Unmet Need: Neuromonitoring and brain visualization play key roles for the diagnosis, monitoring, and surveillance of acute brain injury and other brain-related conditions. However, existing technology using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), trans-cranioplasty ultrasound, and/or pre-existing cabled intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors are not suitable for continuous real-time monitoring. Hence, there remains an urgent need for approaches that enable neuromonitoring of various types of data over extended or indefinite periods of time.
Technology Overview: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed cranial implant devices suitable for long-term monitoring and bedside imaging in real-time of brain injuries and conditions. Briefly, wireless intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors are embedded into the pre-fabricated burr hole covers made of clear sonolucent material and then attached to the surrounding skull, by means of self-containing fixation elements. The sonolucent properties allow for direct ultrasound examination at bedside in real-time, with continuous data transmission to an external monitor for real-time, bedside monitoring for acute and chronic surveillance.
Advantages include:
· Low-cost wireless ICP monitor that reduces risk of infection
· Sonolucent material allows for real-time bedside monitoring and evaluation of the brain
· Optimized patient management due to combination of wireless ICP monitor data together with ultrasound images of the brain
Stage of Development: Prototype validated in Cadaveric Study
Publications: J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):1456-1461.
