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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

NSBRI Industry Insider

August 2011

A Focus on Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology is widely available, non-invasive, portable, and, unlike many diagnostic tools such as X-rays and CT scans, does not expose the patient to radiation. NSBRI researchers are finding innovative ways to use this established technology to monitor astronaut health in space and at the same time reduce the cost and extend the availability of high-quality medical care and diagnostics here on Earth.

Improving Emergency Diagnostics:

Ultrasound Telemedicine & Training for Non-Physicians

In space, diagnosis and management of health problems can be difficult. On many missions, there is no physician on board. Even when a physician is present, the problem at hand may not fall within his or her area of specialty.

Over the past decade Dr. Scott A. Dulchavsky has developed a program of ultrasound training and remote guidance that allow ISS astronauts to assess conditions as diverse as fractured bones, collapsed lungs, kidney stones, organ damage and tendon injury.

The implications of this work are far-reaching. Compact, light weight, and relatively low cost, ultrasound can now be effectively used for triage and diagnostics in ICUs, ambulances, and medical facilities in rural areas, developing countries or other remote medical environments.

Tumor Ablation, Internal Bleeding Treatment & Kidney Stone Detection and Treatment

Dr. Lawrence Crum and Dr. Michael Bailey at the University of Washington have recently developed unique applications of ultrasound to address the need for surgeries that cannot be performed in the reduced gravity environment of space.

Their work has included the use of ultrasound for:
• Detection and management of kidney stones
• Detection and treatment of internal bleeding
• Bloodless removal of tumors
• Reduction of kidney stone size

These non-invasive capabilities could prove valuable in:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Medicine in remote areas
• Military applications

Move Over, X-Ray:
Ultrasound for Bone Diagnostics and Acceleration of Fracture Healing

Dr. Yi-Xian Qin and his team of researchers have developed a diagnostic and therapeutic system for bone that is delivering powerful results with a very small footprint. The technology, developed to monitor bone health of astronauts in space, is affordable, portable, and easy-to-use.

Qin's Scanning Confocal Acoustic Navigation (SCAN) is unique in its ability to measure both bone quantity (density) and bone quality (which would affect strength). It delivers more accurate results at lower cost than conventional methods and does not expose the patient to x-ray radiation.

In addition to its novel diagnostic capabilities, SCAN technology is being combined successfully with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to accelerate bone fracture healing. The remarkable, dual-purpose technology is small, lightweight, easy-to-use, and portable, making it a revolutionary development for osteoporosis care in remote, rural, and developing areas.

The highly developed technologies above, and many more, are a part of NSBRI Industry Forum's drive to bring medical advances to market. If you are interested in becoming a partner or investor in this effort, please contact NSBRI Industry Forum today.

IN THIS issue

Improving Emergency Diagnostics

Bloodless Surgery

Move Over, X-Ray

Inside the Industry Forum

There's no earthly environment less accessible to traditional medical diagnostics and treatments than space. As a result, human space exploration has brought forth a wellspring of advances in telemedicine and remote healthcare: small, power-efficient, non-invasive, and easy-to-use tools that promise better global access to affordable, quality medical care.

NSBRI Industry Forum works with companies of all sizes to bring these technologies to market. We are seeking collaborations that will help us to commercialize these breakthroughs and provide healthcare in resource- constrained environments in space and on Earth.

This will, in turn:
•Reduce healthcare and medical insurance costs
•Increase healthcare access
•Promote job creation

The technologies highlighted here are only a few of the many projects available for investment or partnership. To be a part of our mission, contact NSBRI Industry Forum today.

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