PGI’S New AI-Based Device to Transform Sleep Apnea Detection

The researchers are working to add wireless monitoring capabilities to allow patient data to be transmitted remotely.

Researchers in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have developed a portable diagnostic device designed to detect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

The prototype was developed through a collaboration between PGIMER and Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, seeks to improve access to sleep diagnostics by providing a more affordable and advanced portable testing solution.

Currently, sleep apnea diagnostics in India typically rely on hospital-based tests known as polysomnography, which require specialized equipment and overnight monitoring in sleep laboratories.

The newly developed device is designed in the form of a large smartphone and leverages custom algorithms and machine learning to analyse breathing patterns during sleep.

The system can detect episodes when a patient temporarily stops breathing, which is a key indicator of obstructive sleep apnea.

Researchers estimate that the prototype has been built at a cost of around INR 20,000, which is expected to reduce the financial barriers associated with sleep disorder testing.

Additionally, the researchers are working on integrating wireless capabilities to enable remote transmission of patient data, along with enhanced sensors to track nasal air flow for detailed diagnostic analysis

Further, the future advancements include incorporating AI tools to improve the accuracy of sleep apnea detection.

Reportedly, the research team plans to seek validation from the Indian Council of Medical Research before wider deployment of the technology.

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