C12032: Neural Blockade Monitor for Spinal TraumaNovelty:
The Neural Blockade Monitor is a device that uses passive EMG to monitor the effects of local anesthetics to report the location and density of blockade.
Value Proposition:
Trauma to the spinal cord can cause serious consequences like paralysis. The current clinical standard for assessing the viability of the spinal cord involves the use of invasive probes to actively stimulate the cord and monitor for response. The technology is a non-invasive passive monitor for determining continuity and health of nerves of the spinal cord. The monitor uses an EMG (ElectroMyoGram) to determine the density and the level of neural block on the body. Other advantages of this technology include:
• May be used intraoperatively or during recovery and convalescence.
• Simple representation of measurement data.
• May be used for patients with other compromised physiological conditions.
• Robust and reliable
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that changes in the efferent nervous pathways result in correlated changes in muscle tone. The efferent neural network in the spinal cord is critical for signaling to organs and muscles. Changes in the spinal cord may occur due to several reasons like abnormal physiological development, administration of agents like anesthetics, therapeutic interventions, changes in perfusion of the spinal cord, accidental trauma to the spine, etc. The monitor can measure a person's condition resulting from the administration of an anesthetic agent during surgery or recovery.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize this technology as a spinal cord monitor for trauma and post-treatment monitoring.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under NDA/CDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not at this time
