Value Proposition
· Continuous Monitoring: Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a self-monitoring shunt device that continuously monitors white blood cell (WBC) count and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.
· Early Detection: This technology enhances the monitoring of patients with shunt implants by continuously detecting particulate matter—such as cellular debris, protein aggregates, or pathogens—that could signal blockages, infections, or other malfunctions much earlier than existing shunt-monitoring technologies.
· Simple and time-saving: The particle-detection method of this technology addresses the critical need for early detection of infections or subtle occlusions, identifying patients at risk of CSF infection and eliminating the necessity for time-consuming blood tests and CT/MRI scans.
Unmet Need
· Hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, can be fatal if left untreated. It affects over one million Americans and is one of the most prevalent brain disorders.
· The insertion of CSF shunts is commonly used to treat hydrocephalus, redirecting the excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body, typically the abdomen or the heart, where it is naturally absorbed.
· However, CSF shunts are among the most failure-prone medical devices, and current monitoring systems for hydrocephalus primarily rely on invasive methods such as measuring intracranial pressure (ICP) and CSF flow.
· There is a significant lack of non-invasive and continuous evaluation methods of CSF and shunt functionality, making it challenging to monitor patients effectively before negative symptoms arise.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a self monitoring shunt device that continuously tracks white blood cell (WBC) count and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.
· The technology, known as the Clip-On System to Monitor Shunt device (COSMOS), utilizes an optical or ultrasound transmitter to send corresponding optical or acoustic waves through the CSF shunt. These waves interact with the fluid and scatter from white blood cells to measure WBC count and CSF flow.
· An onboard processor then evaluates particle presence, size, density, type, and motion, helping to identify early signs of clots or bacterial infection.
Stage of Development
· Current stage of development is in engineering a prototype and validating with simulation and phantom experiment.
Publication
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