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Novel photometric probe to detect gastro-oesophageal reflux for use in clinical and hospital settings where gastro-oesphageal disease is being investigated and treated. (10 GB 44O7 3IAM)
A London-based SME led by a paediatrician has developed a novel method of continuous detection of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in real time by the bedside using a photoelectronic probe. The company is looking for an industrial partner with experience in developing medical equipment to the point of EU/FDA approval in order to develop prototypes for clinical trials & subsequent manufacture & distribution. Any new intellectual property would be shared with the industrial partner.
Country: United Kingdom
Type: OFFER
Date: 22.10.2010
Reflux of stomach contents up the oesophagus (gullet) (gastro-oesopheal reflux or GOR) occurs frequently in the first few weeks of life, quite commonly during infancy and childhood, and re-emerges later in adult life. It does not always lead to severe symptoms, but may lead to acid heartburn and oesophagitis and in a minority of patients, aspiration into the lungs with pneumonia or death. Weight loss may occur with vomiting and reflux in infancy and is sometimes part of an allergy to cow's milk protein in infant formula. The likelihood of GOR is much higher in babies born prematurely or in those with neurological problems.
Currently, GOR is measured by monitoring acidity in the oesophagus using a pH probe. In babies and children, however, the stomach acid is buffered by the very frequent feeds that the babies receive. A more recent technique uses intraluminal impedance measurement with or without pH measurement to detect GOR.
The company has determined that it is feasible to measure reflux from the stomach through an intraoesophageal probe using a photoelectronic technique. Such a system would offer the advantages of reduced cost and real-time demonstration of the level to which reflux occurs, allowing the effects of treatment to be monitored continuously. As a patient receives dietetic or drug therapy, or positional changes to avoid GOR, this system can demonstrate the reflux in real-time by the bedside.
The product uses an indwelling, flexible tube in the oesophagus to monitor continuously the level to which refluxate is present in the oesophagus, from the pharynx down to the stomach in 1cm steps. This information is displayed in real-time as a display on a monitor which is realistic and relevant to carers.
The technique was conceived by an experienced medical equipment inventor and intensive care doctor who has treated many babies, infants and children with GOR. The inventor has invented and developed around 20 new techniques and has applied six of them for the first time ever in human subjects as a part of ethical studies.
Innovative Aspects:
The advantages of this technique are:
- real-time measurement with a clear display for the first time so as to allow the effects of clinical interventions to be visible to medical and nursing staff as they happen.
- reduced costs compared to current methods.
Degree of development:
Patents/Rights: Secret know-how
Requested Cooperation: License Agreement, Joint Venture Agreement
- Type of partner sought: medical equipment manufacturer.
- Specific area of activity of the partner: Patient monitoring/point-of-care testing.
- Task to be performed by the partner sought: Collaborative device development to the point of regulatory approval and licensing/distribution.
Type of Organisation:
Status: NEW
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