Alberta Medical Device Innovation Consortium (A-MEDICO)

Building on existing strengths in Alberta-based point-of-care and portable diagnostic technology platforms, we plan to develop at least 10 diagnostic technology platforms.

Our objective is to affect a shift in rapid, accurate and on-site diagnosis for pathogen infections, cancer, brain injuries, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases and to radically change and personalize clinical management using our omic-, optical- or imaging-based diagnostic platforms. 

Continuous patient monitors can aid in early diagnosis of disorder/disease progression, assessment of treatment effectiveness, and modification of precision diagnosis and treatment for personalized care. This approach will identify risks and assist those who are most in need of intervention prior to disease/disorder progression.  

We will develop microfluidic patches, flexible electronics, wearable sensors and biosensors, smart contact lenses, digestible capsules, portable imaging devices, integrated wearable systems, devices that operate on the internet of things, and tools for data-driven predictive health.

We will put health monitoring medical devices technologies into the hands of all Albertans, which enables the optimization of care for, “the right patient, the right treatment, at the right time.”

We will develop bio-electronic prostheses, assistive medical robots and exoskeletons to help in facilitating mobility, preventing secondary conditions resulting from reduced mobility, and improving independence and quality of life.  

Our innovations will be especially focused on children, older adults and persons with neurological conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury, brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease) who collectively require expansive healthcare support.

The deliverables for this theme will be new approaches for enhancing postural stability and preventing falls, augmenting upper limb function in the performance of daily activities, supporting functional walking at home and during community ambulation, and preventing secondary complications such as pressure injuries (previously known as bed sores or pressure ulcers), deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular degradation, and spasticity.  

The improved function and mobility afforded by the use of these new technologies will help manage chronic diseases, provide post-acute care, enhance the safety of older adults and persons experiencing disability, improve the users’ engagement in managing their health and enhance their participation in society. 

We will improve healthcare delivery through innovative, enabling technologies, intelligent robotic surgery, adaptable therapy simulations, novel educational tools, service solutions, and policy changes.

Innovations under this theme will focus on cutting-edge technologies for the delivery of lifesaving treatments at home and in rural and remote communities such as dialysis treatments through affordable, portable, home-based devices equipped with digital monitoring abilities.

We will also expand on Alberta-renowned advances in image-guided treatments and surgical robotics leading to increased precision and improved outcomes. Image-guided surgical robotics will focus on hardware and software that allow surgical robotics to work in tandem with surgeons, supporting and augmenting their skills.

Our team members’ effective partnership with Alberta Health Services promises the early adoption of our medical devices, especially in the areas of long-term life-saving treatments including dialysis, precision radiation therapy and effective surgical approaches.