Azaria Rein, MD, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Hadassah University Hospital and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Background
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) and esophageal motility disorders are two entities constituting a major problem in adult and pediatric gastroenterology, affecting over 15 million people in the US alone. It is estimated that about 10% of the adults in the general population experience heartburn symptoms on a daily basis, and about 30% of the population experience the symptoms on a monthly basis. Diagnosis of these entities relies on a combination of modalities, most of which are invasive and unreliable.
There is a great need for non-invasive diagnostic tool that can quantitatively evaluate both esophageal motility and reflux of gastric contents, and thus allow proper monitoring and guidance of the treatment offered to this large population of patients.
We aim to develop the first non-invasive diagnostic tool that can quantitatively evaluate both esophageal motility and reflux of gastric contents.
Market
The ultrasound market in the United States was estimated to reach $1.27 billion in 2003. Frost & Sullivan (U.S. Ultrasound Markets, pub. January 26th, 2004) has identified areas that are expected to exhibit higher growth rates than the overall market. The first is a relatively new product category - hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) units. Growing from a $5-million market in 1999 to over $96 million in 2003, these high-performance portable, affordable systems are accelerating the proliferation of ultrasound imaging to medical specialties other than cardiology, radiology, and OB/GYN. The second is adoption of ultrasound imaging by new user groups - surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians - which spurs the ultrasound market growth.
Our solution fits both market trends. It can support the big players efforts to maintain high revenue from the Ultrasound market while, at the same time, can offer a significant advantage to one of the mid-tier players.
The Innovation
Development of a novel methodology for direct detection and tracking of the swallowed bolus – “Bolus Propagation Esophagography” (BPE). In general, this method is based upon recognition and tracking of the ultrasonic “signature” of the bolus as it propagates within the esophagus. Using this new methodology, which analyzes the gray-scale ultrasonic images, the user can quantify the bolus propagations characteristics: i.e. distance of propagation, its velocity, its acceleration and the time interval between each wave. This diagnostic test is a safe and non-invasive modality. It can perform during regular meals (especially important in the pediatric population), does not require specific patient cooperation and can be repeated as necessary for follow-up or for evaluation of medical treatment.
Contact
Stuart Bernstein
Business Development, Medical Devices
Tel: +972-2-6777906
Email: stuart@hadasit.co.il
