Ambulatory Temperature Tracking Device

Ambulatory Temperature Tracking Device

NCIIA Grant Proposal

Nashville Health

Vanderbilt University

Caitlyn Ambrose - Biomedical Engineer

Dale Deas – Biomedical Engineer

Salman Mukhi – Biomedical Engineer

Fang-Wen Shen – Biomedical Engineer

Abstract

Nashville Health aims to build a device to remedy a problem that plagues pediatric infectious disease physicians: the inability to properly record with accuracy and consistency a child’s temperature over time while away from the hospital. These physicians need to know the pattern and cadence of fever over timein order to properly diagnose the child. Patterns in fever are often indicative of certain diseases, thus this information is crucial to diagnosis and treatment. In order to determine this pattern, a consistent and persistent temperature reading is needed over a period of days and potentially weeks. This is impossible for parents to do on their own for multiple reasons: it is unreasonable for a parent to wake their child up multiple times during the night to determine temperature, parents are often unreliable in taking temperatures regularly, and parents often are not consistent in the method of taking a child’s temperature. Thus, a bracelet that tracks temperature and wirelessly transmits this data for the physician to utilize will help in a quicker and more accurate diagnosis of the patient.

Given the problem above, we plan to design, manufacture and market an ambulatory temperature tracking device called AccuTemp to be utilized by physicians and primary caregivers of children with infectious diseases. The device takes the form of a bracelet, which will be worn by the child at all times. The bracelet will record the patient’s temperature at defined intervals and wirelessly transmit this information to an Android app for analysis. Our main objective in the design and manufacture of this product has three components:

• Bracelet’s Hardware: Must record and wirelessly transmit the patient’s temperature every 15 minutes to an Android app
• Android App: Must store all of the transmitted data and visually represent this data in both list and graphical format
• Physical Design of the Bracelet: Must be ergonomic, fashionable, water-proof and tamper-proof

The bracelet will be marketed and sold to hospitals, private practices and families with sick children. This device will allow physicians to learn about the cadence and patterns of fevers in infectious diseases. This knowledge will aid the physicians in the diagnosis of disease and in the formulation of a treatment plan for their patients.

Proposal

The Ambulatory Temperature Tracking Device needs to monitor and record the body temperature of a child at defined intervals. A 15-minute sampling frequency of the device is crucial, as this information will provide physicians with ample data to categorize or recognize the traits of a particular disease or health abnormality. This information then needs to be wirelessly transmitted to an Android phone or other data storage device. This device needs to be child-proof, fashionable, ergonomic and water-proof. The thermometer also needs to be accurate enough so that the physician may track the pattern of the patient’s temperature over time. We have determined two possible thermometer types that can be integrated into our device. These thermometers are an infrared sensor and a digital thermometer. An infrared sensor measures infrared radiation that is given off from a patient’s body. This type of sensor does not need direct contact with the skin to take measurements, however it is not as accurate as the digital thermometer. The digital temperature sensing device utilizes a thermistor and is more accurate than the infrared sensor. However, this device must be touching the patient’s body to take an accurate temperature measurement. With both of these temperature sensors, a core body temperature is needed to increase temperature accuracy. In order to do this, the bracelet must either be worn on the upper arm, or an algorithm is needed to associate the temperature at the wrist and ambient temperature to the temperature at the core. Further investigation is needed to determine which temperature sensor is best suited for our project to optimize temperature sensitivity and patient preferences. Lastly, in order to wirelessly transmit the data to the Android app or other storage device, we have chosen RF over Bluetooth. RF utilizes radio waves to transmit data over large distances. This is inherently better than Bluetooth for our project given that a pediatric patient is unlikely to carry an Android device. Thus, the short range limitations of Bluetooth make it unsuitable for this device. RF will be able to carry the data from the bracelet, worn by the child, to the parent and/or physician who may be miles away.

Thus far, we have identified the needs of our client and the patients who will be the recipients of this device. We have also begun to learn how to write code to produce an Android app that will store and visually present the data to both the parents of the patient and his or her doctor. We have also developed a schematic (see appendix) that illustrates our plans to construct a physical prototype.

