Infrascanner: the handheld NIR hematoma detector

As technology continues to make doctors' lives a bit easier (not to mention saving a few in the process), we've got yet another device that can detect a potentially fatal problem long before mere humans can figure it out. The Indian-based Infrascanner is a "handheld, non-invasive, near-infrared (NIR) based mobile imaging device used to detect brain hematoma at the site of injury" within the most important stage of pre-analysis. The device could also aid in the decision to proceed with "other tests such as head Computed Tomography (CT) scans" when not "facilitating surgical intervention decisions." While the methods behind the scanning are quite sophisticated, the unit uses diffused optical tomography to convert the light differential data seen in the local concentrations of hemoglobin into "interpretative scientific results." Potentially best of all, however, is just how close this thing is to actually hitting hospital wards, as it's simply missing the oh-so-coveted FDA stamp of approval before it can see commercial use.

[Via MedGadget]

[Marc Mitchell @ Apr 17th 2007 7:56AM]

does it go "weoweoweoweoweo" like the tricorder in star trek ?? ;) if not..it should do.

[PEZ @ Apr 17th 2007 8:13AM]

Hey look! Another Dell Axim sighting!

[Isaiah @ Apr 17th 2007 8:31AM]

This is just one of the many important technologies funded and incubated by http://www.bioadvance.com which puts Pennsylvania's share of the National Tobacco Settlement to good use by commercializing early stage and university technologies.

[pimpdee976 @ Apr 17th 2007 10:03AM]

now if dell turns that into a phone you shall see some i phone competiton

[Walt @ Apr 17th 2007 11:25AM]

This has not undergone clinical trials in real patients and has not been proven to work. Real patients have head asymmetries, prior strokes, and even in the setting of hemorrhage it can be in various states including oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, intracellular, extracellular, hemosiderin, etc that may affect light transmission. Don't hold your breath for this to replace CT anytime soon.

[Jayhawk @ Apr 17th 2007 12:58PM]

I agree with wait. This isn't gonna replace CT scans, not even close. Waste of time. No practical value. CT scans are so readily available and quick that nothing is going to replace them in the near future.

[interesting @ Apr 17th 2007 5:26PM]

well of course, the iPhone already does this out of the box, as well as MRI scans, hair dryer, and portable shower functions...