A Wearable Device Towards Automatic Detection and Treatment of Opioid Overdose
Abstract:
Opioid-induced overdose is one of the leading causes of death among the US population under the age of 50. In 2021 alone, the death toll among opioid users rose to a devastating number of over 80,000. The overdose process can be reversed by the administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that rapidly counteracts the effects of opioid-induced respiratory depression. The idea of a closed-loop opioid overdose detection and naloxone delivery has emerged as a potential engineered solution to mitigate the deadly effects of the opioid epidemic. In this work, we introduce a wrist-worn wearable device that overcomes the portability issues of our previous work to create a closed-loop drug-delivery system, which includes (1) a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor to detect a hypoxia-driven opioid overdose event, (2) a MOSFET switch, and (3) a Zero-Voltage Switching (ZVS) electromagnetic heater. Using brachial artery occlusion (BAO) with human subjects (n = 8), we demonstrated consistent low oxygenation events. Furthermore, we proved our device's capability to release the drug within 10 s after detecting a hypoxic event. We found that the changes in the oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and oxygenation saturation levels ( SpO2) were different before and after the low-oxygenation events ( 0.001). Although additional human experiments are needed, our results to date point towards a potential tool in the battle to mitigate the effects of the opioid epidemic.
Insights
A new wearable device uses a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor to detect opioid overdose by monitoring oxygen levels. It can automatically deliver naloxone, an opioid antagonist, within 10 seconds of detecting a hypoxic event, potentially saving lives.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wearable Technology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Opioid overdose is a leading cause of death in the US, with over 80,000 fatalities in 2021.
- Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression.
- A closed-loop system for automated overdose detection and naloxone delivery is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a portable, wrist-worn, closed-loop wearable device for detecting and responding to opioid overdose events.
- To create an engineered solution to mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic.
Main Methods:
- A wrist-worn device integrating a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor, MOSFET switch, and Zero-Voltage Switching (ZVS) electromagnetic heater was designed.
- Brachial artery occlusion (BAO) was used with 8 human subjects to simulate hypoxia-driven opioid overdose events.
- The device's ability to detect low oxygenation and trigger drug release was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Consistent low oxygenation events were demonstrated in human subjects during BAO.
- The device successfully detected hypoxic events and released the drug within 10 seconds.
- Significant differences in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were observed before and after low-oxygenation events (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The developed wearable device shows promise as a tool for detecting opioid overdose events based on hypoxia.
- The system's rapid drug delivery capability is a critical step towards an automated closed-loop overdose response.
- Further human experiments are necessary, but initial results indicate potential for mitigating opioid epidemic effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
01:30Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...