5 mins to read
CESAR .
2024-08-21T16:56:38
Salvus: Breathing new life into healthcare: Tech innovation to revolutionize oxygen management
Breathing effortlessly is a luxury that many of us take for granted. For a healthy adult, the act of breathing occurs naturally between 12 to 18 times per minute without a second thought. Yet, for the millions afflicted by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—the third leading cause of death globally—each breath is a significant effort. This respiratory condition was responsible for more than 3.23 million deaths in 2019 alone. The COVID-19 pandemic further accentuated the importance of respiratory health and spotlighted the indispensable role of medical oxygen, especially during severe public health crises.
Access to medical oxygen is critical, yet it remains a limited resource in many regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This gap has sparked urgent calls for innovative solutions to manage, monitor, and distribute this life-sustaining resource more effectively. One of the most promising responses to this challenge comes from Brazil, with the development of the ATAS O2 System by Maristone Gomes, CEO and founder of Salvus.
Gomes was propelled into the world of healthcare innovation by his personal experience caring for his and his wife’s grandparents, who both suffered from COPD. This close encounter with the demands and deficiencies of chronic respiratory care led him to conceptualize a system that could enhance the delivery and management of medical oxygen.
“My family’s health struggles exposed both the virtues and critical flaws in our healthcare systems. Salvus was born from this experience, initially aiming to unify patient data. But as we dug deeper into the sector’s challenges, we uncovered another pressing issue: the inefficient use of medical oxygen,” said Gomes. “This revelation led us to create the ATAS O2 – a device that’s not just monitoring medication use, but revolutionizing how we approach oxygen therapy in hospitals and homes alike.”
Salvus, under Gomes’ leadership, collaborated with CESAR Innovation Hub to create the ATOS O2, an advanced low-flow oxygen therapy system. This innovative system is designed to optimize oxygen delivery while monitoring vital respiratory parameters, such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). This capability is critical for preventing the detrimental effects of over-oxygenation, which is a frequent risk with conventional oxygen therapy practices.
The innovation represented by the ATOS O2 is substantial, given its dual ability to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare operations. The system has already shown impressive results in Brazil, where it is aiding numerous patients across various healthcare settings. Salvus is poised to extend the benefits of the ATOS O2 to other markets, aiming for regulatory approval in Europe and the United States by 2026. The global expansion of this technology has the potential to transform respiratory care internationally.
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The ATOS O2 system not only ensures the precise administration of oxygen but it offers continuous monitoring of vital respiratory metrics. This feature allows for the dynamic adjustment of oxygen flow based on real-time patient data, thus ensuring optimal treatment and preventing the complications associated with inadequate or excessive oxygen levels.
The system’s impact extends beyond individual patient outcomes, contributing to broader operational efficiencies within healthcare facilities. By reducing the need for frequent oxygen cylinder refills, the ATOS O2 system decreases logistical demands and associated costs, which in turn helps to lower CO2 emissions—a win for both healthcare sustainability and environmental health.
Furthermore, the comprehensive data captured by the ATOS O2 facilitates better resource management within hospitals. It provides healthcare teams with a real-time, integrated view of oxygen usage across all beds; enhancing coordination between clinical, engineering, and administrative departments. This level of integration ensures that oxygen resources are used efficiently and that patient care protocols are adhered to rigorously; ultimately improving the overall quality of care and reducing healthcare costs.
Broader societal benefits of the pioneering ATOS O2
The collaboration between Salvus and CESAR has not only produced a significant innovation in the form of the ATOS O2 but it has set a precedent for future healthcare technologies. By combining IoT technology with medical expertise, the R&D project has created a scalable solution that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.
As Salvus continues to innovate and expand the capabilities of the ATOS O2, the focus remains on enhancing patient safety, improving treatment efficacy, and optimizing healthcare operations. The system’s ability to monitor and adjust oxygen therapy precisely is transforming the way healthcare providers manage respiratory conditions, making it possible to deliver personalized, high-quality care that can adapt to the needs of each patient.
“We’re taking ATAS O2 to the next level by incorporating intelligent vital signs monitoring using AI in order to assist hospital personnel. This isn’t just about oxygen anymore – we’re looking at heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. It’s giving us a full picture of a patient’s respiratory health,” said Gomes. “What does this mean in real terms? Better treatment, compliance, shorter hospital stays, and ultimately, a better quality of life for patients and their families. We’re not just monitoring oxygen; we’re revolutionizing respiratory care. This is the future of oxygen therapy, and we’re proud to lead the charge.”
Looking forward, the ongoing partnership between Salvus and CESAR is expected to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical technology. Their combined efforts are not only improving the lives of patients today but they’re paving the way for a future where advanced healthcare solutions are more accessible, efficient, and effective on a global scale.
For more than 29 years, CESAR has excelled as a venture builder and global innovation center, by crafting advanced technological solutions for companies and startups. We provide comprehensive support from initial research to the development of cutting-edge solutions, including the integration of hardware and software powered by technologies like A.I., IoT, big data, and more.