The Masimo Opioid Halo™ is an innovative, life-saving solution that addresses the critical issue of opioid-induced respiratory depression – a leading cause of death from opioid overdose, which claimed more than 80,000 lives in 2021 alone. Opioid overdose has become the leading cause of accidental death in the US, a crisis so severe it has lowered overall life expectancy in the country.
In response to this crisis, Masimo, a company recognized as a lead innovator in patient monitoring technologies, has developed the first and only FDA-cleared monitoring system to detect this condition. Opioid Halo™ provides hospital-grade monitoring, enabling the detection and quantification of the risk of severe opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Opioid Halo™ features a unique pattern recognition algorithm that alerts family members, friends, and caregivers about possible overdoses, potentially triggering an emergency response. This easy-to-use system is available over-the-counter, designed for adults and children aged 15 and up, and comes in an Rx version for use by prescription.
The Opioid Halo™ system comprises four components: a tetherless, adhesive fingertip sensor; a reusable Masimo SET® pulse oximeter sensor and Bluetooth® chip; a Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi Masimo Home Medical Hub; and a smartphone app. Data from the sensor and chip are relayed to the Medical Hub and smartphone app, which continually analyzes physiological data for trends associated with opioid-induced respiratory depression.
The Masimo SET sensor and chip, designed with a slim profile, fit comfortably and unobtrusively against the body, even under clothing. A cable holder on the sensor allows users to adjust cable length for maximum comfort, while the soft, perforated foam strap ensures breathability.
Opioid Halo™ is designed to provide alerts at varying risk levels. Upon early onset, an audible and visual alarm is triggered. If the risk level escalates, automatic texts are sent to designated contacts. In case of a high-risk level, an automatic wellness call can be triggered, potentially leading to emergency medical services being dispatched.
Masimo’s Opioid Halo™ can be used at home or in care settings, aiding patients prescribed opioids post-surgery or those managing a chronic condition, as well as individuals battling opioid use disorder. This comprehensive system aims to turn the tide in the opioid crisis by helping millions of people manage the risk of overdose, whether they are taking prescribed opioids or struggling with illicit use.
