Unmet Need
Perfusion is the method in which blood is delivered to tissue in animals. All animal tissues require adequate supplies of blood for sustained health and life. However, there are many surgeries and procedures that can decrease adequate perfusion. For example, critical limb ischemia (CLI), which affects more than 2 million people in the United States today, requires a surgical procedure called revascularization that can compromise perfusion in the affected limb. Monitoring perfusion post-operatively is extremely important after modern revascularization surgery as it requires complex distal endovascular procedures. Monitoring perfusion adequately reduces the risk of the patient requiring surgery again, and in extreme cases, limb amputation. Thus, there is a need in the field for a post-operative perfusion monitoring platform.
Technology Overview
The inventors have designed a device that is a portable pulse volume recorder. The device may consist of a removable anklet with an inflatable bladder, air pump, and electronics. The anklet may be fabricated with a flexible material containing solid components for the electronics and air pump. The device would be worn following a vascular or endovascular intervention for the purposes of intermittently monitoring of limb perfusion. The integrated bladder is programmed to inflate and deflate at preset cycles, which can be changed manually if required. This recorder will allow for remote monitoring of limb perfusion after revascularization and will be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled. Thus, when the anklet captures pulse volume information, the cuff will deflate and the data will be sent wirelessly to a local Bluetooth enabled receiver, such as a smart phone or computer. This receiver will then forward the information to the practitioner’s database, where it can be analyzed without the need for the patient’s physical presence in the hospital. This also has the potential to solve hurdles patients face regarding frequent follow-ups, accessibility of testing, and convenience following revascularization procedures.
Stage of Development
The invention is in the ideation stage and the inventors intend to start prototyping soon.
