Villanova University engineers helped create a device that monitors at-risk individuals for early signs of COVID-19, writes Queen Muse for Philadelphia Magazine.

The engineers partnered with RTM Vital Signs, a medical device company, to create the dime-sized acoustic sensor.

Two of RTM’s co-founders, CEO Nancy Dicciani and Denise Devine met about 20 years ago when alums at Villanova University, serving on the university’s Board of Trustees.

RTM had already developed a device that monitors cardiac function and remotely monitors respiratory function for heart patients and to monitor those taking opioids.

When COVID-19 arrived in 2020, RTM realized it could use its technology to monitor for changes in respiratory function in COVID-19 patients as well.

“It’s important to note that respiratory function is both respiratory rate, which is how many breaths you take per minute, but also the volume of air that you take in because that indicates how much carbon dioxide is exhaled and how much oxygen gets to your muscles, organs, and brain,” Dicciani explained.

This device monitors both.

Moeness Amin, director of the Center for Advanced Communications in Villanova’s College of Engineering, joined with RTM Vital Signs to develop the accurate, easy-to-use device.

Read more about this monitoring device here.

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