injects’ noise into the lungs and then measures the sound produced. If there is air trapped in the lung, the sound it generates differs from the resonance of sound created when air is totally released from the lungs, similar to a thud on a drum. The key and early indication of respiratory deterioration is air trapping. The Sylvee app analyzes the results using DSP (digital signal processing) and AI, which pulmonologists and primary care physicians can assess, focusing on lung volume, capacity, flow rates, and trapped air.
“Well-established science reveals that air trapping can be assessed with over 90% accuracy using low-frequency sound,” stated Dr. Maria Artunduaga, founder and CEO of Respira Lab. The acoustic resonance spectra of COPD patients and healthy controls show a significant difference. With over 100 million Americans suffering from COPD, COVID-19, and asthma, and an aging population, it can be lifesaving to remotely and properly monitor lung function and detect a problem early enough to prevent fatal repercussions. Our goal is to detect irregularities early, allowing patients to receive therapy at home sooner and empowering them to manage their own health.”
Rather than creating visuals, Sylvee uses sound to measure lung health. The device makes use of off-the-shelf sensors that are comparable to those used in hearing aids. The device’s sensors connect to a smartphone app, which converts active sound inputs into acoustic resonance signatures using proprietary algorithms and machine learning.
“The gadget helps early detection and management of severe deterioration, which is something respiratory patients must avoid,” Dr. Artunduaga stated. We provide critical information to doctors and patients so that they can make treatment modifications sooner and avoid hospitalizations.
This is precisely what occurred with my granny. She had COPD and died unexpectedly after a rapid flare of her symptoms. Because of this awful and common effect, I left my medical job and dedicated myself to developing the Sylvee, which is named after my grandmother.”
Luis Pea-Hernández, M.D. FCCP, pulmonologist and intensivist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute, commented on Sylvee’s medical impact: “Sylvee is a tool that could allow us to intervene early when patients with chronic lung conditions develop air trapping, which is a result of bronchial spasm or narrowing.” Patients could obtain early medical attention, potentially preventing an asthma or COPD exacerbation. So, in addition to the obvious economic benefit, it might be a game changer in terms of enhancing people’s lives, minimizing disruptions in their quality of life, and preventing exacerbations of their chronic lung condition.
“These early therapies are quite likely to result in better survival.” However, we still require data to back up that theory.”
Respira Labs has set a target of reaching 90 percent accuracy in monitoring air trapping by conducting a big trial including more than 500 patients from the United States and throughout the world. They also plan to publish in prestigious journals by late 2022. The device is still in the prototype stage, with FDA approval likely within the next 18 months.
