A Portable Device for Measuring Stroke Symptoms

Technology ID: 03KUMC299 

Description of Technology: In the United States more than 700,000 people suffer a stroke each year and approximately two-thirds of these individuals survive and require rehabilitation. It was estimated that about 4 million stroke survivors living in the United States in 1999. Rehabilitation can substantially help stroke survivors achieve the best possible long-term outcome. 

Rehabilitation therapy usually begins in the acute-care hospital after the patient's medical condition has been stabilized, often within 24 to 48 hours after the stroke. However, because of the types and degrees of disability following a stroke vary among individuals, the rehabilitation process presents difficult challenges for the healthcare system. Post-stroke rehabilitation typically involves physicians, rehabilitation nurse, physical and occupational therapist, speech-language and vocational therapist, and mental health professionals. In order to monitor a patient's recovery and the effectiveness of rehabilitation, patients are required to attend medical facilities on regular basis. In most cases, transporting stroke patients from one place to another presents yet another challenge. Although information of the symptoms resulting from a stroke is important for clinicians to apply appropriate rehabilitation treatment, the time course of which the stroke symptoms progress is vital for the effectiveness of the treatment. Currently there is no commercially available device for an on site measurement of stroke symptoms.

A scientific investigator at Kansas University Medical Center ("KUMC") has designed a unique portable device that records time-series measurement of major stroke symptoms. The device will store all measured data and allow the computer to do the comparison along the time course of a patient's recovery. This device can easily be used in clinical facilities, nursing homes, as well as in private homes. Therefore, it will further reduce the costs and minimize the difficulties associated with transporting stroke patients. 

Field of Applications: Stroke rehabilitation 

Advantages:

• Portable device easily accessible in clinical facilities, nursing homes, private homes.
• Lower cost compare to current available devices.

Stage of Development: Prototype available

Patent Status: NA

Availability: Seek SBIR or STTR sponsor

Confidential Disclosure Agreement:  KUMC is willing to enter into a CDA for the purpose of negotiating a License Agreement.  If you are interested in learning details of this invention, please contact: Technology Transfer office at 913 588 5721.