A wearable device to monitor breathing and prevent opioid-related breathing problems.

Wearable Wireless Respiratory Monitoring System that Detects and Predicts Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression

NIH-funded research Rtm Vital Signs, LLC · NIH-11146916

This study is testing a new wearable device that helps keep an eye on your breathing and oxygen levels if you're using opioids, so it can alert you and your doctors if there's a risk of breathing problems, making it safer for patients in the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRtm Vital Signs, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11146916 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a wearable, wireless respiratory monitoring system designed to detect and predict opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). The device uses an acoustic sensor to continuously measure various respiratory parameters, including breathing rate and oxygen levels, and calculates a Risk Index Score every 20 seconds. By providing real-time alerts, the system aims to prevent severe respiratory issues and improve patient safety, particularly for those receiving opioid medications in hospitals. The technology has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, highlighting its potential to address a critical healthcare need.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include hospitalized patients who are being treated with opioids and are at risk for respiratory depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not using opioids or those who are not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of opioid-related respiratory depression and improve patient outcomes in hospitals.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing wearable monitoring technologies for respiratory issues, but this specific approach targeting opioid-induced respiratory depression is novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.