There is an urgent need for life-saving measures. Since the opioid epidemic in the United States takes more than 70,000 people annually. Although naloxone, which is available as an injectable or over-the-counter nasal spray, can save lives by rapidly returning breathing to normal during an opioid overdose, its life-saving potential is limited because it must be administered by a trained witness.
‘Naloximeter’
A group from Northwestern University in Chicago and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has created a tool. This tool could save lives from overdose without the assistance of bystanders. The implanted device can quickly administer naloxone to avert death and identify an overdose. In addition, notify emergency first responders.
Oxycodone and other prescription opioids have assisted people in coping with the psychological and physical effects of chronic, incapacitating pain. However, the opioid pandemic is fuelled in part by the misuse and abuse of painkillers. That can result from their addictive qualities.
Under the direction of John A. Rogers, Ph. D., a professor of materials science and engineering, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at Northwestern University. The researchers collaborated with material science and engineering specialists to create the Naloximeter, a device that uses a drop in oxygen levels as a signal for a possible overdose.
Overdosing on opioids causes slow, shallow breathing. Breathing stops minutes after the medications begin to impact respiratory function. The Naloximeter, implanted beneath the skin, detects oxygen levels in the surrounding tissues. Moreover, it sends a warning notice to a mobile application if it falls below a certain threshold. If the user does not stop the rescue process within 30 seconds, the device releases the stored naloxone.
The researchers placed the device in the neck, chest, or back of small and large animals. The device recognized indicators of overdose within a minute of low oxygen levels. All animals recovered completely within five minutes of getting naloxone from the devices.
Joanna Ciatti, a graduate student in Rogers’ lab said
The Naloximeter is a proof-of-concept platform that isn’t limited to the opioid crisis. This technology has far-reaching implications for those threatened by other emergent medical conditions such as anaphylaxis or epilepsy.
