GE builds body sensor networks

GE Healthcare has announced that it is developing a wireless medical monitoring system, which could replace the need for the numerous cables traditionally found at patients’ bedsides.

The company is working with GE’s technology development division, Global Research, to develop the body sensor networks (BSNs).

Once developed, GE hopes that the networks will consist of sensor devices that collect critical patient-specific information including temperature, blood glucose levels, and electrocardiogram readings, which will allow the patient to be monitored from any location.

The company also believes that the new networks will allow patients to be easily transported and moved around hospitals, reduce infection rates and allow patients to be more mobile.

Munesh Makhija, general manager of GE Healthcare systems and wireless, said: “By replacing burdensome bedside-monitoring cables, BSNs could enable critical-care patients to move around freely, which studies suggest is essential to recovery.”

Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an independent US government agency issued a notice of proposed rule-making (NPRM) acting on GE’s petition to establish a new, vendor neutral dedicated radio frequency band for low power, short-range, wireless patient monitoring devices.

Makhija continued: “GE healthcare applauds the FCC’s NPRM proposing to create a dedicated radio frequency band that will help remove a major obstacle to the adoption of wireless medical body sensor networks.

“We will continue to collaborate with the industry, the FCC and other regulatory agencies to ensure the proper allocation of spectrum enabling next generation wireless monitoring devices.

GE Healthcare is encouraging healthcare providers and other interested parties to submit their comments in support of the proposal to the FCC.

Link: GE Healthcare