Detection and Quantification of Brain Motion and Pulsatility - BrainPulse

Tech ID: ros000989

Introduction

The cyclic perfusion of the brain with arterial blood induces “brain pulsations,” which are predictable expansions and relaxations of the brain. Brain injury leads to tissue density changes (“swelling” or “congestion”) of various degrees depending on injury location and the extent of the injury. As a result of the swelling, the arterial blood flow-induced, cyclic brain pulsations become abnormal. Detecting abnormalities of brain pulsations to diagnose and monitor brain injury using a non-invasive, easily-applicable method would be of great clinical benefit.

Technology Description

Dr. Axel Rosengart from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has developed an ultrasound-based device to diagnose and monitor brain injury through the measurement of brain pulsatility. This method involves monitoring and quantification of brain movements and arterial pulse waveform employing ultrasound transducers placed on the head and neck, then comparing the expected and obtained brain pulsatility measurements.

Stage of Development

Concept only

Advantages/Novelty

•       Non-invasive, as opposed to methods involving external ventricular drainage to obtain cerebrospinal fluid pulsation and pressure

•       Non-cumbersome and portable, as opposed to methods that use large magnetic resonance imaging devices to detect brain and CSF motion

Applications

Diagnosis and monitoring of brain injury

Intellectual Property

• PCT Application filed - PCT/US2017/045771