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Detect accurate targeting of shock wave to kidney stone thereby resulting in cost savings via reduced number of treatment cycles and earlier referral to surgery for non-responders
About
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones using high amplitude shock waves. To be effective, the shock waves must hit the stone repeatedly, but there is currently no accurate way to monitor this during the treatment process. Using the ‘PAS’ device it is possible to detect when the shocks accurately hit the stone, and to ascertain if the stone has successfully broken up. Therapy therefore becomes more efficient, as the shock waves can be targeted more accurately and patients who are not likely to respond can be referred to surgery sooner. The technology offers significant cost savings through a lower requirement for repeat treatment cycles, and also reduces the patient’s exposure to X-rays. The technology is patented and we have a working prototype which has been used to generate preliminary data. Funding is sought for the next stage of clinical testing, posing an exciting opportunity for a trials and development partner. There are several possible routes for collaboration, including a co-application for external funding, (such as TSB or i4i funding, which actively welcomes the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and/or early-stage companies). The PAS display and processing unit, showing the small PAS sensor at the end of the cable. This sensor sits on the patient’s skin during treatment.