Our primary market will be children in clinical care units. We will begin our outreach by contacting local hospitals and initial investors through education about the purpose of our product. Our target customers will be insurance companies, as well as clinics and hospitals. Our secondary target will be to sell and market to patients.

The team members of Nashville Health include: Caitlyn Ambrose, Dale Deas, Salman Mukhi and Fang-Wen Shen. Caitlyn Ambrose is a Biomedical Engineer with extensive research experience and experience in dealing with clients and customers. She will be in charge of quality assurance. Dale Deas is a Biomedical Engineer with experience in clinical research involving vascular surgery. He will be in charge of instrumentation development. Salman Mukhi is a Biomedical Engineer with experience in coding and has been acquainted with the inner-workings of technical medical equipment. He will be in charge of information technology. Fang-Wen Shen is a Biomedical Engineer with extensive research in cellular culture and industry experience in coronary stent projects. He will be the market advisor of this team. Our outside advisor is Doctor KalpanaManthiram. She is a pediatric infectious disease fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Through the utilization of this device, we hope to learn more about the temperature patterns in children with infectious diseases. We hope that these patterns will aid physicians in diagnosing patients and formulating a treatment plan. This product will be attractive to hospitals, private practices, insurance companies and families with sick children. Thus, we hope to design and commercialize this product with these customers in mind. The insurance companies will find the reduced cost and easy maintenance of the product attractive. The hospitals, private practices and families will find the reliability and information obtained from the device attractive. Therefore, the insurance companies are less likely to reject claims based on this product, and the private practices, hospitals and families are more likely to recommend and/or purchase this product.

The processes we have followed thus far have been based on the following design steps.

We defined the problem and made needs assessments. We brainstormed several solutions. We evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of those solutions. Once a protocol is developed, we can begin testing and modifying device components. Once we have a final product, we will begin writing our technology strategy.

At the end of the grant period, if the project is successful, certain members of the group will continue to innovate and market the device. They will also increase and diversify our client base. This device will be successful after the grant period because it is useful to not only children with infectious diseases, but also has the extensibility to offer help to other patients with differing ailments. Thus, the device can be marketed and sold to a diverse clientele.

The work plan we will follow to design and manufacture our device is demonstrated in the following Gantt Chart:

The exact dates that correspond to the above Gantt Chart are as follows:

Develop Initial Ideas and Brainstorm10/27/13 – 12/31/13

Create Project Webpage 10/27/13 – 11/5/13

Create Sketches10/27/13 – 12/31/13

Research on Existing Temperature Tracking Devices10/27/13 – 12/31/13

Learn and Implement Coding10/27/13 – 4/21/13

Begin Listing Device Components12/15/13 – 1/15/14

Order Necessary Parts and Device Construction1/15/14 – 4/21/14

The success of our device will be determined by how efficiently and accurately our bracelet measures and transmits the temperature of our patient to an Android phone or other data storage device. Success will also be determined by the Android app’s ability to store and visually represent the data for analysis. At each interval of development, we will test each component of our device to ensure its accuracy and compliance. These components include: app coding, wireless transmission, hardware of the bracelet, reliance and durability.

Appendix

Budget Template and Justification

Electronic Transducers, Sensors, Circuit Components Needed for Construction of Hardware / $50-$200
Software Design Program Needed for Coding of the App / $50-$200
Computer Aided Design Program Needed for Design of Bracelet / $150-$1,500
App developer / $50-$100/hour

Products Already Available on the Market

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2)

3)

Fang-Wen Shen Current Address:

2301 Vanderbilt Place

(484) 636-7786 Nashville, TN 37235, PMB 356417

EDUCATION______

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2014, GPA 3.716

ACADEMIC & INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE______

Summer Tenure Fellow, Vanderbilt University:School of Engineering (2013)

ƆResearched “Inflammatory Cell Response to Degradation Products of Polymeric Vascular Stent”.

