[China Tech] Local Doctors Invent Innovative 24-hour BP Measuring Device

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Doctors from Shanghai's Zhongshan Hospital have invented an innovative device to do real-time blood pressure (BP) monitoring and measurement while getting rid of the traditional monitor's bandage.

The new technology depends on a wearable device fixed on the position of the patient's left chest, at the same level as the heart. There are various sensors at the bottom of the device.

By collecting electrocardio signals and photoplethysmography, a technique that uses infrared light to measure blood flow and cardiovascular parameters, the device can take a non-invasive and non-bandage continuous measurement with an interval of seconds.

It is a brand new measurement, offering completely real-time, accurate, and convenient BP data monitoring.

The current measurement, using a traditional monitor fixed with a bandage on the arm, only offers measurement every 15 to 30 minutes. It brings discomfort to patients and lacks good continuity.

The new device can be widely used in long-term monitoring and management of BP for patients with cardiovascular disease, and the wearable design is more friendly for at-home monitoring and remote medicine.

The invention was sold to Thoth (Suzhou) Medical Technology Co. for 30 million yuan (US$4.25 million), creating a patent transfer record for Zhongshan Hospital, which has sealed patent transfers worth more than 100 million yuan with companies this year.

Medical staff encouraged to innovate

Zhongshan Hospital is among the leaders in medical innovation in the nation. Since 2022, the hospital has applied for over 3,200 patents and over 1,700 patents have received a license. More than 400 patents have been transferred for commercial development and marketing.

"Both domestic and international companies are interested in our staff's patents. Multinational companies like Abbott have bought our patents. We have established a mature, complete and legal patent management and transfer system for domestic and international cooperation," said Dr Cheng Leilei from Zhongshan Hospital's scientific research department.

"We have also introduced various measures and strategies to encourage medical staff to innovate."