Schematic prototype and general appearance of the external fontanelle intraventricular hemorrhage light (EFIL) device
Invention Summary:
Transcranial Photo Biomodulation (tPBM) uses light to treat brain-related diseases, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). In vivo studies on IVH-induced adult and neonatal mice show, increased clot resorption, reduced intracranial pressure and improved functional outcomes after red-light therapy. tPBM devices have been previously used in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke treatments in adults, and tPBM has been demonstrated to be safe in human neonates as young as 25 weeks gestation.
Rutgers researchers have developed an external fontanelle intraventricular hemorrhage light (EFIL) device to treat bleeding newborn brains. The invention uses 12 lasers directed at the fontanelle (soft spaces between skull bones) of the neonate resting on the platform. No heating is produced. This proprietary set-up stimulates the brain to increase blood clot resorption, to decrease neonate intracranial pressure, and create a better prognosis for the neonate. A working prototype is being tested in a clinical trial setting.
Market Applications:
- Resorption of brain blood clots in bleeding newborn babies.
- Better prognosis in IVH neonates
Advantages:
- Novel design unique to treat neonates
- No other therapies/medical devices are available for treating intraventricular hemorrhage in neonates.
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional patent application filed, patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
