September 27, 2010 – Raleigh, NC – Athena GTX®, a developer of innovative trauma care products, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the WVSM™ device, its new compact, patient-worn vital signs monitor.
Originally developed for the U.S. military, the WVSM™ is an innovative device that automatically measures blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygenation, and critical cardiac functions from point of injury through transport to a treatment center. Feedback from military testing revealed that early monitoring, trending, and recording of vital signs improve the survival rates of soldiers.
Presented with the challenge of designing a medical device to function in such a difficult environment, Athena GTX® chose to partner with SunTech Medical, whom they knew to be a trusted leader in clinical-grade non invasive blood pressure (NIBP) technology. “True innovation is required to successfully meet demanding applications like this. A strong dedication to a high-quality product from both Athena GTX® and SunTech Medical as well as a close collaboration between groups was the foundation for this innovation” explains Tony Francisco, Sr. OEM Product Manager. “Our modules provide accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement in challenging user environments. Athena GTX® has a design which is an impressive demonstration of these capabilities in compact applications.”
The WVSM™ device records up to 4.5 hours of vital signs, and is capable of wirelessly uploading this data to a PDA or computer. It weighs about 16 ounces and attaches to a standard or Orbit blood pressure cuff, specially-designed to be used in motion applications like emergency medicine. It allows the attending caregiver to focus on the patient while the device automatically measures and records vital signs. In multiple injury situations, a color-coded and audible alarm system of critical parameters assists the caregiver in triage decisions. This allows the caregiver to quickly view each patient’s status at the point of injury in order to treat or transport based on vital signs. As the patient arrives at the treatment center, the WVSM™ device wirelessly uploads patient data to the treatment center’s computer. This allows the medical team to view the condition and vital signs trending which can help decide immediate course of treatment.
SunTech Medical, Inc. is pleased to have been chosen by Athena GTX® to provide clinical-grade automated blood pressure technology for the WVSM™ device. As an OEM provider of automated non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) technologies, SunTech Medical maintains a focus on providing fast, accurate and reliable BP monitoring for challenging patient populations and difficult environments. SunTech Medical is a proud partner of Athena GTX® and is committed to supporting their continued success in providing improved care for mobile vital signs monitoring.
About Athena GTX®
Recognized as a premier innovator of trauma care products, Athena GTX® specializes in “smart” monitoring systems that integrate wireless technology with reliable, effective devices for both military and civilian use. It’s expertise lies in miniaturizing electronic monitoring devices and physiological software development or “Smart Medicine”, which utilizes the speed and consistency of today’s computer processors.. For more information, please visit http://athenagtx.com and http://athenagtx.com/wvsm/.
About SunTech Medical
For over twenty years, SunTech Medical has been the preeminent supplier of clinical grade blood pressure monitoring products and technologies. Over 75 companies trust SunTech Medical's OEM non-invasive blood pressure solutions for their patient monitoring needs. SunTech produces the leading cardiac stress test blood pressure monitor and is the world's foremost manufacturer of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) products. SunTech Medical also offers solutions for in-office BP monitoring as well as a complete line of blood pressure cuffs designed for general and specific applications. Please visit www.SunTechMed.com for more information.