Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
PORTABLE DEVICE FOR INSTANT DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMOTHORAX
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$0.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): Pneumothorax refers to
air accumulation in the space between the lung and the chest wall. The many
potential causes include spontaneous rupture of small alveoli or blebs,
progression of inflammatory diseases, complications of diagnostic or
therapeutic procedures, plus penetrating (e.g., knife or bullet) or blunt chest
trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents). It is estimated that over 50,000 cases
occur each year. Morbidity and mortality would be reduced with improved
diagnosis of pneumothorax. We propose development of an innovative technology
for immediate and accurate detection of this condition using (audible
frequency) sound waves. (This is now ultrasound, nor an imagining technology.)
The essential hypothesis is that sound travels through chest structures
differently when a pneumothorax is present, and that these changes are
diagnostic. The envisioned final product would display an answer as "positive,"
"negative," or (rarely) "indeterminate." The proposed device would be portable,
inexpensive, safe, and easy to use. The core method involves inputting an
acoustic signal into the mouth, and "listening for" changes at the chest wall
with computerized analysis of signals from an "electronic stethoscope." It
would consist of a sound generator ("speaker"), acoustic sensors
("microphones"), plus signal processing and display units. The first generation
commercial device will be for incubated patients and use a notebook computer
studies aimed at optimizing the technique and demonstrating its utility under
likely use restrictions. Given the medical and cost advantages of the
technology, significant commercial potential is anticipated with purchase by
emergency departments, intensive care units, ambulances and military medical
units.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Not Available
Principal Investigator:
Hussein A. Mansy
Small Business Information at Submission:
BIOMEDICAL ACOUSTICS RESEARCH CO
719 FOREST AVE EVANSTON, IL 60202
EIN/Tax ID:
364250483
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No