Handheld Device Succeeds in Detecting Brain Trauma
InfraScan Inc. recently received approval for its handheld brain hematoma detector from the European Union. InfraScan developed the device to assist first responders and emergency room personnel in detecting traumatic brain injuries. A quick assessment of patients with a potential traumatic brain injury greatly increases patient outcomes if treated within an hour of the injury. While technology exists such as Computer Aided Tomography (CAT), many hospital facilities lack the neurological capabilities to treat TBI. Therefore, if first responders are in possession of a device such as InfraScan’s they can determine which hospital to send the patient to that will best treat the TBI. The device is small and portable and can detect the presence and location of a brain trauma based on differential NIR light absorption between the brain trauma and uninjured brain tissue. InfraScan will present the results of a 400 patient multicenter study to the FDA later this year and hopes to launch use of the device in the U.S. shortly thereafter.
