Flomark: Why does IV technology matter?

Company: FloMark Limited

Location: Chesham

Founded: 2017

Founders: Jonathan West (CEO), James Kinross (Co-Founder), Gianpaolo Fusari (Co-Founder)

Written by: Saira Loane

Edited by: Caroline Babisz and Natasha Barrow

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Mission and Vision

Intravenous (IV) fluids are a critical component of treatment for hospitalised patients. They are essential for stabilising critically ill patients and for maintaining hydration, particularly in those who are unable to consume sufficient fluids orally. As inpatient care grows more complex, with advanced diagnostics and treatments, and as hospitals face increased patient turnover, the chances for errors in administering prescribed treatments rise. Mistakes in drug and fluid administration are well recognised [1].

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A study by Minor et al. found that manual urine output monitoring in the ICU was 39% inaccurate [2]. This inaccuracy could significantly impact patient care, as precise urine output measurement is essential for maintaining fluid balance and identifying kidney function issues [3].

Traditionally, the flow rate in gravity infusions (using a hospital ‘drip’  device) is determined by counting the number of drops over a minute, a process that cannot be done accurately by hand. The Flomark consumable device (figure 1), however, features a simple scale with a red ball that moves up and down, showing  flow rate with high  accuracy. This innovation, which is super affordable, brings a level of precision that does not currently exist in healthcare.

Flomark’s next innovation is a simple electronic device (figure 2) equipped with a sensor to detect where the red ball is, paired with a pinch valve to control flow. This technology provides precision infusion by offering a cheaper, lighter, more eco-friendly alternative to infusion pumps. The same technology can also be applied to the measurement of urine output. In this way, the Flomark technology can simplify the entire process, reducing complications with fluid infusions and urine output and making the technology more efficient and sustainable.

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Team

Jonathan West founded Flomark in 2017, following a career focused on patient safety. After spending significant time in hospital wards, he identified fluid balance as a key area where medical errors could occur, which led to the company's creation. Alongside him, James Kinross and Gianpaolo Fusari played key roles in co-founding Flomark - bringing valuable expertise to the team. James Kinross, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Imperial College London, has collaborated with the Flomark founders for 17 years on various award-winning projects, including developing the Flomark Consumable. Gianpaolo Fusari, a healthcare product designer with over 10 years’ experience, has worked on stroke rehabilitation solutions at the Helix Centre and led the redesign of the UK ambulance. He also contributed to the design of the Flomark Consumable.

The team's long-term goal is to improve hospital fluid balance data accuracy through a series of devices. Their biggest challenge during the design process was the physics of the product, particularly in ensuring the functionality of the flow rate device. 3D printed prototypes showed that surface variations affected performance, and issues like bubble formation in the device had to be addressed.

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Funding and the Future‍

Flomark Ltd is part way through its third round of investment funding of £800,000 and will launch its first product in Q1 next year. The investment will fund the new electronic product development through to launch, as well as marketing and launch of the first device. The next step for Flomark Ltd is to further develop its suite of products to accurately measure the fluid intake and urine output.

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