Revolutionizing Remote Health Monitoring with Radio Waves
While wearable tech and hospital monitors often steal the spotlight in remote healthcare discussions, a new startup linked to Cornell is focusing on an almost invisible solution: radio waves.
Introducing SensVita: A New Era in Health Monitoring
SensVita is pioneering a cutting-edge sensing platform designed to monitor heart and lung health from the comfort of home. This innovative system operates without wires, electrodes, or direct skin contact.
The latest SensVita device model.
This promising company has recently joined Cornell’s Praxis Center for Venture Development, an incubator that supports engineering and science startups in becoming independent.
Non-Invasive Monitoring for Vulnerable Patients
“SensVita offers a passive, non-contact method for tracking cardiac and respiratory functions,” explained Bob Scharf, the academic director at Praxis. “It’s particularly beneficial for patients who are challenging to monitor, such as those in memory care or neonatal units.”
The concept is bold yet straightforward: utilize near-field radio frequency sensing to detect subtle physiological movements. SensVita’s sensors can be placed in a room, furniture, or even clothing, providing continuous monitoring without burdening the patient.
Real-Time Data Without Intrusive Devices
This technology offers real-time insights for patients and healthcare providers, eliminating the need for complex equipment or invasive procedures.
The technology was developed in Edwin Kan’s lab at Cornell’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The team created systems that use electromagnetic signals to detect internal movements like heartbeats and blood flow.
From Research to Startup: The SensVita Journey
Thomas Conroy, Ph.D. ’24, transformed this research into SensVita during his time at Cornell. “I started working on non-invasive health sensors in 2019,” Conroy shared. “After five years of research, I founded SensVita in 2023, with guidance from Bob Scharf, who connected me with legal resources and entrepreneurial advice.”
Conroy co-founded SensVita with his father, James Conroy, who has a background in medical devices. Their goal is to evolve the platform from prototype to a commercial product for health systems and remote monitoring providers.
Scaling Up and Securing Funding
In addition to joining Cornell’s venture ecosystem, SensVita received a $305,000 Phase I STTR grant from the National Science Foundation to advance its technology towards pilot studies and commercialization.
SensVita aims to address chronic disease management, focusing on conditions like heart failure, COPD, and sleep apnea, where continuous monitoring can prevent costly hospitalizations.
Jonathan Katz, a system engineer with SensVita, and Conroy discuss the latest device model.
Addressing a Growing Market
The market for remote monitoring is expanding rapidly, driven by the high costs of hospital readmissions. “We target individuals at high risk of returning to the hospital,” Conroy stated. “That’s our focus group.”
SensVita complements existing technologies like ECGs and imaging by providing continuous baseline monitoring. Its non-invasive, scalable model is particularly appealing for home care, assisted living, and patients who avoid traditional wearables.
Future Prospects and Testing
Before human trials, SensVita will test its technology on animals to monitor changes in vital signs. Scharf noted that access to Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine supports this phase.
If successful, SensVita could become a key player in the remote patient monitoring sector, which is increasingly reimbursed by healthcare systems. Its no-contact approach offers a unique advantage in this competitive field.
“This technology is protected by multiple Cornell patents,” Scharf emphasized. “With Praxis, SensVita has access to advanced instrumentation that would be challenging to replicate externally.”
