Wireless and miniaturized skin conductance sensors to assess pain, nerve block and patient outcome

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to develop a wireless and portable skin conductance sensor to improve pain and nerve block assessments. Cubist has had a leading role in the development of the technical system for collecting sensor data. Extreme stress episodes are common in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the neurointensive care unit and are also thought to be linked to poorer outcomes. Karolinska University Hospital has conducted a study to investigate the connection between the pain monitor and high-resolution physiological and biochemical data linked to stress expression.

Expected results and effects

The result is both the development of the portable and wireless system for pain monitoring and the clinical research results regarding brain-damaged patients. For Cubist, the project has resulted in increased competence in wireless data communication and the ability to connect equipment to patient monitors. Results from the clinical study indicate a connection between the pain monitor and the amount of opiods, but also measures of the brain´s regulation of blood flow and urine cortisol levels, as expressions of physiological stress.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been carried out in close cooperation with the coordinator for the project - Medstorm AS. The development of the system has been carried out through a close collaboration between Medstorm, Cubist and subcontractors who have done parts of the technical development. Due to the pandemic, there have been several delays. The clinical study at Karolinska Hospital´s neurointensive care department has been despite this completed. These results are now being compiled for peer-review in a scientific journal.