Vital Wear

Smart sensor textile with thermal technology prevents pressure sores and transforms patient care

VitalWear integrates optical fiber sensing technology into textiles to create innovative sensor surfaces for non-invasive medical applications. Its primary focus is on preventing pressure ulcers, a painful and costly condition affecting 2.5 million patients annually in the U.S., with severe cases leading to 60,000 deaths. Pressure ulcers also demand significant nursing effort for prevention and care.

By monitoring both pressure and temperature autonomously, VitalWear detects early signs of pressure ulcers, preventing their full formation. This technology not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces nurses' workload by identifying which patients need repositioning. Unlike competitors, VitalWear offers comprehensive monitoring without adding to nurses' tasks.

Currently, VitalWear’s prototype demonstrates simultaneous pressure and temperature monitoring, and clinical experiments in 2025 aim to validate its effectiveness in real-world settings. The team, composed of experienced innovators, brings expertise in photonics, textile integration, and healthcare, supported by a strong background in clinical studies and regulatory compliance.

VitalWear plans to launch its solution in hospitals, nursing homes, and eventually for home care and mobile patients, revolutionizing pressure ulcer prevention and exploring further healthcare applications.

Team
Eric Thelen
Kostas Voutyras
Jonathan Palero
Pablo de Anta
Startup activities

Venture Challenge Fall 2024 

Contact
Eric Thelen