EFRO OPZuid Project “Vitale Vezels”
Together with a strong group of consortium partners, who provide expertise across a broad range of relevant topics ranging from high-tech textiles to data management and wound care, Vitalwear has been awarded an EFRO OPZuid subsidy project to develop its minimum viable product.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project is to develop a textile sensor surface (e.g. in the form of a mattress cover sheet) that incorporates optical fibers that can measure multiple biomarkers at the same time (pressure and temperature). These textile sensor sheets must be able to continuously and autonomously monitor relevant patient data and detect critical patient conditions in a non-invasive way.
Initially, the intention is to develop a system for predicting and preventing pressure ulcers, via the individual monitoring of health parameters and the smart use of biomarkers and algorithms.
The developed technology must be tested and validated in a clinical setting, to test whether the technology works and to create the necessary evidence for future customers and users – and to lay the foundation for the development of a marketable product that can be successfully applied to result in improved care at lower costs.
CONCEPT
The initial concept consists of a textile surface in which optical fibers that sense pressure and temperature have been integrated. An interrogator device activates the sensors, reads the feedback information and transmits it to the backend system, where signal processing and data analysis takes place. The resulting information is subjected to data processing algorithms that may make use of AI modules and that analyze the patient-specific risk of the formation of pressure ulcers. The connected care management system provides the nurses with a visual overview of the relevant patient-specific data and assists them with taking the best possible decisions for providing optimal care.
PROJECT PARTNERS (with budget allocations)
Vanderhoekphotonics from Vlaardingen brings in many years of experience in the core optical fiber sensing technology and its applications.
Eindhoven-based Interfil connects the project to a large network of experts on technical textiles and textile integration technologies.
Orikami from Nijmegen expands its commercial solution to facilitate the processing, integration and management of the data together with the clinical user interface.
Oisterwijk-based Q Care contributes clinical expertise in wound care and pressure ulcer prevention and facilitates the testing of the solution in nursing homes.
PROJECT PARAMETERS
| Project Name | Vitale Vezels – 24/7 |
| Project Duration | April 13, 2024 – October 1, 2026 |
| Project Number | STIM-00951 |