Development of Next-Generation Rehabilitation Medical Devices for the Treatment of Respiratory Dysfunction and Lymphedema

▲ Professor Jae Yong Jeon of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Asan Medical Center 

Professor Jae Yong Jeon of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Asan Medical Center was recently selected for two research projects under the Biohealth Technology Development Program, a national initiative supported by the ‘Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.’

The 2025 Second Biohealth R&D Program, overseen by the ‘Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’, aims to secure global competitiveness in the biohealth industry and foster next-generation high-tech industries. The program provides focused support for the development of core and fundamental technologies aligned with the nation’s growth strategies.

Professor Jae Yong Jeon will lead key research and development efforts ranging from preclinical studies to clinical application and regulatory approval for two selected projects: ‘The Development of a Noninvasive Electronic Medicine for Respiratory Rehabilitation based on Phrenic Nerve Stimulation’, and ‘The Development of AI Based Imaging and Monitoring Guided Multi Stimulation Laser Ultrasound Therapeutic Device for the Alleviation and Management of Lymphedema.’

The project will be carried out over a period of 4 years and 9 months, through December 2029, with government research funding of 5.32 billion KRW and 5.2 billion KRW allocated to each project, respectively.

The project titled ‘The Development of a Noninvasive Electronic Medicine for Respiratory Rehabilitation based on Phrenic Nerve Stimulation’ aims to develop a medical device that assists breathing and promotes functional recovery in patients experiencing respiratory dysfunction after lung cancer surgery or while in intensive care units. The device will utilize noninvasive phrenic nerve stimulation, with the ultimate goal of obtaining regulatory approval and achieving commercialization. The research is being conducted jointly by the Rehabilitation Research Center of the Biomedical Engineering Research Center at Asan Medical Center (led by Professor Jae Yong Jeon), Professor Sei Won Lee of the Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, and the lead institution, Hypertx Inc.

The project titled ‘The Development of AI Based Imaging and Monitoring Guided Multi Stimulation Laser Ultrasound Therapeutic Device for the Alleviation and Management of Lymphedema’ is jointly led by the Rehabilitation Research Center of the Biomedical Engineering Research Center at Asan Medical Center and S-One Bio Corp. Aiming to address the lack of effective treatments for patients with lymphedema, the project seeks to develop an innovative therapeutic device that combines AI based imaging and monitoring technology with a laser and ultrasound multi stimulation system. The ultimate goal is to obtain regulatory approval and enter the medical device market.

Professor Jae Yong Jeon of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Asan Medical Center stated, “It is meaningful to be simultaneously selected for two projects under the Biohealth R&D Program. Through this research, I will strive to develop next generation rehabilitation medical devices that improve patients’ quality of life and contribute to the advancement of the biohealth industry.”