Research Assistant, Vanderbilt University:Combinatorial Biomaterials & Biointerface Laboratory (2011-Present)

ƆPrepared industry reports on in-vitro coronary stent experiments for REVA Medical.

ƆEstablished cellular tri-culture protocol.

Histology Assistant, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Center for Bone Biology (2011-2012)

ƆWrote and performed micro–optical coherence tomography scan programs.

ƆEstablished reference point indentation (RPI) protocols for histology sections of diabetes patients.

Sales Associate, at American Eagle Outfitters (2011)

ƆSales team made over 100 sales.

LEADERSHIP SERVICE______

Student Teacher, of Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science (2011-2012)

ƆTaught science lessons and demonstrated laboratory experiments to middle school students.

Student Services Committee Representative, of the Vanderbilt University Student Government (2010-2011)

ƆOrganized and publicized undergraduate student services (Holiday shuttles and career development fairs)

Chapter Founder and Treasurer, of Vanderbilt University Young Americans for Liberty (2010-2011)

ƆDrafted Constitution, organized meetings, and acquired funding for the organization.

Patient Escort, atPaoli Memorial Hospital (2008-2011)

ƆHeld the responsibility to discharge healthy patients safely and to transport sick patients to various testing centers.

AWARDS & HONORS______

Research FellowshipCertificate of Achievement: Vanderbilt University: School of Engineering (2013)

ƆProject Title: “Inflammatory Cell Response to Degradation Products of Polymeric Vascular Stent”

Dean’s List (2010-2013)

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS______

Zachman AL, Tucker-Schwartz J, Shen F-W, Guelcher SA, Skala M, and Sung HJ- “Peptide-Functionalized Scaffolds Regulating Angiogenesis And Inflammation In Peripheral Artery Disease”- Annual Meeting of the Tissue Engineering Society, Atlanta, GA. (2013)

SPECIAL SKILLS______

ƆSkilled at:

§Primary Human Cell Culture: (Endothelial, Smooth Muscle, Macrophage)

§Microscopy: (Confocal, Fluorescence, and Scanning and Transmission Electron)

§Non-Invasive Imaging: (Optical Coherence Tomography and Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging)

§Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Characterization, and Immunohistochemistry as well as Diamond Saw Cutting and Three-Point Bending Techniques

ƆExperience in animal care, handling, and surgery: (Subcutaneous Scaffold Implantations as well as Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injections).

ƆExperience in MATLAB, JAVA, CAD, including statistical analysis (Excel, ImageJ, R)

MISCELLANEOUS______

ƆExceptional in Chinese andunderstands basic elements of French.

ƆPlays violin and flag football and has 3 years of self-taught acoustic and electric guitar playing experience.

Caitlyn Ambrose

(817) 909-9906

Current Address:Permanent Address:

Vanderbilt University, PMB 350529106 Mill Wood Dr.

Nashville, TN 37235Colleyville, TX 76034

EDUCATION

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Bachelor of Engineering, Expected Graduation May 2014

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Cumulative GPA: 3.278/4.00; Major GPA: 3.34/4.00

Nolan Catholic High School, Fort Worth, TX

High School Diploma, Graduated May 2010

Honors: Graduated in top 10% of class – Summa Cum Laude

Amon G. Carter Scholar

Awards

Dean’s List Fall 2012

RELEVANT COURSEWORK

Applied Behavioral ScienceOrganizational BehaviorAnalysis of Biomedical Data

Introduction to BiomechanicsBiomedical MaterialsPhysiological Transport Phenomena Biomedical Instrumentation

