Mobile Pneumothorax (PTX) Detection Apparatus
Our partner, a Hungarian University has developed a mobile pneumothorax detection apparatus based on the measurement of bio impedances. This novel medical device can be used both in hospitals and also in emergency medical situations (even in battlefields) for the easy and precise detection of a collapsed lung. The client is interested in finding suitable license or distribution partners. Background information Pneumothorax (PTX) or collapsed lung is a severe, even life threatening medical condition. PTX is caused by the collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity of the chest between the lung and the chest wall. It may occur spontaneously in people without chronic lung conditions ("primary") as well as in those with lung disease ("secondary"), and many pneumothoraces occur after physical trauma to the chest, blast injury, or as a complication of medical treatment. Small pneumothoraces could even be healed by themselves, but in most severe cases a tube is inserted into the pleural cavity to remove the access air thus normalizing the patient’s respiration. Nowadays the most common methods for the detection of PTX are physical examination (percussion of the chest area to hear the specific sounds of the collapsed lung) and the usage of X-ray and CT imagery. Also ultrasound is more and more widely used in clinical application. Because these detection methods could mostly be used only in clinics because the used devices are too large to be mobilized it is still a common problem for emergency medical staff to easily and precisely (without the subjective decision of a medical professional) detect an existing PTX during field operations. Also this is a major problem for armies to be able to detect a collapsed lung on the battlefield during a live situation. Innovation of the technology Based on the above facts and lack of specific detection devices of PTX our partner has developed a mobile pneumothorax detection apparatus which works on the method of measuring bio impedances of the patient’s lungs. By using this device pneumothorax and related diseases could be quickly and reliably detected. This device precisely describes the location and magnitude of the pneumothorax and hydrothorax. By the application of the instrument the early and detailed diagnosis of these diseases is available even in locations where the well equipped and purpose designed instrumentation for ambulance care and emergency medicine are not available. The device has important advantages as compared to the devices currently available on the market; it will give reliable information regarding the side of the lung which is affected, and all these are provided for a reasonable price. The device is currently being tested on the clinic of the university and further R&D efforts are being made to shrink it to the size of a mobile phone for even easier application. This apparatus could be widely used in clinics - not just for the detection of PTX but for the continuous monitoring of patents on ICUs – and any emergency applications possible (ambulance cars and battlefield applications).
Sector: Medical Technologies
Country: Hungary
Area of Application: Healthcare, clinical usage, mobile usage
Keywords: pneumothorax, PTX, diagnostic, non-invasive detection,
Advantages: -Easy to use, mobile device -Field operation possible -Based upon clinical trials it gives 100% accurate results even considering which side of the lung is effected by PTX -Functions as an “early warning system” -Gives quick results (within 20 seconds) -Non-invasive detection method -Capable of continuous patent monitoring -Relatively favourable price
Environmental aspects: Not Applicable
Development Status: Laboratory Model
Legal Protection: Secret Know-How
Technical specifications:  
Transfer Terms: Technology Licensing
Target Countries: World Wide
Estimated cost (US$):  
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Contact Person: Laser Consult Ltd (Hungary)
Address: H-6701 PO Box 1191.
City: Szeged
Country: Hungary
Zip/Pin Code:  

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