Non-invasive Tool Monitors Cerebral Blood Flow in Real Time

A new non-invasive patient monitoring system for cerebral and tissue blood flow permits real-time monitoring of patients with severe traumatic brain injury and may allow for the identification of potentially damaging events in the brain more quickly than with other techniques. A promising study of the CerOx (Ornim Medical) cerebral oxidation monitor for measuring regional cerebral tissue oxygenation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury was published in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

The CerOx monitor employs patented UTLight technology, which utilizes near-infrared light and ultrasound to measure blood flow and regional oxygen saturation. The CerOx monitor is the only FDA-cleared device of its kind.

Ahead, Israel Schreiber discusses his company’s new technology.

WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL ROLE FOR CONTINUOUS BRAIN MONITORING?

Estimates suggest that about a quarter of cardiac patients sustain adverse neurological events. Current non-invasive brain monitoring techniques, such as blood pressure and temperature monitoring, provide indirect measures of neurologic functioning, but these systemic markers may not be notable until damage is already done.

The brain is a unique organ and in a way more important than the heart. Consider that American Heart Association guidelines for CPR have changed to emphasize chest compression and maintenance of blood flow over mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

There is a clear need to monitor blood flow to the brain, as we know that insufficient blood flow means insufficient oxygen, which results in reduced glucose and subsequently damage to the organ.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE OF THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY?

This new technology is direct, safe, easy to apply, and continuous. As such, it can be easily applied without requiring a substantial amount of training.

Neurologists have been very enthusiastic. They recognize the value of monitoring cerebral blood flow and welcome an alternative to invasive monitoring tools that require drilling.

Israel Schreiber is Chief Executive Officer of  Ornim Medical.