The University of Warwick is conducting a trial with Acurable’s AcuPebble, a new device designed to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea. The device, which is simple to use at home, records vital data such as heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen levels while the user sleeps. This data is then analyzed in the morning and a diagnostic report is sent to the patient’s doctor, potentially speeding up diagnosis and supporting faster treatment times.
The traditional route to diagnosing sleep apnoea involves a lengthy process, requiring a GP referral, overnight sleep study equipment, data analysis, and a hospital follow-up appointment. The AcuPebble simplifies this process by allowing for at-home use, direct postage, and immediate analysis of results for clinicians.
Co-chief investigator Professor Francesco Cappuccio of the University of Warwick states that the trial aims to reduce the waiting time for diagnosis from months to days. The technology of the AcuPebble can continuously and accurately extract respiratory biomarkers, enabling automated diagnosis and freeing up staff time and capacity to address lengthy waiting lists.
The AcuPebble has already received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration and has been launched in the US. Additionally, several NHS hospitals, including the Royal Free Hospital, St George’s Hospital, and Medway Hospital, have adopted the device to replace traditional diagnosis methods for sleep apnoea.
