Opportunities
Inflation Stimulator
The Technology
Measuring the brain's response (cortical evoked potential) to an experimental gut stimulus provides an objective measure of the sensitivity of the nerves that transmit information from the gut to the brain. This technique can help to distinguish between functional bowel disorder patients (e.g. with irritable bowel syndrome) who have psychological abnormalities but normal gut nerves (who tend to 'over-report' discomfort/pain) and those with true gut hypersensitivity, and therefore determine the most appropriate treatment. Researchers at Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust and Manchester University have developed a device (inflation stimulator) that provides a rapid onset, consistent, and adjustable inflation of a balloon within the gut lumen to allow the brain's response to such stimulation to be measured.
The Advantages
- The device is easy to use
- Research using the device has been published in a number of peer-reviewed papers.
- In addition to clinical assessment, the device could be used in pre-clinical drug development.
The Potential Market
The device has the potential to be used in both research and clinical practice (as a diagnostic aid) and could be sold as part of a kit along with equipment for measuring cortical evoked potentials.
The Opportunities
We are seeking a commercial partner interested in taking a licence to manufacture and market the device.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Philippa Flemming
TrusTECH
The Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 01772 892787