The Mayo Clinic will license a Optac-X telehealth solution that uses satcom for ambulances. Photo: Optac-X.

The Mayo Clinic is exploring using a hybrid LTE and satcom telehealth technology in ambulances. Telehealth network integrator Optac-X announced this week that it has a “know how agreement” with the Mayo Clinic for the use of this telehealth technology, which uses a Kymeta antenna. 

Kymeta is an LTE and satcom partner for Optac-X and its u8 terminal provides both mobile satellite and cellular communications. The service, which operates on both Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellite systems, allows physicians to connect to patients before they reach the hospital. Satellite provides connectivity when cellular networks are not available, which may be the case in remote areas. 

Optac-X has agreed to license its LTE-global satcom architecture and hands-free headsets to Mayo Clinic for remote patient monitoring. This also includes the Vantiq software, which gives emergency services continuous updates and alerts on a patient’s condition. 

“To help deliver emergency medical services to patients in a pre-hospital setting is the kind of opportunity we hoped for when we developed Optac-X’s telehealth technology,” said Dr. Patrick Fullerton, founder and CEO of Optac-X. “We know from our field tests with U.S. Army Special Operations Command medics deployed in locations around the globe that the technology works and can help save lives.”