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A NEW medical device developed under an InterlradeIreland business network will help sufferers of some of Ireland’s most prevalent chronic lung ailments.
The Vitalograph COPD-6 is a small, affordable and easy-to-use device, which will not only make life easier for sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but save time and resources at hospitals PNNeme pte Nee
The device, which was developed under InterlradeIreland’s REMINAC project, allows sufferers to monitor their condition remotely, rather than having to travel to their GP surgery or hospital.
The developers, a tripartite collabo- rative network of companies in Lim- erick, Ennis and Lisburn, County Antrim, are already adapting the de- vice so it can also be used to monitor other ailments like asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Outsource R&D company, Martu- rion Ltd of Lisburn, was responsible for the design of the device, includ- ing the electronics and embedded software. Marturion partnered with Limerick company Eirwave, who designed the Bluetooth technology which enables the device to transmit data remotely to a monitoring centre, and Ennis-based Vitalograph, who developed the software to receive and monitor that data.
General Manager of Vitalograph Ireland, Frank Keane said: “COPD, Asthma and cystic fibrosis are amongst the most common life- threatening lung conditions here in Ireland but can be more effectively treated if monitored regularly so we saw the need for a device which could provide simple and effective pre-spirometry remote screening to those at risk of these diseases.”
Dr John Nelson, managing direc- tor of Eirwave, said that there were numerous benefits of working as
part of a tripartite network: “The REMINAC network brought us the advantage of being able to utilise the complimentary skills and expertise of the three companies to develop leading edge solutions in wireless connectivity for medical devices,’ he explained, “and this would not have been possible without InterIra- delIreland. Its involvement was key to initiate, develop and strengthen the cross-border link between the three companies.
‘An essential aspect of doing busi- ness on a cross-border basis is to have the necessary market awareness and confidence in suppliers and partners. InterTradeIreland were superb in ad- dressing both.”
Dr Andy Barr, managing direc- tor of Marturion commented: “The economic benefits of this device for the health service, in particular, are numerous. Sufferers of lung diseases are among those patients who have the lengthiest stays in hospital and this device could cut down their time in hospital, saving money as well as greatly reducing the risk of cross in- fection by sitting in GP clinics and hospital waiting rooms.”
Chief Executive of Interlradelre- land Liam Nellis said: “InterTra- deIreland brings together networks of companies to help them to become more profitable and competitive through joint marketing, skill-shar- ing, product or process development,
meeting supply needs or co-produc- tion opportunities.
“The REMINAC network is an ex- cellent example of the real practical and mutual benefits of cross-border co-operation. Sharing knowledge generates innovation which is key to success in business particularly in the current economic climate and has helped to accelerate the development of a new product which will make a difference to thousands of people all over the world.”