VasuMetrics: A New Approach to Stroke Prevention
In the fight against cardiovascular diseases, DTU students and VasuMetrics founders Carl, Lucas and Lasse are developing a new innovative solution to detect risk of strokes. By focusing on early detection through advanced technology, they aim to shift the healthcare paradigm from reactive to proactive care.
The Problem and the Solution
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with stiff arteries being a significant contributor. This condition, often resulting from aging and lifestyle factors, leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. Currently, the primary indicator for stroke risk is having already suffered a stroke, a reactive approach that the team aims to change.
The team, comprising DTU students with backgrounds in biomedical, industrial, and design engineering, is developing a device to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV). PWV is a proven indicator of arterial stiffness, yet it is not widely used due to the high cost and complexity of existing measurement devices. Their goal is to create an affordable, non-invasive device that can be used easily in various healthcare settings – including when visiting general practitioners.
Innovative Technology
The device utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG), a technique that measures changes in light absorption by the blood to determine pulse wave velocity. By shining light on the skin and analyzing the reflected light, the device can detect changes in blood volume and, consequently, PWV. This method allows for a simpler and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods.
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Join the Health Innovators Program
The Health Innovators Program is a 4-month program targeted at early-stage start-ups and innovation ideas by students & teams who are motivated to develop solutions for better health. The programme is hosted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Science (UCPH) and Copenhagen Health Innovation – a collaboration between University of Copenhagen, University College Copenhagen, the Royal Academy, DTU and the Capital Region. |
Future Plans
The team is focused on further developing their prototype and conducting clinical studies to gather data and validate their device. They are also engaging with potential customers, such as clinics and researchers, to ensure their solution meets market needs. Their ultimate goal is to make PWV measurement as common and accessible as blood pressure monitoring, providing early detection enabling proactive intervention for cardiovascular diseases.
Support from Health Innovators
Participation in the Health Innovators program has been instrumental for the team. The program has provided them with valuable insights, resources, and credibility, helping them take their project seriously and advance their development. The support from Health Innovators has been crucial in navigating the challenges of bringing a new medical device to market.
Challenges and Progress
The team has been working on this project for over a year and a half, achieving significant milestones along the way. They have developed a prototype and are currently refining it to ensure accuracy and reliability. However, introducing PWV as a standard measurement in healthcare comes with its own set of challenges.
A major obstacle lies in the dual responsibility of product development and raising awareness about PWV among healthcare professionals. Many general practitioners are unfamiliar with PWV, making it challenging to integrate this new measurement into routine practice. Despite this, PWV is already recognized as the “gold standard” for assessing arterial stiffness by organizations such as the Danish Society for Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology. Additionally, VasuMetrics’ strategy aligns closely with Hjernesagen’s core goal of stroke prevention, as outlined in their action plan. All supporting the team determinism to pave the way for PWV to become a critical tool in preventive healthcare.
Building a Network
Networking has been a crucial part of their journey. Through the Health Innovators program, the team has connected with key opinion leaders and potential collaborators. These connections have provided valuable insights and support, helping them navigate the complexities of developing a medical device.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
For students considering working on their own innovations, the team emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem you are trying to solve. They recommend focusing on the problem first and ensuring there is a real need for your solution. Additionally, they highlight the value of joining programs like Health Innovators, which provide guidance, resources, and a supportive network.
By developing an innovative and accessible device to measure PWV, this team of DTU students aims to refine the detection of early stroke indicators. With continued refinement and support, their solution has the potential to become a vital tool in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