Systems PhysiologyNanobiotechnologyIntroduction to Tissue Engineering

Therapeutic Bioengineering

WORK EXPERIENCE

Nordstrom, Nashville, TN

Sales Associate, August-October 2011

Babysitting, Southlake and Colleyville, TX

Nanny, August 2007-Present

Undergraduate Research, Nashville, TN

Research Assistant, December 2012-Present

SyBBURE, May 2013- Present

LEADERSHIP/ ACTIVITIES

Zeta Tau Alpha, Vanderbilt University

Director of Philanthropy, 2012-2013

Alumni Relations Chair, 2013

Fort Worth ISD Transition Center, LIFT Program

Teacher’s Assistant, January-May 2010

Habitat for Humanity Build Project

Carpenter, April 2011

Nashville Humane Society

Caregiver,November 2012-Present

SKILLS

Experience with Mathematica, MATLAB, R

Experience with Lab Work

Salman Mukhi

(281) 935-5648

4639 Meadow Green Dr Sugar Land, TX 77479

(During School Year) PMB 355683 2301 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37235-1234

EDUCATION

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering May 2014

Minor: Engineering Management

Hightower Highschool, Missouri City, TX

High School Diploma

Honors: Graduated rank 9 of 616 students (Magna Cum Laude)

EXPERIENCE

Resident Adviser at Vanderbilt University Aug. 2011-Present

• Provide relevant, student specific programming for first-year students
• Facilitate a collegiate atmosphere through community building
• Manage administrative duties and provide a safe environment for first-year students

Intern for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

• Facilitated scholarship selection process as lead scholarship officer’s assistant
• Created data-specific dossier that included applicant summaries for the final selection panel

Intern at MD Anderson Cancer Care Center Oct. 2009-Feb. 2010

• Assisted the MRI technician at the MRI Unit

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc.

• Served on the New Member Education Committee which ensured that the process for membership is successfully achieved in accordance with the Fraternity’s by-laws
• Provide weekly programming dedicated to Leadership Ethics Achievement Development

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

ACHIEVEMENTS

Boy Scouts of America

• Achieved Eagle Scout May 2007
• Served as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Aug. 2009-Jan. 2010

National AP Scholar July 2009, 2010

SKILLS

• Experience with Microsoft Office, MATLAB and Java
• Fluent in Urdu and some French

Dale Shelton Deas
444 Elmington Avenue

Apartment 227
Nashville, TN 37205
251-635-2279 │

EDUCATION

Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN
B.E. in Biomedical Engineering Expected May 2014

• Overall GPA: 3.40 / 4.00 BME Major GPA: 3.46/4.00
• Honors: Dean’s List Fall 2011, Dean’s List Spring 2012
• Relevant Coursework: Design of Biomedical Engineering Devices and Systems I, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Physiological Transport Phenomena, Biomedical Engineering Laboratory,Biomedical Instrumentation with Lab,Biostatistics,Tissue Engineering, Systems Physiology,Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Circuit Analysis with Lab, Organic Chemistry with Labs, Physics with Labs, Chemistry with Labs, Computer Programming, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, English Literature and Poetry

Harvard University Cambridge, MA
General Biology Scholar Summer 2012

• Overall GPA: 3.33 / 4.00
• Took a course in General Biology with Labs. This course fulfills the requirement of two semesters of biology needed for admission to medical school.

WORK & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN
Research Assistant, Division of Vascular Surgery (Dr. Raul Guzman) December 2011 – Current

• Publication In Progress:Effect of Tibial Artery Calcification in Restenosis After Vascular Intervention
• Publication In Progress (First Author): Association between Serum Calcium and Phosphate Levels and Tibial Artery Calcification

Vanderbilt University’s Undergraduate Honor Council Nashville, TN
Vice President November 2012 – Current

• Chairing panels, leading the Recruitment Committee and overseeing the internal election process of Vanderbilt University's Undergraduate Honor Council.
• Helping to enforce and protect the Honor Code and to inform members of the Vanderbilt community about the Honor System.

SKILLS, ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

Technical Skills: proficient in MATLAB and Mathematica programming
Activities: student volunteer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Shade Tree Clinic (free health care provided), Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Delta Medical Society,Biomedical Engineering Society,V-Squared Engineering Mentor Program
Interests: running, sports clay shooting, golf

Additional Supporting Documents

Nike Fuel Model

Wristband Model

Watch Model

Android App Interface

Android Settings Interface