Innovative Wearable Technology Aims to Tackle Postpartum Hemorrhage

Armor Medical, a startup co-founded by Kelsey Mayo, Christine O'Brien, and Leo Shmuylovich, is developing a groundbreaking wearable device to detect early signs of postpartum hemorrhage. The company's innovative approach has garnered significant attention in the medical technology sector, including a recent grand prize win at MedTech Innovator's Early Stage pitch competition.

A Personal Mission Driven by Experience

Kelsey Mayo's journey to tackle postpartum hemorrhage began with a near-death experience in 2019 when she suffered from internal bleeding due to a ruptured ovarian cyst. This incident, coupled with a prior conversation about the global impact of postpartum hemorrhage, inspired Mayo and her colleagues to found Armor Medical in 2022.

"That lived experience really is what gives me the fire in my belly, together with all the stories from folks I've talked to who have survived hemorrhage," Mayo explained.

Revolutionary Technology for Early Detection

Armor Medical's wrist-based device utilizes a laser and camera system to quantify flowing red blood cells, potentially detecting concerning blood loss five times earlier than current standard care methods. The technology aims to address the challenge of silent early blood loss, which can be difficult to detect through traditional means such as visual estimates or weighing blood-soaked pads.

Mayo emphasized the device's ability to key into early physiological changes: "When the body recognizes it's losing blood, it will clamp down on blood vessels in the periphery, such as the hands and feet, to push extra blood supply back to the vital organs."

Clinical Progress and Future Plans

The company has refined its prototype and conducted early feasibility studies, demonstrating the device's accuracy across different skin pigmentations. Armor Medical plans to use its recent $350,000 prize money to fund a clinical trial next year and is working on a 510(k) submission for FDA approval.

"We understand that there is added risk right now with timelines, and we are preparing for it," Mayo stated, acknowledging the current challenges in the medical technology sector.

Armor Medical is also in the process of raising a $5 million funding round to support its clinical work, with the goal of bringing the device to market in early 2028. The company plans to target hospital systems, including regional perinatal care centers and hospitals serving high-risk patients.

As the medical technology landscape continues to evolve, Armor Medical's innovative approach to addressing postpartum hemorrhage represents a significant step forward in maternal care. With its focus on early detection and potential to reduce the need for invasive interventions, this wearable technology could play a crucial role in improving outcomes for new mothers worldwide.