NASA has developed groundbreaking technology to monitor astronaut heart health, which is now being adapted for patients with heart failure on Earth. This innovation comes from the collaboration of two NASA inventors, Dr. Rainee Simons and Dr. Félix Miranda, who began their work two decades ago. Their goal was to create a system that could track the health of astronauts during long space missions.
The technology consists of a small, battery-less sensor that can be implanted in the body, similar to a stent. This sensor transmits health data wirelessly to a handheld device, allowing for easy monitoring. Dr. Simons explained that the implantation process is straightforward and does not require major surgery.
After securing a patent, the technology was licensed by Dr. Anthony Nunez and engineer Harry Rowland, who founded Endotronix in 2007.
This company focuses on proactive management of heart failure using data-driven solutions based on NASA’s technology.
Their primary product, the Cordella Pulmonary Artery (PA) Sensor System, has shown promise in clinical trials by improving patients’ quality of life.
In June 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted premarket approval for the Cordella PA Sensor System. This system allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor and manage heart failure patients at home, aiming to reduce hospital visits.
Dr. Miranda expressed his pride in seeing NASA’s technology help people globally, emphasizing its alignment with NASA’s mission to benefit humanity. The innovation not only enhances astronaut health but also has significant implications for heart failure management on Earth.
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