The Phone Oximeter, a Simple Mobile Device to Screen for Sleep Apnea in Children Year Two

The high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses a serious threat to the healthy growth and development of many children. The lack of oxygen during sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, growth failure, behavioural problems and developmental delay. Polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard to diagnose OSA is high in cost, requires a well-equipped sleep laboratory and overnight stay. The Phone Oximeter, is a mobile device that integrates a pulse oximeter with a cell phone. In addition to the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), it provides a signal of changes in blood volume. The aim of this project is to develop an apnea-screening tool using the Phone Oximeters signals, to identify children with significant OSA, who would need a full PSG study, reducing waiting lists and costs. This portable, in-home device will cause less sleep disturbance, facilitate more natural sleep patterns, and provide the ability to monitor patients over multiple nights.

Faculty Supervisor:

Guy Dumont

Student:

Ainara Garde

Partner:

LionsGate Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of British Columbia